OP here. I had purchased a 5/16 hickory rod from TOW with brass 10-32 tip for my frontier .36 w/39"bbl. I did sand down the rod, not a problem, but the tip is too close a fit in my .36 bore...if aligned properly it can be carefully worked down the bore...but there is enough drive to get the ball down with a wooden rod using short strokes, without fighting a tight 5/16 tip...especially difficult if there is any least bit of residue in the bore.
My Pedersoli Frontier .36 factory rod is a perfect size...it is 9/32" (.28125" or 7.14mm) from brass 10-32 tip to rod...but it is not good hickory. It sits below the bbl for looks only.
ETIP (post 13 above), I cannot imagine a 5/16" (.313) brass tip easily going down a .32 rifled (.031") barrel, but that is only my imagination !
Does anyone know where to obtain a 9/32" hickory rod w/ a 10-32 tip?? I presently use a 22 stainless 46" bench rod with plastic bore protector sleeve for loading, cleaning, wiping. Works great, but that is not a practical field ramrod!
flconch53, I may ultimately take you up on your offer! Thanks, Larry