How I Make A Ramrod and Range Rod
- Thread starter N.Y. Yankee
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I have NEVER broken a hickory ramrod, including the ancient one in my .32. If you are breaking a hickory ramrod it is my belief its your method that is the problem not the ramrod.
One small suggestion. When pinning the rod tip, make sure the hole you drill is perpendicular to the grain. If you drill the hole so the pin is between the growth rings, you can pull the tip off even if it is pinned. You don't need the sordid details of how I figured this out.
I had a couple fiberglass rods, when they get old they start to grow sharp sticks pricks
Prefer the delrin rod
Prefer the delrin rod
Last night had to thin down one end of a fiberglass rod to fit in the stock hole. Clamped cordless drill in vise, put ramrod in drill, and 60-grit sandpaper looped around the rod. On low speed, held on to loose end of the rod with sandpaper and worked toward the drill slowly.
It worked. Done in a short time and perfectly round (as far as I can tell). Now, this was on a 28" rod, 5/16ths" diameter, working alone with a horsefly trying to bite me.
It worked. Done in a short time and perfectly round (as far as I can tell). Now, this was on a 28" rod, 5/16ths" diameter, working alone with a horsefly trying to bite me.
longcruise
70 Cal.
One of the best rod how to posts I've seen.
I was a bit confused at first by the reference to "thimbles" but it was clarified as the details were explained. I make my rods the same way but you threw in a few tips that I'll employ on the next one.
I was a bit confused at first by the reference to "thimbles" but it was clarified as the details were explained. I make my rods the same way but you threw in a few tips that I'll employ on the next one.
PC on this board means period correct, not politically correct
Bighorserider
40 Cal
I use 6d finishing nails for all my pins. Available and cheap and soft enough to finish easily.
OK thanks
I never broke one either but I still want the fiberglass rod for insurance . I had some wood ramrods warp a little
Another good way to darken your hickory rod: coat the bare rod with aqua fortis, let it dry, then heat it evenly with a propane torch. Sand lightly with 320 grit paper and give it a coat of 50-50 linseed oil and turpentine. Nice even dark color and easy to maintain with linseed oil as needed
Dave Orchard
Pilgrim
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I ordered a length of seamless steel tubing from Aircraft Spruce.
Draw-filed it to get the correct taper, threaded the small end & silver-brazed a brass jag on the other end (& threaded that as well.
Browned it for looks, and can broil meat on it, use it to blow on stubborn baulky fire as well as to clean & load with.
The tubing is lighter than a solid steel or iron rod.
Suits my short 24 ga. "canoe gun" very well
Davo
Draw-filed it to get the correct taper, threaded the small end & silver-brazed a brass jag on the other end (& threaded that as well.
Browned it for looks, and can broil meat on it, use it to blow on stubborn baulky fire as well as to clean & load with.
The tubing is lighter than a solid steel or iron rod.
Suits my short 24 ga. "canoe gun" very well
Davo
Made me a rod just for cleaning and tough work, used a chainsaw file handle screwed onto a ball puller and it worked like a dream. Easy on the hands just not PC. Got one with hickory and one with bright orange handles for diff jags.
N.Y. Yankee
32 Cal.
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That's a great idea. I may pick one up next trip to town.
Yes, 1/8 is kinda big for a 3/8 rod. 7/16 rod, OK.
That may be but I just cant put a FG rod on a gun that was designed long before those materials were invented. I just feel the Hickory is "better" for me.
deerstalkert:
Just curious?? Do you keep adding and pouring out powder until your score lines line up with the muzzle?
Maybe I missed something? How do you determine WHEN to stop adding powder? Is it a "sneak up on it" kinda' thing? I'm really corn-fused.
God bless:
Two Feathers
Anything wrong with a brass rod fitted to the gun? I mean a one piece rod that fits in the rod slot and has interchangeable jags.
Capnbal:
You're asking the wrong guy. You should be asking Notchy Bob. I'm just a knife and accoutrements maker who knows nothing about PC/HA correct anything? That subject is waaaay over my head.
God bless:
Two Feathers
You're asking the wrong guy. You should be asking Notchy Bob. I'm just a knife and accoutrements maker who knows nothing about PC/HA correct anything?
That subject is waaaay over my head.God bless:
Two Feathers
Nice hickory rod living under my rifle's barrel for everyday loading and cleaning.
Bought a 50BMG cleaning rod for a range rod. Comes apart into sections easy to pack/carry. The "T" handle swivels so I welded a nut on that section of the rod to afford purchase should I need to drill into a ball. Thinking about brazing on some sections of copper tubing to keep the steel off the rifling.
Bought a 50BMG cleaning rod for a range rod. Comes apart into sections easy to pack/carry. The "T" handle swivels so I welded a nut on that section of the rod to afford purchase should I need to drill into a ball. Thinking about brazing on some sections of copper tubing to keep the steel off the rifling.
longcruise
70 Cal.
I made several of those for long wilderness stays where equipment was limited. Put a threaded rod tip on each end and adapted a threaded handle to allow it to function as a range rod. Adds a little weight but not much. Ive done the same with quality hickory.
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I did away with the Hickory rod that came with my rifle and replaced it with a brass one and never looked back! I don't worry about breaking it either! It has been working like a charm since 1985?
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