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Metal Ramrods In Smoothbores

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musketman

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Anyone concerned about the effects of a metal ramrod being used on a smoothbore, like the Bess for one?

There is no rifling to worry about, but there is a somewhat crown on the muzzle...

Could the metal rod wear the muzzle over time?

I would think so, mine hasn't yet, but you do hear it ride the barrel while withdrawing it...

What do you think about this???
 
Metal rods were guilty of belling many a musket's muzzle, after many years of use, that is.
: In rifled barrels, like the .58 minnie rifles, yes, they are hard on the rifling, especially at the crown. This was a cause of concern even by the mil. minds of the 19th century.
 
Remember back in the olden-daze, barrel steel was super-soft, and the ramrods were made of iron.

With modern steel, and a steel ram-rod I would not worry much...especially if you take reasonable care with it. Ever watch actors use a ram-rod in the movies??? Hurts me just to look.

About the only time you need to use the steel ram-rods would be when out in the field actually hunting...use a good range-rod at the range. I don't go that far with my smoothbore, but plan to get a nice range-rod, with bore-guide for my rifled-musket. (if I can find one that long)

Rat
 
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