Source for 48 inch 5/16 or 1/4 inch spring steel rod

[Dennis Glazener]

I want to make a couple of range rods for .32 caliber rifles. Not sure if they make music wire that size and in 48 inch lengths but that's what I would prefer. Second choice would be spring steel. Anyone know of a source for 2 or 3 pieces?

I do not want brass, too soft and I worry about embedded grit wiping a land out.

Dennis

[KentSmith]

Drill rod at Pleasant's Hardware downtown on Broad St. comes to mind.  I think they have 48" lengths.  I find hot and cold rolled steel 1/4" there or at Lowe's/Home Depot.  I like the drill rod for this application.

[eagle24]

check with Southern Tool Steels and/or Admiral Steel.  You should be able to Google and look online.  Not sure they will have what you need, but that's where I would start.  I know Southern Tool Steels will have drill rod, but that may be harder than you want.

[coutios]

  Try your local steel supply houses. I've only seen 36" at the tool supply businesses.. Is Stainless Steel an option?  You may find a standard length ( 12ft) locally, Avoid cut and shipping costs . Make 3 sell 2 yours is free... Just my thoughts

Regards
Dave

[Dennis Glazener]

Drill rod at Pleasant's Hardware downtown on Broad St. comes to mind.  I think they have 48" lengths.  I find hot and cold rolled steel 1/4" there or at Lowe's/Home Depot.  I like the drill rod for this application.

Kent I checked with them and they only have 36" length. I did just find a Metal Supply company about 5 miles up from me. I had bought from them before but they moved and I didn't know where. Found them and they have 01 drill rod in 1/4 and 9/32nd in 12ft lengths. Also have 4140 in 1/4 inch dia and 20 ft lengths.

I suspect 01 is harder than 4140 in its as purchased state. I think I will try some of the 9/32 for my .32 caliber range rods.
Dennis

[davec2]

http://www.mcmaster.com/#metal-drill-rods/=cgmjrf

Rods come in 6 foot lengths

[Swampwalker]

I used to love going to Pleasants Hardware in Richmond when I lived there - one of the best hardware stores in eastern Virginia. 
Dennise, the 1/4" rod size works good in the .32; I would hesitate to go larger.  The least little bend and it rubs the lands.  Definitely make a muzzle guide to go with the setup.

[B.Habermehl]

Do you have a Fastenall store near by? I bought a stainless 1/4 in rod from them a bit ago. I think I paid 12 dollars for 10 ft.

[Dennis Glazener]

http://www.mcmaster.com/#metal-drill-rods/=cgmjrf

Rods come in 6 foot lengths

Thanks Dave, that A2 rod might be the way to go. I assume I could harden it with a torch and not have to worry about quenching it. Since the 01 is close by I think I will try it and if I think I need it to be harder I will order a piece of the A2.
Thanks
Dennis

[Dennis Glazener]

I used to love going to Pleasants Hardware in Richmond when I lived there - one of the best hardware stores in eastern Virginia.
Dennise, the 1/4" rod size works good in the .32; I would hesitate to go larger.  The least little bend and it rubs the lands.  Definitely make a muzzle guide to go with the setup.

yes Pleasants is still pretty good, much better than Lowes or Home Depot, just so far from me (22 miles). I wondered about the 9/32 being a little too large @ .281. Yes I plan to make a muzzle guide but I found out when shooting benchrest rifles you still can wipe a lan out even when using a bore guide. The ram rod will flex down inside the bore and over time it will lap it right of the bore. Don't ask how I know!
Dennis