NO BIG DEAL?

[flashpoint]

Once on Shark Tank a guy "invented" a way to cut your grass that was nonpolluting, environmentally friendly, let you get lots of exercise, was extremely economic, quiet and simple to use. The Sharks couldn't wait to see his invention which turned out to be (drum roll) a push lawnmower. WHAT??? He had spent at least a year developing this state-of-the-art precision mower that all you had to do was push it. The Sharks couldn't contain themselves and wondered what planet he was from that he didn't know that a push mower patent was granted in 1870. And now I have my own invention. However, I am afraid that I might be like that lawn mower guy in that everybody knows about it, and you can easily buy one, and where was I when they invented the wheel? Being an old, new timer to muzzleloading I might have developed something stupid or silly, but hey, it works for me. I've seen many articles on people breaking their ram rods and driving the splintered end through their hand. In thinking of my own situation with my .45 percussion, I know when I load the second or third PRB it gets pretty tight trying to get everything down the barrel plus you're leaning on the rod and sometimes when it does go down you hit your knuckles on the end of the barrel. Anyway, I dug up a small sapling (maybe a Sassafras tree) and found this cool looking knot or burl in the roots. So, I cut it out a section, cleaned it up and got rid of all the loose bark. After it dried for a period, maybe several weeks, it was as hard as a rock. I then oiled it with Linseed oil and drilled maybe a 1/2" hole in the burled end the same diameter as my ram rod end. So, when the ram rod is really hard to push all the way down the barrel (maybe the last 10" or so) I put the rod tip into the burl and easily drive the rod home. Because of the size of the burl, it also protects my hand somewhat if something did happen.

here you have it

 

[megasupermagnum]

The only time you should be touching the end of the ramrod for seating is the last couple inches. At that point, an open hand will prevent busted knuckles. A better invention is a ball you can screw on if your hands are sensitive. I don't use one for loading, but I keep a T handle with for pulling balls and such.

I don't mean to rain on your thing, but it isn't a very practical solution. If anything, I think you just made leverage to increase chances of a broken rod. I look at that and I think you could make better use of that as a short starter.

 

[Britsmoothy]

Think you need a better fouling control method friend. ☹

 

[bang]

Yeah powder grain size and or amount along with patch lube type could be possible cause of excess fouling. Shouldn't take that much effort to ram it home.

 

[necchi]

Good idea!
Judging by the looks of that hand, I might not be as olde as you,
But the scare still present in the palm of my right hand from learning "what not to do" in an age without the Internet, YouTube or a mentor is 35yrs old.
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones,, I only had to make that mistake once.
Thanks for an impromptu lesson Flashpoint, your simple post has reminded me to be humble enough to remember my beginnings,

 

[Nazgul58]

Don't be discouraged, I use something similar. My fouling is well under control. But I have a good dose of arthritis and at times my hands are very sore. Too many years as a heavy equipment mechanic. I use a heavy pad of leather doubled and sewn to push the last inch or so of the loading procedure. The ball/patch load easily even after many shots without wiping. Made my own short starter, call it my "Tater". It is fairly large and fits into my hand when I have a flare up as my fingers don't open or close very well.

Be aware of only grabbing the rod in small increments until almost fully seated so there is no side loading. I don't subscribe to bouncing the rod at the end but do like a firm push to fully seat the ball.

My 2 cents.

Don

P.S. - I like you use of something unique and odd looking.

 

[Treestalker]

Once on Shark Tank a guy "invented" a way to cut your grass that was nonpolluting, environmentally friendly, let you get lots of exercise, was extremely economic, quiet and simple to use. The Sharks couldn't wait to see his invention which turned out to be (drum roll) a push lawnmower. WHAT??? He had spent at least a year developing this state-of-the-art precision mower that all you had to do was push it. The Sharks couldn't contain themselves and wondered what planet he was from that he didn't know that a push mower patent was granted in 1870. And now I have my own invention. However, I am afraid that I might be like that lawn mower guy in that everybody knows about it, and you can easily buy one, and where was I when they invented the wheel? Being an old, new timer to muzzleloading I might have developed something stupid or silly, but hey, it works for me. I've seen many articles on people breaking their ram rods and driving the splintered end through their hand. In thinking of my own situation with my .45 percussion, I know when I load the second or third PRB it gets pretty tight trying to get everything down the barrel plus you're leaning on the rod and sometimes when it does go down you hit your knuckles on the end of the barrel. Anyway, I dug up a small sapling (maybe a Sassafras tree) and found this cool looking knot or burl in the roots. So, I cut it out a section, cleaned it up and got rid of all the loose bark. After it dried for a period, maybe several weeks, it was as hard as a rock. I then oiled it with Linseed oil and drilled maybe a 1/2" hole in the burled end the same diameter as my ram rod end. So, when the ram rod is really hard to push all the way down the barrel (maybe the last 10" or so) I put the rod tip into the burl and easily drive the rod home. Because of the size of the burl, it also protects my hand somewhat if something did happen. View attachment 107190View attachment 107191View attachment 107192here you have it

For heaven's sake man, git rid of that incriminating hash pipe before the Servants of Minitrue pull you over and discover what you've been doing in the darkness of the backwoods to overthrow Big Brother!

 

[tenngun]

I too have such an invention. A damp patch run down between shots

 

[COTNTOP]

I have a damaged shoulder, that just might be of some help to me. Think I just might know where a knot is lying on one of my trails. THANKS

 

[rafterob]

Known as "Palm savers" there are a few different options commercially available. But in this hobby, it is always much cooler to make your own.

 

[Jim]

Known as "Palm savers" there are a few different options commercially available. But in this hobby, it is always much cooler to make your own.

YEAH . . . .I agree . . . .

A 4-inch length of “closet pole” dowel (about 1 1/4” diameter) with a hole in it’s side about 3/4” deep, serves me well as a palm saver.

 

[flashpoint]

For heaven's sake man, git rid of that incriminating hash pipe before the Servants of Minitrue pull you over and discover what you've been doing in the darkness of the backwoods to overthrow Big Brother!

 

[flashpoint]

Good idea!
Judging by the looks of that hand, I might not be as olde as you,
But the scare still present in the palm of my right hand from learning "what not to do" in an age without the Internet, YouTube or a mentor is 35yrs old.
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones,, I only had to make that mistake once.
Thanks for an impromptu lesson Flashpoint, your simple post has reminded me to be humble enough to remember my beginnings,

THank you.

 

[flashpoint]

I have a damaged shoulder, that just might be of some help to me. Think I just might know where a knot is lying on one of my trails. THANKS

Sorry about your shoulder. Good luck.

For heaven's sake man, git rid of that incriminating hash pipe before the Servants of Minitrue pull you over and discover what you've been doing in the darkness of the backwoods to overthrow Big Brother!

Hash pipe?? Hmmmm, now there's a thought.

 

[flashpoint]

The only time you should be touching the end of the ramrod for seating is the last couple inches. At that point, an open hand will prevent busted knuckles. A better invention is a ball you can screw on if your hands are sensitive. I don't use one for loading, but I keep a T handle with for pulling balls and such.

I don't mean to rain on your thing, but it isn't a very practical solution. If anything, I think you just made leverage to increase chances of a broken rod. I look at that and I think you could make better use of that as a short starter.

Thanks, MSM, I appreciate your comments. The photo that shows that I am using it high up on the rod is giving the wrong idea. I showed it that way to show the concept, not the functionality. I would only use it maybe the last 5 or 10" at the most on the rod if necessary.

 

[hanshi]

Clever way to to make a palm-saver. I made a small one out of a piece of antler that fits nicely in my palm. Another thing I did was to cut the fingers off a pair of old work gloves to cushion my hand for those occasional muzzle-hand smacks at the end.

 

[flashpoint]

Clever way to to make a palm-saver. I made a small one out of a piece of antler that fits nicely in my palm. Another thing I did was to cut the fingers off a pair of old work gloves to cushion my hand for those occasional muzzle-hand smacks at the end.

Great idea Hanshi. Thanks.

 

[GriscomRun]

Nice idea you have here to address a painful situation. I'm going thru the same thing now in both hands.
Loss of function, weakness in the hands affecting the ability to grip - you got a great idea there. Thanks

 

[hanshi]

GriscomRun, when your hands are already very painful it doesn't pay to have them smacked, poked or rattled. That's when folks like us start searching for less painful options. RA is no joke, more or less "cripples" the hands and drains them of strength.

 

[Britsmoothy]

My hands hurt way more this winter than last. In fact my knees hurt when I walk up hill now and my right foot is agony!
I'll settle for larger groups in oder to load real easy and carry a small tin of lubricated wads to keep powder foul soft.
Just saying.....