This will be my first year hunting with a muzzleloader so I'm fairly new to the sport of muzzleloading. I am shooting a Knight Revolution that I inherited. The ramrod broke the other day while I was at the range. I really don't have the funds to buy a new one at the moment and Knight said it would take 7 days to get here when I order it. I get paid on Friday but I'm really wanting to go hunting this weekend. Do you guys have any ideas? Thanks for any help.
Makeshift ramrod?(please help)
- Thread starter moonedzx9
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WNC Seabee
Member
Go to Lowe's and buy a wood dowel that is as close as possible to the bore size. It will serve you well enough until you get a replacement.
I grew up shooting traditional black powder (flintlocks and hand carved stocks....not in-line with scopes!). My first deer was taken with a .54 flintlock and I snapped the ramrod in 2 in my excitement trying to reload. The dowel I picked up at the home store sufficed for the rest of that season and through a lengthy rendevous shoot.
I grew up shooting traditional black powder (flintlocks and hand carved stocks....not in-line with scopes!). My first deer was taken with a .54 flintlock and I snapped the ramrod in 2 in my excitement trying to reload. The dowel I picked up at the home store sufficed for the rest of that season and through a lengthy rendevous shoot.
Cosmoline
Member
Even better than a wood dowel is a SNOW MARKER. I've rigged several of these mini-flagpoles and they're truly indestructible ramrods. They're also easy to adapt for brush holders and rammers. You can find them for about $5. They're stiffer and much stronger than a typical ramrod. Here's what they look like. Also called "driveway markers."
http://www.centralparts.com/Accessories/Snow-Pole-Reflective-Markers/
http://www.centralparts.com/Accessories/Snow-Pole-Reflective-Markers/
Chawbaccer
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Be careful with the dowel, they can break into a sharp point and the user can get a nasty wound.
ontarget
Member
I have broken several ramrods. A dowell will work to get you by. For future reference though, after you replace your ramrod, get a "range rod" to use at the range, thereby saving the wear and tear on your stock stick. And BTW, we welcome ALL BP shooters, not just traditionalists. So stop by anytime!
robhof
Member
robhof
To answer your question about drilling and tapping the markers, yes but be careful and drill slow, fiberglass dust is a real pain and hazzardous to breath. I've even used my pocket knife to cut a groove then shave down to fit conventional tips thed tapped and used brass rod stock for retention pins.
To answer your question about drilling and tapping the markers, yes but be careful and drill slow, fiberglass dust is a real pain and hazzardous to breath. I've even used my pocket knife to cut a groove then shave down to fit conventional tips thed tapped and used brass rod stock for retention pins.
alsaqr
Member
Some of my ramrods are made from 3/8" metal rods bought at Tractor Supply or Atwoods. The brass rods make the best ramrods. The aluminum rods are OK though. The rods cost < $5 each.
Drill a hole in the end of the rod with a No. 21 or 11/64" drill and thread the hole using a 10-32 tap. Cut the rod to length and bevel the other end so it will go into the ramrod seat.
Drill a hole in the end of the rod with a No. 21 or 11/64" drill and thread the hole using a 10-32 tap. Cut the rod to length and bevel the other end so it will go into the ramrod seat.
Cosmoline
Member
Maybe, but it's a lot easier to work it like wood. It's fiberglass so you can shave it down with a file to take the usual ramrod tips (TOTW has dozens to choose from). Friction fit, then drill through for a pin. Epoxy is also an option for added strength, but the pin seems to work fine. If you want to screw brushes in you put the requisite brass tip on it.
scrat
Member
Depending on the size. you can also go to your local auto parts store. pick up a 3/8 by 36 inch steel tubing the type for brake lines.
heck it even comes factory with a nice taper
heck it even comes factory with a nice taper
Zeke/PA
Member
Your BEST bet is to find a Machinist/Toolmaker friend that is also a Black Powder shooter. He should be able to hook you up with both a Range Rod AND a durable ramrod for a woods carry.
moose owner
Member
You can also use 3/8 inch black acetal plastic rods. These are the generic form of delrin. I do not know if they are available at any hardware stores, but they can be ordered from onlinemetals.com for $2.28 each. The only drawback to acetal (delrin) rods is that they tend to be a little flexible for use as ramrods. However, they are light weight and indestructible. You do not have to worry about breaking one of these pups.
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