range/cleaning rod for 32 caliber

[BullRunBear]

I've got a Traditions Crockett 32 caliber percussion rifle with a 32 inch barrel coming from Midwayusa. This will be a plinking and target gun, not hunting so I don't have to worry about the rod fitting the thimbles. I don't have much faith in wood ramrods that thin so I plan to get something sturdier for a combination range rod and cleaning rod. I noticed TOTW has both steel (with a brass muzzle protector) and Delrin rods long enough.

Any suggestions about material or a specific brand would be appreciated. I've never used this small a caliber before.

Jeff

 

[hanshi]

I use a steel rod with a muzzle protector. These rods are 1/4" dia and work for any caliber.

 

[coloradoclyde]

+2 on the steel rod.... :thumbsup:

 

[biliff]

I've got a 42" barrel on mine. Use the wood ramrod to load and a delrin to clean. I refuse to drag a second ramrod around on trail walks so the wood rod will have to do. .32 loads pretty easily even with a very tight ball/patch combo (.318 ball and drill patch in mine). Haven't had any ramrod issues, but I'm careful to use relatively short strokes when ramming the ball.

 

[necchi]

+3, 1/4 modern rifle steel rod with a brass muzzle protector.
For range work and cleaning it's the best gig you can get.
I have never seen anyone get booted from a Rendezvous shoot for a range rod on the line.
Public is usually kept far enough away to just watch anyways.

 

[rushlake1]

solid Brass...from hardware store..
drilled and taped to 10 x 32 threads.

or order one from "October county"custom made to order,diameter and length and size with ends drilled and tapped for fittings.

 

[biliff]

I have never seen anyone get booted from a Rendezvous shoot for a range rod on the line.

Neither have I. It just looks stupid, especially when someone is outfitted to the hilt with all the HC mountain man clothes and accoutrements, but he's dragging around a modern loading rod. Good piece of hickory works just fine.

 

[Don Steele]

Jeff,
Give Jason a call at Rice Barrels [(336)492-2614].
He's offering the best stainless steel range rod that I've seen.
A buddy of mine has one he uses with his .32 and loves it.

 

[BullRunBear]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I plan to get a 1/4" steel rod for it as recommended. I use one that is about 48" long for my 45 and 50 caliber rifles but want one more appropriate for the Crockett's shorter barrel. And I like having that muzzle protector.

The joke is I went through my pile of rods that I've accumulated over the decades. Turns out I have a Delrin rod with a ram and cleaning jag for 32 caliber. I have no idea where it came from. Probably from a long ago garage sale for two bits and I got it 'just in case'. :grin: I'll still get the steel rod but it's nice to have an unbreakable back up.

Jeff

 

[robinsroost]

I also have a Crockett and my range rod is Delrin, from October Country. I made a handle for it out of a 6" piece of 1 1/2" dowel rod, pinned to the rod. Keep yer powder dry..........robin :hmm:

 

[Col. Batguano]

Does a 5/16" wooden rod work for a 32? Nominally that's .3125", which is pretty tight to the bore.

For those that shoot smaller calibers (like a 28 or a 30), what do you do for field rods in those? there aren't any commercially available pipes for a build small enough are there?

 

[hawkeye2]

5/16" is too big.

I use my stainless cleaning rod for suppository guns which will fit in a .22. It's stainless with 8-32 threads and a brass muzzle protector so I only have to screw on the appropriate jags and loading tips all of which are readily available with 8-32 threads.

 

[hanshi]

I got a passel of rods, too, delrin, fiberglass, stainless steel and aluminum. There are two SS ones I use most of the time for cleaning and at the range. When hunting I always use the wood, underbarrel rod and never had a problem even with wood in a .32. But if I ever break one hunting I'll surely be up that creek we all know about with nothing but my hands as paddles.

 

[Billnpatti]

If you can find some 1/4 inch diameter brass or aluminum rod, it makes a great range rod for a .32 caliber rifle. I have one that I got many years ago. I drilled the end for a 10-32 thread and on the other end, I put a pool que ball that I found in a garage sale. The ball was undersized for a kids pool table. You can also find wooden balls that will work. My other range rods are topped with brass door knobs that I have picked up in flea markets and antique stores.