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Author Topic: Ramrod Diameters?  (Read 4186 times)

George F.

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Ramrod Diameters?
« on: March 12, 2009, 04:44:28 AM »
I am trying to finish up my latest unfinished project, a left hand PA fowler kit in 20 gauge from Mr Jim. A 3/8" ramrod was supplied, but I have 7/16"and 1/2" rods at home also. The 3/8" pipes are already installed. I have tapered 7/16" rods to fit the 3/8" pipes before and they look fine. Since the bore is somewhat larger than the .50's I built before, would the 1/2" look awkward? Any suggestions are welcomed....Geo.
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Offline Jim Filipski

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Re: Ramrod Diameters?
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2009, 05:19:19 AM »
George,
I have done a number of fowlers with 1/2 inch rods tapering to a 3/8 in at the upper pipe ( also tapering to 5/16 from the rear pipe back) I like the way they look and you can taper them to come out to the 1/2 inch with a nice flare.
I'm not sure if this is PC  ( period correct) but they look artistically pleasing
Jim
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Offline Jim Filipski

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Re: Ramrod Diameters?
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2009, 05:48:45 AM »
 George
This is a 1/2" to 3/8"

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George F.

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Re: Ramrod Diameters?
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2009, 09:57:50 AM »
Jim that photo cinched it for me! Thanks a lot Jim....Geo. See you in July.
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Offline James Rogers

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Re: Ramrod Diameters?
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2009, 12:56:54 PM »
A horn tip can also be used along with the taper.


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Offline Jim Filipski

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Re: Ramrod Diameters?
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2009, 04:44:45 PM »
I love these horn tips. If you check out German fowlers on those European auction sites from time to time, there are some pretty interesting ramrod terminations.
many in the neighborhood if not exceeding the the rod taper in question. So I guess there is some room to be creative here.
By the way my example I posted is from one of my rifles ( not a fowler) but that really doesn't matter since I would do it for both.
If you don't have any fancy tapering device ( I don not) it ends up being a good amount of work & I sleep well after tackling that job.
The only thing I use is one of those home made vee grooved metal plates with different holes and notches in it which is used as a scraper
Jim
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omark

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Re: Ramrod Diameters?
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2009, 08:11:57 PM »
jw, i have never used one of the v-groove tapers tools. what i use is a piece of old barrel about 5 inches long with the rifling removed and the bore oversized. then the end of the tool is beveled back on the outside slightly. then simply stroke the rod through the hole while twisting the tool slightly. seems to work well for me. as i said i have never used the other type tool, but it never looked very practical to me. i got this from a fella that used to work for GRRW.   just my opinion, but you might try it.   mark :)
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Offline Jim Filipski

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Re: Ramrod Diameters?
« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2009, 02:30:36 AM »
Quote from: omark on March 12, 2009, 08:11:57 PM
jw, i have never used one of the v-groove tapers tools. what i use is a piece of old barrel about 5 inches long with the rifling removed and the bore oversized. then the end of the tool is beveled back on the outside slightly. then simply stroke the rod through the hole while twisting the tool slightly. seems to work well for me. as i said i have never used the other type tool, but it never looked very practical to me. i got this from a fella that used to work for GRRW.   just my opinion, but you might try it.   mark :)

Mark could you show us a photo of that....especially how it used. Sounds easier then what I'm using
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" Associate with men of good quality,  if you esteem your own reputation:
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omark

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Re: Ramrod Diameters?
« Reply #8 on: March 13, 2009, 05:00:48 AM »
jw, ill  try but it might be a few days before i can get to it. mama thinks she needs to go denver tomorrow to see her kids.   you just twist it slightly to put pressur on the cutting edge and pump it up and down as you would if cleaning a barrel.     mark
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