Ramrods

[Slake]

I use the ramrod when hunting, but when at the ranges I use a solid brass range rod that I absolutely love and my ramrod never leaves the rifle. My brass range rod has a spring loaded T handle on one end and the cleaning jag on the other end. I love it, it's quite stout. Recently I took owner ship of a 45 cal Kentucky Rifle and my range rod won't fit it. I bought a black fiber ramrod to go with the rifle and have found it slides out of the gun too easy. Anyone have any tips how to get it to stay tighter? I may switch it to a wood rod

 

[paulvallandigham]

Not without altering the gun. Get a straight grained- that means no grain runs out to the side of the stick- and make up a new rod for the gun. You can get the ferrels, and jags for the rod, along with bullet pulling and patch pullings from TOTW, and other providers. I went to Friendship so that I could pick out my own rod in person. Some dealers don't have a clue what is meant by no " run-out ". The folks at the Log Cabin booth knew what I was doing when I looked through their supply of hickory sticks.

 

[Slake]

The black rod looks really great in the rifle. I like that one side is 8/32 the other is 10/32 but when I drop the muzzle the things slides forwads in the thimbles. I don't like that at all. I'm thinking of switch to wood, I suppose I could stain a wood wood really dark for the same appearance. I've never been to Friendship, {yet}.

 

[creino]

We have B/P get togethers on Sunday afternoons. 3 shots for a buck @ about 75 yards. The stakes are Braggin' rights for the round and ownership of the "expert marksman pin" for the week plus a fistful of bills. Invariably with all the lips flapping someone will:

A) Double Load
B) Forget the Powder Charge Altogther
C) Leave a Cleaning Swipe in the Breech and Load over it
C) Load Correctly but have an inkling they may have done A or B, C, or D
D) And for the flints, they have on occasion hang-fired not to set off the charge

When in doubt... remove the cap, wait some time and pull the ball/bullet. (Although I have seen double-loaded bullseyes shot using the tire trick.)

A good stiff range rod for the ensuing tug-of-war contest is the best solution notwithstanding simple concentration and less chatter.

Other reasons...Cleaning accesories as Roundball stated, a tape ring on the rod to insure consistant depth setting shot to shot, and avoidance of lube trails on the thimbles and barrels.

These may sound goofy to some, but if you shoot 50-100 shots in an afternoon, a range rod or two just adds easy convience in my humble opinion.

 

[Slake]

the kids repeat to themselves powder patch ball or you have no shot at all...works for me too

 

[paulvallandigham]

Slake: I have seen ramrods stained with ebony black dye. Several coats and then a finish of oil makes for a very elegant looking rod against most gunstocks. Its not for me, but I understand why it appeals to you. I did the base plug of a powder horn once in black, and it came out gorgeous.