trumpeted ramrod

[yip]

 i'm planning on a trumpeted -" clubbed"end ramrod on my next build 1/2" to 3/8". my question is this correct for a early shooter, or is this a little over kill? i got the ramrod pipe make and wondering if i should go with or not.

[rich pierce]

Go for it if a large bore early rifle. I generally start with a 7/16 ramrod that is just under 3/8" in the ghjmbles and 5/16 at the tip in the hole.

[yip]

Rich; this is a 54 cal rifle, yeah the center r/r/pipe 3/8, the thimble 4/12" inches from the muzzle is 1/2', i was watching the Hershel House  DVD and thought it would be nice to try. guess i'll go for it .............yip

[rich pierce]

It also helps eliminate that unsightly gap between ramrod and nosecap.

[gusd]

I do the same as Rich.
But sometimes to make  life  easy I Foot the trumpet end.
I cut a very fine wedge and a wedged slot in the ramrod, across grain.
Glue wedge in place spreading the tip.
gus

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

On rifles of .50 cal and larger, I like to start with at least 7/16" wood and prefer 1/2", tapering the rod quickly to the first pipe. I don't reduce much smaller than .350" for the rod tip on the small end (make my own tips) and this never jams in a 3/8" rod hole.  I also use the small end to send the ball to the charge - never reverse the rod, so the bulbous muzzle end is easy on the hand for seating the ball.

[yip]

 just finished my trumpeted r/r, didn't come out bad just got to do a little touch up. i got to figure out a end for pushing the ball, i used a 9mm pistol casing on my last rifle and worked out great, guess i'll try that.  anyone have an idea?

[rich pierce]

The traditional ramrod tip (on the narrow end) for a flintlock rifle is a tapered, rolled, brazed sheet iron tip threaded for a tow worm.

[yip]

Thanks Rich; i wish i had a picture of it. sounds interesting to try