Ramrod for .22 cal

[eggwelder]

Looking for suggestions on materials to use. Most things that small seem really bendy. Maybe a high carbon rod tempered to a spring with a ball end?

 

[Zonie]

If it was long enough, I would buy a 3/16" diameter steel or brass rod. Mild steel would be strong enough if your using it correctly and the finish ground rods available at some hardware stores would work even better.

As you know, when loading a muzzleoader with a ramrod, the rod is grasped about 8" to 10" above the muzzle and shoved down the barrel. It is then grabbed again 8" to 10" above the muzzle and the task is repeated until the ball is seated on the powder.
Used in this fashion, there should be no chance of bending it.

 

[Walkingeagle]

Why not a modern rifle one piece cleaning rod cut to length?
Walk

 

[Grimord]

I use a 3/32" brass rod for my .22 caliber muzzle loader.

 

[Musketeer]

I would lean toward brass too. Seems like there'd be less wear and tear on the barrel that way. I'd personally go 3/16 like Zonie said.

 

[Col. Batguano]

A .22 cal PRB is going to be fun to try and load with gloved hands in the winter time! Is this a percussion or flint gun?

I love the idea of these micro calibers, though I have no experience with anything smaller than a .31, and that is in a revolver.

 

[eggwelder]

I`ll be using .22 cal pellets, already hollow based with a lube groove. In a manner of speaking. Mini minnies if you will.
The barrel steel seems soft, so brass may be the way to go. The pellets load easily, the weight of a full length welding rod will push them down.
it`s flint, need almost as much powder in the pan as in the barrel. kinda featured in another thread. 5-7 gr i`m thinking will be good out to 25 yds. loading a .22 PRB would be an adventure in a Canadian winter