Ramrod for matchlock

[ajbennettnc]

Broke the ramrod on my Indian import matchlock musket. I'd like to replace it with a rammer made from European wood if possible, although I'm also going to order a hickory one from TOTW to have on hand.
What woods did 16th and 17th c. European gunbuilders use for ramrods? Did some searching online, including this forum, and haven't found a definite answer, but did find one mention of ash (therefore, any recommendations of a source of ash rod blanks would be appreciated as well.)

 

[Billy-by-gosh]

Authentic European hardwoods could be Ash or Oak, possibly Walnut. Hickory is a good substitute, as are Mahogany and Rosewoods. I like tight straigt grain!!
Sources would be any of the various BP part suppliers; even your local building supply store ! ToTW is always a good starting point.
Track
An off-the-wall suggestion I got from old timers (including Turner Kirkland) is to temper the completed rod using something like kerosene or an extremely light oil. I put it into a closed up piece of pipe and fill that with the liquid and let it set for a long time. This makes the rod quite flexible and much less likely to break! (The longer it sets the more the fibers absorb and will slide freely against each other instead of breaking)

 

[Rudyard]

Ash is similar to Hickory and used for such tools a spades & similar shafts even rail way linking poles Tawa is used here or 'Ive youed it most woods will work if grain is straight. Never used the Kerosine bit .Ramin Dowl ts very common item just pick clear as you can .
Rudyard

 

[Sam squanch]

The best hickory rods are split out instead of sawed out. Takes some work on your part though.