Tapered ramroads

[Maineshops]

I hear mention of folks tapering ramrods on purpose . I just made a few by accident . What purpose is there to tapering a ramrod. Thanks .....Dan

[Mike Lyons]

It aides in getting it to fit in the hole. Sometimes the lock bolt is in the way and by tapering it,  you can fit it in. There’s several opinions and preferences on fitting ramrods.

[Maineshops]

Thanks Mike. Also what kinds of attachments do I need for the rod ? Swaying and cleaning fixtures? Brushes or cleaning patch do dads?

[Mike Lyons]

I’m no expert by any means.  I like the business end to go inside the ramrod hole.  For that,  I take brass or steel rod the same diameter and taper it.  One end has a 8 or 10-32 threaded hole for your do dads and the other I drill out and pin to the rod.  I either do that or buy a chambers ramrod end that’s already complete.  Several on here have ramrod ends to purchase.  I don’t like the big ones that show under the muzzle.  I like wood showing under the muzzle.  That all changes if you are replicating a specific rifle.   You make whatever is correct in that case.

[borderdogs]

Hi Guys,
It might seem silly but I use  sandpaper and a rod chucked in a drill press. I mark the rod with a pencil on the end and put marks every foot and start 80 grit. It works for me.
Rob

[sdilts]

I do the same as Borderdogs but without the drill. Just rotate it by hand. It doesn't take long at all.

[smylee grouch]

I use one of Acers ramrod scraper tools and it works great. I like the muzzle end (last 2 inches at least) to be bigger with a rounded end so I can get more grip on it and is also easier on the hand when seating the ball.

[mountainman]

I was just looking at some features today, and I came across this. I like the flats on the tapered rod.

[Lucky R A]

Since most original ramrods that are available for study seem to be tapered with a swelled end that is near bore size, that is how I make mine.   I use a 6" X 48" belt sander with an 80 grit belt on it. I usually start with a 7/16 rod for 50 cal & up.  I roll the rod while I twist it with my fingers across the running belt.   The rod is lengthwise to the belt not across.  It only takes a few minutes to taper the bottom end of the rod down to the diameter to take a 5/16 end tapped for a 10/32 thread.  If you get the rod a little elliptical, it can be rounded up by pulling the rod through a piece of angle iron that you have drilled a series of holes from 1/2' down to 5/16.   The iron is clenched in your vice , and if you pull your rod on a slight angle it will peal wood off quite quickly and round thing up.   It probably takes about 10 minutes to taper and fit a rod...
Ron