Ramrod/Cleaning Rod Combo

[Monco]

Howdy everyone!,
I'm new to this forum and just getting started with front loader rifles. I have a .50 Browning Mountain Rifle on the way and am looking into to purchasing accessories. I have some experience with C&B revolvers but am interested in buying a quality cleaning rod/ramrod where I can exchange tips to be used in both applications. The rifle is equipped with the OEM ramrod but I wanted to reduce wear and tear on that one at the range & while cleaning at home. I've visited a couple of the major muzzle loading supply websites to see what they have to offer. So far, I like the Stainless fixed handle 5/16" rod with 10/32 threaded female tip and brass bore guide. Any thoughts and/or suggestions?
Thanks in advance for any info!

 

[Prairieofthedog]

Monco,by all means get a range rod,one of the best investments you can make for muzzle loading.You can use coated fiberglass,delrin,stainless steel,or brass rod.Whatever you use, the key is always use a bore guide and keep the rod clean of grit.A dirty cleaning rod can be hard on a bore.Stainless steel is a excellent choice, but I use brass rod because it fits in better at Rondy's.You can get the rods threaded for 8/32 or 10/32,10/32 is more available and stronger on the bigger bore.Also look up on the net a bore guide made by "Spinjag",they are made of Delrin and I really like them as a bore guide.I used to use brass but these are so lite they don't bang up and down on the rod like brass does.When you buy them you may as well get a couple or three.Any questions ask away,welcome to the club.

 

[cowpoke1955]

This is what I've been using for the past 30 years. Never had a problem and it even has a ball puller: http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_99_320&products_id=1282 .

 

[Little Wattsy]

What you are describing is perfect.. you will be very glad to have it not only for the reason you state but as a had saver too :wink:

 

[George T.]

I use these as well! Geo. T.

 

[Semisane]

Get one of the Knight rods. You won't be sorry. It's stainless, has a knurled aluminum swivel handle, bore protector, and an adjustable depth stop for loading to the same place each time.
http://www.knightrifles.com/ultimate-range-rod-M900081/

 

[Prairieofthedog]

Semisane,those look like nice rods for the money.How big a diameter is the rod? Thanks.

 

[Monco]

First of all, I'd like to thank you all for your input thus far.

I really like the look of that Knight Rifles rod and like the idea of the swivel handle assuming it holds up to duties such as ball pulling. Does it have a threaded tip for various jags, cleaning tips, puller tips, etc.? Also interested in knowing the rod diameter....I suppose I could give them a call.

Thanks again for all of your input guys!!

 

[ohio ramrod]

Usin g a bore guide is important to keep your crown uniform and protecting the bore at the muzzle. :idunno:

 

[William O.]

The range rod with the spinning T-handle works better because it allows the rod to rotate with the rifling for loading or cleaning plus the handle gives you leverage should you ever need to use a ball puller.

 

[Monco]

The T-Handle certainly makes some sense when pulling a ball is necessary.
I couldn't get Knight to answer the phone today....I need to know what thread the business end is so I can buy additional attachments/tips to go along with it. It seems that most of the tips/jags shown on Knights site are 10-32 so that suggests that it might be 10-32??? Don't know for sure though. Maybe they will answer the phone Monday and clarify.

Thanks guys!!

 

[gunner69skmc]

+1 On those Spin-jags. I have a .32, .36, .45, .50, and a .54. One for each caliber I own. They offer two styles Loader only or combo Load and Clean. For about $2.00 I went with the combo style. They work great!

 

[Semisane]

Yes, the Knight rod is threaded for 10-32 fittings. It's extremely well built and will outlast you. The handle swivels very freely on steel ball bearings.

I have two for use at the range. I set the "charge height indicator" on one when I load the first ball. All balls after that will be seated to exactly the same depth with the same compression of the load. I remove the charge height indicator on the other rod and use it for swabbing the full length of the bore. They are well worth the price. You won't be sorry if you go with one of them.

 

[don hepler]

I bought a stainless rod from hardware store, and ran a 3/8 die on one end and drilled and tapped the other end for a jag. I beveled the jag, end and use a brass muzzle guide. Screwed a big plastic ball, from hardware store on one end.

This cost about 18.00 and will last forever.

 

[Flash Pan Dan]

Semisane,

Since Knight only makes those ridiculous in-lines they don't make a cleaning rod long enough for a real BP rifle. It is only 36 1/2 inches long.

 

[Semisane]

That's true Dan. But it's perfect for the Green Mountain barrels on my several Renegades and Hawkens. I must be mistaken. Always thought they were real black powder rifles. :wink: :grin:

 

[M. De Land]

I have a similar rod of a different make and they do fine until you have to pound on them at some point and that will generally break the bearing pin. I've had to repair mine twice.
I have found that a fixed threaded polycarbonate 1.5 inch ball will answer the call better than anything else I have tried as it will stand up to all the rigors of pulling, pushing and pounding some times needed.
The twist in muzzle loaders is not an issue with a ball either as it will revolve in your hand with no trouble even though it is fixed. MD

 

[Semisane]

MD, the Knight rod does not have a bearing pin. The shaft of the rod has a half round recessed ring (groove?) around its circumference, and the hardened aluminum handle has a matching recessed ring on the inside. There are about ten small steel balls in there just like a quality ball bearing. It's near about indestructible.

 

[mjulihn]

Semisane,

Since Knight only makes those ridiculous in-lines they don't make a cleaning rod long enough for a real BP rifle. It is only 36 1/2 inches long.

Seems OK length for a 28" or 32" barrel that most BP rifles come in these days...

 

[AllenHawken]

Hi Monco. I got a Pedersoli .50 caliber Kentucky Rifle for Christmas from my amazing wife. The rifle came with a hickory ramrod installed in the thimbles. I decided I needed a stainless steel ramrod for use at the rifle range. I ordered a 36" stainless steel rod with wooden handle from Track of the Wolf with 10-32 thread and it came with a combined cleaning jag and concave loading tip. Shot it for the first time last weekend at the Bull Run Muzzleloaders match, putting 33 rounds through and the rod worked great.