ramrod size for a 40 cal

[brokenhand]

I am gathering up parts and supplies for an upcoming rifle build. Planning to make a Southern styled rifle, but I am using a Rice transistional 38" swamped barrel. So, It will be a bit shorter and possibly thicker than most rifles of its type. I can't decide if I should go with a 5/16 ramrod groove and ramrod or go up to a 3/8". This is on a 40 cal. I am making it for myself so I don't have to please anyone but me. Anybody have any thoughts for me? Thanks

[Frank]

5/16 always worked fine for me on a 40 caliber.

[Daryl]

3/8" tapered to 1/4" or 5/16".

[David Rase]

5/16"  It is had to get a slender looking forestock with a 3/8" ramrod.   Im fact, I drill a 5/16" ramrod hole in all my rifles up to .50 caliber.
David

[Daniel Coats]

Make a tapered rod 3/8 to 5/16 it'll look and work great!

[brokenhand]

Thanks for all of your good advice!  I am going with the 5/16" hole, but you got me thinking about the tapered ramrod thing.

[Not English]

I learned to taper all my ramrods. The end going into the forestock should be 1/16" smaller than the other end. It makes for real easy stowing of the ramrod.

[Gaeckle]

5/16"  It is had to get a slender looking forestock with a 3/8" ramrod.   Im fact, I drill a 5/16" ramrod hole in all my rifles up to .50 caliber.
David

This is true