Short Start

[doc623]

Don't know if this is the right place to ask this but. ::
I am new/old at this bp/ml.
I was woundering what kind of short start that ya'sll
use?
I have the typical ball with modified ends and short rod.
Sometines during cold weather - it does a number on my hands.
So was just wondering other people use and/or any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
:thanks:

 

[Rebel]

I have one with the ball, but i cut the top of the ball off flat. Much easier on the hand. I also have one that is rectangular. The flat sides are much easier to start a ball with than the rounded part of the ball type starter. :m2c:

 

[Bob Riegl]

I don't know what could hurt your hand with a short starter---however I go to the local Michael's Arts & Crafts store and get the largest wooden ball they sell---and make my short starter(s)with a large ball.I shoot all year long and I haven't had a problem with hurting my hand---perhaps your ball and patch combo are too thick requiring all that extra effort??? My biggest complaint is patch solvent for wiping is cold already and the 30 degree temps don't make it any warmer. :m2c:

 

[riarcher]

For my .75 I just whittled one out of a 1 3/4 section of sappling. Works! (and I know which is mine :haha.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Usually none. I choke up in the ramrod and push the balls right out of the ball block into the bore or thumb start them at the muzzle.

I occasionally run a batch of balls with lead that had solder or impurities that make for harder than normal balls. For these, I have a little 1-1/2" x 3/8" "dowel" and block whittled out of a piece of curly maple.

The block slips in a sheath on the back of the bag and the stub-starter is tucked and closed in the bag. Serves as an anchor so I don't drop the ball block. Don't need to open the bag for the first five shots.

 

[arcticap]

At the range, I start everything with a mallet that has a protective covering so that it won't cause damage to the barrel if I miss the (non metal) starter. I may even use a lighter version in the field for sabots and tight fitting conicals. :winking:

 

[Cruzatte]

I got tired of bustin' my hands on that @#$%&! short-starter. And I also got tired of having to keep track of one more gadget. So, I bought one of Joe Wood's coning tools and coned the muzzle of Ol' Melindy. Now I just press ball and patch flush with my thumb and cut off the excess fabric with my knife, push ball & patch home with my ramrod, prime and fire.

Cruzatte

 

[WV_Hillbilly]

I am curious to know why no one else has mentioned about using a "Tee" handled short starter...?

I have a polymer (or maybe it's just plastic?) one, and it seems to work about as well as the "Ball" handled versions.

Whether or not "comfortable" is the right adjective to describe a short starter; it does depend a lot on how tight fitting ther ball & patch combinations are in the muzzle.

If you have to use enough impact to hurt your hand, maybe there is another problem? Deformation of the ball isn't much good for accuracy either.

You say it only bothers you in cold weather though...? Do you have a glove you could put on during those occasions to lessen the chance of injury? Still though, if you have to "pound" on the ball, maybe you need more patch lube or maybe your lube isn't working as well in cold weather...? You may want to switch to something a little "slicker".

Usually there is a logical answer to these kinds of problems.

Shoot Safely!
WV_Hillbilly

 

I made 1 for each gun using antler "tees" and drilled a hole in the ends as a powder measure and added a tiny eye screw for a thong. For my range box, I made 1 with a short brass rod & tapped a 8-32 hole which accepts various jags. The end hole is drilled out to press fit a 30-06 case. I interchange cut-off cases to hold 30-40-50 gr 3F. Bill/Oregon

 

[canyonman]

I also made my own out of the crown of an elk antler. It's tapered and long enough that I don't have to worry about smashing the $%&%^ out of my fingers or the web of my hand. For the rod itself I carved out a piece of oak 2X2 until it was the right diameter and length.
Larry

 

[Johnny Tremain]

I made 1 for each gun using antler "tees"

Yep, got one like this also. With a steel ramrod, it saves on the palm of your hand.

I drilled indents on the end and center so my ramrod end fits in.

 

[Gary]

German jagers carried a small mallet. If you're on the range and not trekking, why not you too?

 

[doc623]

I have in fact previouly used a small brass hammer sucessfully.
Was just looking for alternatives for field use.
Thanks to all.
Any more pictures?
doc623

 

[doc623]

I like that little loading block.
Any chance of close up or details.
Thanks
doc623

 

[Stumpkiller]

Really not much more to show. It's 5" long, 1" wide, 9/16" thick with five holes for .530" patched balls, slightly countersunk on one side. The wood is purpleheart. Each end is heavily beveled so it slips in and out of the sheath on the back of the bag easily.


Here's a couple more. A three shot maple block, 3-3/8" x 1-1/4" x 1/2" that holds three .530" balls w/0.010" dry lubed patches for fast reloads. It's tethered to the horn strap and has a little retaining strap to keep it from dangling, jangling and tangling. I can push these out of the block & fully seated with two motions.

Here's a walnut block in the shape of a gorget that I wear across my chest when I feel the need for lots of ready shots.

I also have a couple of the plain 'ol Track of the Wolf blocks that I added a seventh hole to that I slip in the hunting pouch.

 

[doc623]

Tks