Range Rod

[444]

I need a new range rod.
I am getting ready to dust off my blackpowder stuff and start shooting it more. I ruined my last range rod trying to pull a stuck ball I loaded without powder. I ordered another "range rod" and ended up with some kind of super flexable black plastic thing that IMO isn't worth a crap. The first one I had was nice and stiff with a big ball on the end. That is what I am looking for.
Of course now we have a Bass Pro Shop, maybe they have something like that ?

 

[armoredman]

Get an old Mosin or Mauser cleaning rod at the next gunshow. Just a thought.

 

[Oldnamvet]

I normally make mine from hardwood dowels and put a "T" type handle on top. Epoxy and pin the female fitting in place. It hasn't come apart in nearly 20 years. Since I have a .54, I use a 1/2" birch dowel. Not likely to break by pulling on it.

 

[Chawbaccer]

You can get the hard-wood balls at your local craft store and drill a hole in em to fit the ram rod you're using. Or you can go to the hardware store and get a brass rod and fit some fancy cabinet knob to it, thread the other end to fit your jag and accesories.

 

[444]

Thank you for the replies. However, that isn't what I was looking for. Let me try this another way.
Who makes a commerically produced range rod, specifically made for the purpose of loading muzzleloading rifles, preferably made from a strong and stiff synthetic material such as fiberglass or carbon fiber ? The rod should be longer than a ramrod that fits under the barrel of the rifle and be equipped with some kind of device such as a ball on the end to make it's use more comfortable and makes pulling on it much easier to grasp.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Sorry, I can't help. However, if you can contact someone who supplies panic door hardware, you might be able to get a 3/8" solid brass rod (or from your hardware store). Cut to length, attach a wood ball (or drill out a file handle) and drill & tap the end for your jag or worm. Since it's made of brass, you don't have to worry about dinging the muzzle. I have one and it's great for loading, pulling stuck balls as well as for cleaning.

 

[Oldnamvet]

http://www.shootnhunt.com/catalog/JM/black_powder/bullet_starters_ramrods_accessories/

Try this site. They have lexan range rods. Also google on "range rod black powder" and you get a number of hits. Good luck.

 

[squirrel-shooter]

Thompson Center Arms Rugged Range Rod

A 32" Range Rod made from solid aluminum stock, and hard coat anodized. Features a tough polymer palm saver knob for a firm grip when driving down balls, bullets or sabots. The ball seating end of the ramrod is threaded to accept standard 10x32 threaded accessories.

No. 9692 Rugged Range Rod

http://www.tcarms.com/TC_HTML/accessrs_ramrods.htm

Several inline shooters I know use this particular rod because they shoot sabots and need the extra pushing grip to get the sabot seated down the barrel. Check it out and see if its what you are looking for.

squirrel-shooter

 

[hipshot300]

steel or brass

two outfits on the web may have what you need.
www.trackofthewolf.com
www.possiblesshop.com

track of the wolf advertises several types including steel military style 5/16" with "T" handle--wood handles also available. rod guides included. choice of fixed or rotating handles

the possibles shop is apparently down at the moment but they have the same type of wood or "T" type handle steel rods in various lengths and also offer them in brass rods with your choice of size of threads for the attachments. rod guides not included. wish they hurry up and get their site back up it is a good one.

 

[mothernatureson]

rangerod

I would suggest a steel range rod made by Treso. It has the brass muzzle guard which protects the crown of the rifle. Mine is 48" and has a "T" handle that swivels. Of course it has the theaded ends for ramrod accessories. Works great on my Pennsylvania and shorter rifles. Many guys at my club use them. It was less than 20 dollars, and will last forever.

 

[444]

Out of all that, I didn't see exactly what I wanted. What I wanted was one just like the one I had and broke. This may sound corney but I enjoyed that rod so much that every time I used it I gave at least a passing thought as to how happy I was to discover it and not still using the rod under the barrel.
I guess most of the ones mentioned will do exactly the same thing, so I will just buy one of those: that Thompson Center aluminum rod seems to be as close to what I had before. Although having a T-handle might be nice also.

 

[444]

I drove down to Bass Pro Shop and bought an aluminum, T-handled rod today. It looks like it will do a fine job.
They didn't have what I really wanted though. I just bought a .36 rifle last weekend and need some balls for it. Of course, Bass Pro didn't have any. So, I will just have to order some.