What size is best?

[Desert Rat]

I'm putting together a .58 cal rifle and am trying to decide if I need to use 7/16" ramrod or would a 3/8" be ok? Common sense tells me to go with the 7/16" just because it will be beefer and stronger but now is the time to second quess it before I get all the parts.

 

[Doc Arroyo]

I like a tapered rammer in most longrifles. 7/16" for the loading end would be fine, tapering to 3/8"

 

[Norskie]

7/16ths, no doubt about it. That's what I'm putting on my .50 cal.

 

[Mike Brooks]

3/8" is the biggest I go. You never see bigger than 3/8" on old guns, no matter what the caliber. Big rods make forestocks look clunky.
Most of the original english fowlers I've owned had pipes that were 1/4" to 5/16". They were 20 to 12 bore.

 

My .62 jaeger has a 3/8". Plenty strong enough but I usually use a stainless steel range rod anyway.

 

[C_Laubach]

I would build it with a tapered rod. From 7/16th down to 3/8” as this was not uncommon and if done correctly doesn’t make a clunky forend. :v

Chris Laubach

 

[Desert Rat]

Thanks for the input everyone, as always some things that I hadn't even thought of were brought up. It is amazing how much expierence and knowledge is available here just for the asking.

 

[Erzulis boat]

Desert Rat-

I am also building a .58 so I thought about this too!
I am going with a 3/8 with a flared end.

I think the problem is with the thimbles, especially if they are cast (thick walled). In my opinion the thimbles would appear very large and dominate the forend, no matter how "skinny" you make it. :hmm:

 

[Desert Rat]

I'm leaning towards the 3/8ths now as well. I think it will look sleeker in the end. I haven't ever broken a rod yet (knock on wood) so I think I'll go for it.