Considering a black powder NEF and a question....

[B. Miville]

Ok, I must admit I love my traditional ML (a Lyman Deerstalker) but have always been jealous of the in-line shooters and how much easier it is having that breech plug.  Thing is my traditional side kinda balks at all the mega modern looking plastic and stainless guns....'cept for the NEF/H&R muzzle loaders.  I have ALWAYS loved the classic look of the NEF's and honestly I don't know why I have not gotten my hands on at least one of the shotguns yet.  But I DO know what keeps holding me back from the ML.....the ramrod.  Its seems like that thing is probably the biggest weak link in the entire system.  So my question is, are my worries unfounded?  Is the ramrod at least passable for use?  If not, what does everyone here do about it?

I think what I would do is pick up a rifle (mostly so that if I want to add more rifle barrels I can which I know is not possible with shotgun or ML frames) and then send in for a shotgun barrel and the ML barrel.  Also, I have seen mention of .25 ACP breech plugs.  Who manufactures these and how much are they?

Thanks!

[cattleskinner]

Yes you can use the stock ramrod, and it works good.  There are a couple of things to be careful about.  Don't try and seat your bullet with the rod extended, start it in the collapsed position, and then when it is halfway down the barrel, finish it off.  Yes it is slower, but it is what the instructions say and it works good, slow, but good.  The other thing is the ramrods have a non standard thread pitch size, I can't remember off the top of my head, but it is not what normal ramrods have.  It may or may not matter to you, but the tip that is included on the ramrod is flat, so it kind of messes up the new plastic tipped sabots.  You can get a replacement ramrod from here http://www.hubbardsoutdoorproducts.com/drop.html, it works really well, is built hell for stout, is about 2" longer than the factory one, and it uses standard thread pitch for normal muzzleloader accessories.  The one that comes on the ramrod is also concave for pointed bullets.  The .25 acp breach plug is located at http://www.prbullet.com/hornet.htm .  The ramrods are about $30, and if I remember right the breech plug is around $60.  I have both and recommend both highly, are they needed?  Not really, but are they a nice upgrade? Yes they are.  Any more questions, feel free to ask.

~Amos

[Busta]

Miville,

Amos has given you excellent advice. The only thing I would add is get a range rod for loading at the range and cleaning, then just use the standard rod for loading in the field. I have never had a problem with the standard rod used as directed, the Hubbard gives you a better jag for patching/loading as the standard one is nearly useless for that.

I also have the PR .25 ACP breech plug and would recommend it highly. You can buy from PR Bullets in Canada direct, or through a couple distributors in the States.

http://www.bpbullets.com/index.html

http://www.thebuckskinner.com/index.html

[pap]

You can get an adapter from 8/32 to 10/32 . I got mine at my local gun shop it doesn't have the threads to lock the rod together,but thats a minor inconvenience. I flattened the other end and use it as a bullet starter. Hope this helps, it works for me.

[B. Miville]

Thanks guys.  I think I may pick one up over the winter and give it a working over for next years deer season.