Ramrod decision

[30calflash]

I'm looking to get a ramrod for my TC renegade, located some at track of the wolf. The decision now is between hickory or delrin nylon for the material.

I'd prefer the hickory however I did break the original one so would the delrin be better for abuse if need be?

[waksupi]

They are cheap enough, get both. How did the first one break?

[pietro]

.

Hickory would be the best solution, as IME resin/nylon RR's flex like wet noodles ( I found them to be next to useless).

A viable option, though, would be a fiberglass-impregnated wooden RR - which are very strong, stand up to most abuse, and are non-abrasive (the re-inforcement is inside the RR material, not an outer coat).

I've been using one for over 40 years, w/o any issues.

.

[Mr Peabody]

They are cheap enough, get both. How did the first one break?

Excellent advice!

[Adam Helmer]

30cal,

How did you break your last ramrod? I am a muzzleloader instructor and know most people hold their ramrods TOO HIGH UP when loading! I teach to grasp the ramrod about 6 to 8 INCHES above the muzzle to avoid breakage. Once at my club a High Holder BROKE his ramrod on loading and put the muzzle end portion through his arm! OUCH.

Short Strokes...... LOL.

Adam

[30calflash]

Thanks for the quick replies.

Truth be told, I had fired some rounds thru it and ended getting one stuck 2/3rds of the way down the barrel. Got it where it wouldn't go any further but the ramrod was still free.

Not having a puller available I inverted the rifle and used the concrete to push and started tapping the rifle vigorously to seat the ball. After a dozen strokes it snapped, not really surprised it did. Not one of my better moves, but a lesson for others for sure.

I did get a T/C aluminum accessory rod from my LGS, but I'd like to keep it full length for other M/L's that I own, in case I get creative again.

[30calflash]

Also, there was a time when fiberglass was a rod material but from what I learned years back they tend to wear the muzzle end of the bore, enough to potentially harm accuracy.

My 53 Enfield was used when I got it, quite a bit from N-SSA events, and was showing some wear so I got a brass ramrod for that when I was actively participating in matches. We used minie's of various types and with the metal rod it acted like a slide hammer, seating the bullet. That and minies aren't tight too shove down the bore as a RB.

[printedboolits]

Get both. Delrin being bendy doesn't matter at all for a short gun.

I'm currently at the range with both actually. The wood rod generally only gets used in the mountains. I use the delrin for loading, cleaning, and other tasks like ball pulling.

[country gent]

Hickory can e made better with a little work. But derlin is very good also.

I used a piece of 3/4" copper tubing a little longer than the ram rod and 2 end caps.
One end cap can be soldered on or glued to prevent leaks the other just sits on to seal and keep dust out. A little looser fit is good here as it makes it easier to remove and hold.
insert the ram rod in the tube and fill well over it with linseed oil, the level will slowly drop for a day or 2. Let it soak in a corner for a week or so, you want the oil to fill the grain structure completely. When you remove the rod wipe it down and hang it to cure out. When dry it can be sanded and ends fitted as desired.
This treatment makes the dowel much stronger and flexible.
A hickory ramrod dowel treated in this manner pores are filled with the linseed oil as it cures and plasticizes the rod becomes more solid and the cured oil strengthens the rod

[AntiqueSledMan]

Hello 30Calflash,

I don't think the Thompson Center clip will hold the Delrin Rod in place while shooting,
I know my Lyman doesn't hold it.
Many will quinge here, but I use a Fiberglass Rod while hunting. It's stiff enough to hold position.
Then I use a Delrin Rod while at the range and for cleaning.
I even take the Delrin Rod along in the truck while hunting.
Personally I don't like the Wooden Rods, after almost running one through my arm.
But I did learn to short step all my rods after that.

AntiqueSledMan

[waksupi]

It kind of sounds like you may benefit to find a local who is familiar with muzzleloaders to get some instruction.

[HamGunner]

The Delrin rods fit perfectly in the TC rifles if you get the one designed for that rifle and the exact length that your rifle requires. Although I have an Oak rod for each of my rifles, I also have a Delrin rod for each as well. I like the tips that have a built in bullet puller inside the brass end.

No matter which one gets, I think it is a good idea to pin both tips on the rods to prevent leaving a tip in the bore. I done that once and learned my lesson. I did put a grain or two inside the flash hole and popped the tip out easily, but I would rather like to know that the tips will not come off the rod.

Track of the Wolf has a great listing that covers almost anything out there.

[DaleT]

I do like country gent, sort of.
I use 3/4 pvc with a cap on end and threaded coupling on the other.
Put the hickory(or whatever) blank in there and fill it up with kerosene (just what my father-in-law use to use, and it works great).
I might have to try it with Linseed. Is that raw or boiled ?

[pietro]

Also, there was a time when fiberglass was a rod material but from what I learned years back they tend to wear the muzzle end of the bore, enough to potentially harm accuracy.

FWIW, since I live/hunt in New England winter weather, because I didn't want to fool around with wood RR's, I've been using cut-to-length orange fiberglass driveway markers ($1.50) as RR's for over 40 years w/o any muzzle/rifling damage. I save the issue RR's for display.

Of course, I've never had cause to abuse/beat on a RR, either..

.

[waksupi]

If you are going to soak a ramrod, rub it down with bear oil or Ed's Red. Either will completely penetrate the wood, and not evaporate away like kerosene. My cleaning rod is limp as a noodle after years of using these.

[oldleadhead]

Made my own "hunting rod" for a TC Hawken. I used 3/8" aluminum rod, drilled and tapped one end for the attachments and put a spherical radius on the other end to center on the ball.

Most of the common hardware stores / many farm stores / big box stores (Lowe's, Home Depot) have 3/8" aluminum rod. It will last forever...

[725]

MSC supply house has brass rod. I've made dozens of replacement rods out of brass and they are as durable as they get. Drill & tap one end for whatever attachments (worm, ball puller, etc.) you might want and "cup the working end for seating balls. May not be for every style gun, but sure looks great on some. YMMV

[beemer]

I use a delrin rod for safety's sake, don't care if it doesn't look right. A broken rod through my hand wouldn't look right either. I made a usable wooden ramrod out of a piece of what a they said was iron wood but use it for show, it does look better. Fiberglass works good but WILL wear the muzzle.

[Texas by God]

FWIW, since I live/hunt in New England winter weather, because I didn't want to fool around with wood RR's, I've been using cut-to-length orange fiberglass driveway markers ($1.50) as RR's for over 40 years w/o any muzzle/rifling damage. I save the issue RR's for display.

Of course, I've never had cause to abuse/beat on a RR, either..

.

My one and only ML rifle has an orange ramrod like that. The issue one broke on the end, so I was looking for a correct dowel to replace it with- didn’t find one in Wally- but saw those driveway markers on the way out…
Heck yeah.


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[30calflash]

Thanks for all the additional replies, I'll look into the driveway markers and get a wood rod to go with the rifle.

As far as the abuse goes that was a one time thing, or should be. I've an aluminum T/C rod I got shortly after and could shorten and put a ball end on the cut side to help with that. The brass or steel stock is appealing as if something were stuck on loading the weight of the rod would help drive it in without damage to the rod or myself.

Now to cast some lead for the upcoming season...