5/16th ramrod

[bob hertrich]

I am going to build a fowler. Some are built using a 5/16 ramrod. I would like to use that size for the thinness. How does that work safely loading a large patched ball?

[smart dog]

Hi Bob,
Most rods were tapered and on some English fowlers the entry thimble was around 5/16" but the forward thimbles were a little bigger.  My 5/16" rods do fine loading patched round ball, which in my case is not as tight as in a rifled barrel. I huddle over the rod keeping my hands near the muzzle as I push. 

dave

[Craig Wilcox]

On my 16-bore double, the RR is 5/16" at the tip, 15/16" at the base.  Don't know if it is original to the shotgun (~ 1850?) or if it is a replacement.  Could be a replacement, as the locks are really worn out and need to be replaced.

[Clark Badgett]

On my 16-bore double, the RR is 5/16" at the tip, 15/16" at the base.  Don't know if it is original to the shotgun (~ 1850?) or if it is a replacement.  Could be a replacement, as the locks are really worn out and need to be replaced.

How do you fit a 15/16" rammer into a 16 bore?

[Goo]

For my 20 ga. Builds I make mine and taper from 1/2". Down to 5/16". I also use progressively smaller RR pipes to match the rod.   A not perfectly straight RR is better helps them stay where you put them.

[Craig Wilcox]

Had to laugh, Clark!  I guess you just double the 16 part - it is actually 15/32", just under a half inch.  And the skinny part fits down the RR channel.