Several years ago I bought a 'range rod' that I use when I do a lot of shooting...it is a lot 'beefier' than the standard ramrod that comes under the barrel (the one for my .54 hawken is almost as big as the bore itself!). They tend not to 'bend' when ramming the ball home. I use it when I intend to do alot of shooting. The one for my .54 I bought from the local black powder shop; it has a ball puller attached (just unscrew the ball pusher) and it is much,
much easier to pull a ball with this ramrod than with the smaller one.
The range rod I have for my .62 flintlock has a standard head on one end and a cleaning jag on the other. I take both with me when I go hunting, but they stay in the car and I use the traditional under barrel ones when I need a second shot.
I do like the idea of 'short strokes', however......
Saving be from puncturing myself is always a good deal.
