Finally got my T/C Cougar hawken

[Tahquamenon]

When I was about 13 I saw my Dad break a wooden ramrod while loading a renegade. It broke along the grain exactly as you describe and left a deep 4 inch gash in his forearm.

When I am hunting I replace my wooden ramrod with an aluminum one. I know it's not PC, but it gives me one less thing to worry about.

I've also punched a nice hole in the side of my hand due a broken rod. Four stitches installed by myself. Funny thing is that it seemed to happen in slow motion, as I can still remember the thought of pulling my hand away but not in time.

I carry a collapsible brass range rod for hunting or I switch the wood out for brass or aluminum.