Tight ramrod

[Andrewmtnman]

I recently broke my wood ramrod that came with my long gun, flintlock. It’s a repro done by JP Gunstock from the 80-90’s. Just received 2 new ones from October C, one hickory and the other Derlin. I’m trying to fit the new hickory rod, it’s sanded enough to fit nicely down the three pipes but once it enters the stock it gets really tight. I am wondering if it is better to keep sanding the rod or somehow sand the ramrod channel in the stock, if so how would that be done?

 

[ord sgt]

Taper the end of the rod that goes into the fore end. Only use the new wood rod in a hunting situation and only use short pushes when loading. For target shooting, carry a sturdy work rod.

 

[Dale Allen Raby]

I would say to sand the ramrod rather than the channel. It would be much easier for one thing.

My Jonathan Browning Mountain Rifle had a very tight ramrod at one point... and that gun is forty years old, so I reasoned that it was not going to "wear in". What helped was waxing the ramrod with Johnson's Paste Wax. Solved the problem nicely.

 

[Andrewmtnman]

I would say to sand the ramrod rather than the channel. It would be much easier for one thing.

My Jonathan Browning Mountain Rifle had a very tight ramrod at one point... and that gun is forty years old, so I reasoned that it was not going to "wear in". What helped was waxing the ramrod with Johnson's Paste Wax. Solved the problem nicely.

Ok. Good idea, I have some paste and 220 grit. I’ll start there. Ty

 

[waksupi]

Most ramrods are tapered to some extent. I like mine slimmed down enough to easily slide into the thimbles and stock when it's wet out.

 

[oldwood]

Taper the end of the r/r that's in the stock. Aldo , check if it's hanging up on a barrel pinning loop , or wedge loop.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

I recently broke my wood ramrod that came with my long gun, flintlock. It’s a repro done by JP Gunstock from the 80-90’s. Just received 2 new ones from October C, one hickory and the other Derlin. I’m trying to fit the new hickory rod, it’s sanded enough to fit nicely down the three pipes but once it enters the stock it gets really tight. I am wondering if it is better to keep sanding the rod or somehow sand the ramrod channel in the stock, if so how would that be done?

Good replies already, because tapering the RR is always the easiest way. Here are my suggestions: Two choices, 1. taper the RR as suggested 2. Remove the entry pipe and see if the stock hole is actually smaller than the entry pipe or the entry pipe is too small or out of 180 deg alignment. The entry pipe could be a tad too small, if there is enough wall thickness, ream it out. Once you really know the culprit, decide if you want to fix it right or just taper the RR. No offense to those who suggest tapering the rod, but I am for fixing what is wrong if ya can. If the stock boring is too small, it is real easy to ream that out. Take an undersized wood dowel and cut a 2" slit down the middle of one end with a hack saw. Insert a 2"X 1"hunk ( or what works) of 80 grit sand paper. Use a variable speed drill motor to clean the hole. Good luck!
Larry