Fiberglass ramrod for Pedersoli Jaeger

[coloradoclyde]

I have broken two wooden ramrods in my Pedersoli Jaeger loading the non-lead projectiles now required in my area of California.

I don't think the problem is with your ramrods....I think it is with your load combination, or your loading procedure.

What exactly are you shooting??

Wood and steel are the two most period correct choices for a traditional muzzleloader.
Brass is even debatable.
Stainless steel, fiberglass, anodized aluminum, delrin, plastic, carbon fiber, etc.... Are all 20th century inventions and should be left to those using modern muzzleloaders.

 

[frogwalking]

Call this guy:

Steve Bailey in Missouri is the ramrod guy. His number is 573- 547-4540. He will send you absolutely first quality ramrod blanks with very little or no run-out. I am using his rods on two long barreled .32 caliber rifles with no issues. For range shooting, always use a brass or stainless steel range rod. Never breaks and a stuck ball yields to a ball remover in moments.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Wouldnt wood be the best? Just carve your own.

Wood is traditional. But defining "best" is a real :stir: Issue. I like Delrin because it is unbreakable and does no barrel damage.
But, to answer your question. One does not "carve" a ramrod. When a proper piece of hickory is found it must be split so as to not break the grain. Then it can be rounded in several ways. Knife or draw through a special tool. For most of us buying from a reputable supplier and/or using non-traditional materials is the way to go.

 

[wahkahchimaol.com]

Loading a non-lead projectile to comply with the law here in California is, at least in my experience, a more challenging procedure than loading with softer, gentler lead. Also we have a lot less choice with projectile diameter since there are fewer choices.

I called everyone's contacts, and the providers at October Country jumped on it: took the order over the phone, and shipped the next day. http://www.octobercountry.com/

The brass ramrod fits perfectly. Now...how do I keep it from sliding off the gun every time I point the muzzle down? :hmm: Do I crimp the ramrod thimbles or glue a line of rawhide in the ramrod channel? Suggestions welcome. Thanks for all your help

 

[CrossXstix]

You can put a slight bend in the rod.

 

[coloradoclyde]

Loading a non-lead projectile to comply with the law here in California is, at least in my experience, a more challenging procedure than loading with softer, gentler lead. Also we have a lot less choice with projectile diameter since there are fewer choices.

Loading should not be any more or less difficult based on whether it is lead or non-lead.

You keep using the term "projectile"....are you using a ball or conical type projectile.??????

If you are shooting conicals the projectile diameter can be changed to facilitate easier loading.

What type of non lead alloy are you using?????
A casting alloy can be re-melted into a ball of a different diameter...if the projectile is sintered then you need to find a different projectile, as it likely will not be re-castable or resizable.......

 

[Luzur]

For my 1701 project I measured up a long enough piece of birch, carved it roughly with a knife, then sandpapered it into shape.

Doesnt have to be harder then that.

 

[wahkahchimaol.com]

I've tried both the bismuth compressed ball and the Barnes all-copper sabot. I think the Pedersoli Jaeger is in fact a .53 caliber, and loading either of these is very challenging. It's not the same as loading lead, which is much more malleable. The Barnes copper bullet sabot shoots astonishing one-hole groups out to 50 yards but it takes a mallet to load.

 

[waksupi]

Did you know you can take a fiberglass ramrod, and cut a barrel in half?

 

[Zonie]

Sorry but I can't even begin to agree with that. :shake: