Loading from the pouch?

[flconch53]

The rules I have seen at big rendezvouses and shoots is the ramrod needs to be of period materials and fit in the ram rods pipes on your gun. You can get brass ramrods that fit most guns. I used to make out of brass tubing to lessen the weight. The tubing ones stayed in the gun all the time.

 

[Banjoman]

I carry only enough stuff needed to shoot the gun for however many shots I think I’ll shoot. Don’t need a ball mold, hatchet, frying pan, duct tape, extra socks, compass, Louis Lamour books or toilet paper.

 

[Fossilsn]

I use brass ramrods in all my Hawken rifles. You can have the sturdiness of a range rod and still carry it like the stock ramrod.

https://rmcoxyoke.com/product/brass-ramrods/

 

[Mike in FL]

The best advice has already been given: grip the rr close to the muzzle.

 

[JDBraddy]

Ok, tried thinner patch materials normally use .445" ball and .020" patch, for a .465" patch/ball combo. When I do my part, get 1.5" groups at 50yds. Decided 2.5" at 50yds would be acceptable accuracy sacrifice for easier loading. First went to .017" patch for .462" combo with little detectable difference in accuracy or ease of loading. Next tried. 014" patch for .459" combo. Groups went to 2.5", and loading was noticeably easier. Next, went to .440" balls, and .014" patch for .454" combo could seat the ball whith light thumb pressure, but groups opened up to 5". Went to .017" patch for a .457" combo, had to use light pressure on a short starter to seat the ball, but group size was back under 3", next tried. 020" patch for .460" combo, group size was good, but much harder to seat the ball. So, it looks like .457" - .459" is going to be the best compromise.

Reduced the contents of my bag to this:

Ordered brass and a nylon replacement rods.