CramRods

[P.A. Myers]

CramRods: I don't hunt anymore but I still shoot my smokepoles every chance I get. I never use the original ramrods, so I thread the ramrod guide spool. The rod is then anchored with a set screw. They don't move.
 
I have a Drewes working rod and it is a fine tool, but I wanted something more
traditional. I also wanted one that could do some varsity ramming.
 
Rod 1 is a 1/4 inch brass shaft 31 inches long. The brass tip is a lamp fixture threaded 1/4-28. The handle is a section of hickory from a Louisville Slugger.
 
Rod 2 is for smashing a maxi-ball down a badly fowled barrel or if you get a patch that is a little too thick. It is made from a 3/8 steel rod. The tip is a 357 case with the primer pocket drilled and tapped to 10-32. A 10-32 screw is inserted from inside the case to be the stud. Using a long nut it can be either male or female. Many types of tips, jags and brushes will fit. A Hurst T-handle is easy on the hands and allows you to screw a jag in and pull it out with no
chance of coming off.
 
The brass rod works really well and that is what I use most of the time.The steel rod can be very handy also.
 
I just thought I would share this.  I hope you find it interesting.   P.A.
 
 

[coyotejoe]

Making one's own accessories can be a lot of fun and often you can make a better tool than you can buy, or at least one you like better. For a range rod I long ago adopted a 7/16" wooden rod. For a tip I use a .40 S&W cartridge case both epoxied and cross pinned to the rod. It's easy to drill out the primer pocket and tap it 10x32. In loading a long rifle I grip the rod not more than a foot above the barrel and run the ball down with a hand over hand motion. I can't grip a smooth steel 1/4" or 5/16" rod well enough to run down a really tight load that way but with the 7/16" wooden rod it is not trouble at all. I cut the rod a couple of inches longer than the bore and attach a knob or wooden drawer pull to the top end to help if I ever need to pull a ball. They're so cheap and easy to make I've made up several different lengths. Of course they don't work for anything under .45 caliber.

[P.A. Myers]

wood is good