Broken Ramrods!

[Adam Helmer]

We had a mishap at the club last week. A fellow was using a wooden ramrod to load his .50 Hawken. The rod snapped off and the fellow put the barrel-end of the ramrod through his hand.

I always tell my classes on Black Powder to choke DOWN on ramrods, especially wooden ones, and keep both hands close to the muzzle when pushing a load down the barrel; especially when the bore is fouled. The key to survival and safety is: SHORT STROKES!

Adam

[MtnMike2]

Thanks Adam. I use a wooden ramrod on my trad ML and must admit I usually push it down from the top. I'll try altering my grip.

Mike

[Ontario Hawken]

Good advice. I was thinking today that traditional BP manufacturers should use wooden arrow shafts rather than just dowels for ramrods. A good wooden arrow shaft is made from a split piece of good and has grain that limits the chance of splitting...

I think its also good advice to swab the barrel every few shots to make loading easier...

[Mr. 16 gauge]

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.

[Gil Martin]

Never "bow" a ramrod when loading a muzzleloader. I use dowel ramrods and take short strokes and have never had a problem. All the best...
Gil