Ramrod question.

[Clark Badgett]

I'm currently collecting parts for a future SMR style build. I have a Rice Southern classic barrel in .45 and am wondering from you gentlemen in the know whether a 3/8" or a 5/16" ramrod would look best. I am hoping this to be my first plank build in walnut. I'm thinking the 5/16" rod would allow it to look slimmer if I don't botch it all up.

Clark

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I would drill the rod hole 5/16" but use a tapered 3/8" rod.

[Daryl]

Bro beat me to it. Tapered 3/8" down to 5/16".

[Clark Badgett]

Thanks Taylor. That option has crossed my mind. Would I use a 3/8" forward pipe for that? I'm going to make the pipes so I can customize them if need be.

[Pukka Bundook]

As Taylor and Daryl say;
A tapered rod.
Yes, differing  size ramrod pipes as well.

[David Rase]

I drill all my .45 caliber ramrod holes 5/16".  I even drill some of my .50 caliber holes 5/16".  I use a straight 5/16" ramrod on .45's and tapered on .50's.  I think a straight rod on a .45 caliber bore gives the rifle a much slimmer look.
David

[smallpatch]

Like David said, 5/19" rod and skinny web=slender profile.

[hanshi]

All mine are 3/8" and tapered down to 5/16" to fit the 5/16" hole drilled in the stock.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I have even seen here how someone made a long tapered square reamer for tapering the rod hole...

[Clark Badgett]

Once again, I really appreciate all the suggestions and will see how much hickory I can butcher along the way. I got plenty of it to butcher as of this moment.