?? Wiping rod for Ballard Pacific rifle ??

mazo kid

Hope someone can help me with the description and dimensions of the rod tips so I can make a better rod than the replacement one that came with my rifle. Are either of them threaded for jags or tips? A photo would be nice but I'll settle for what I can get. Thank you. Emery emstluka@itis.com

Der Gebirgsjager

Rods, rods, rods.....! Boy, Kid, you've really opened up a subject here. Is your rifle a .50 cal.? If so, that really narrows the field. Here's some thoughts: Really finicky shooters disdain (1) jointed rods because they feel crud and grit can accumulate in the joints and damage the bore, as can uneven joints, (2) solid rods made from aluminum, brass, or wood because they feel grit can become embedded in the surface of the softer materials, (3) solid stainless rods because they're harder than the barrel steel and cause accelerated wear (just can't win here--too soft--too hard). The trend now seems to be coated rods such as are available from Midway and Brownell's. If you've got a large bore, like .50 cal., and want a rod that fills the bore, you might take a look at the fiberglass unbreakable rods intended both as ram and cleaning rods for muzzleloaders. These come with a jag tip for push/pulling patches, and slick and grit resistant, and not as hard as steel. Problem is, they don't have a handle as they are meant to be stored under the barrel of the rifle, but something could probably be made to work.

He Dog

Thompson Center makes some nice after market rods in various lengths for muzzleloaders. Knight makes a nifty aluminum handle that screws on the rod for range work and even use in the field.

If you are looking for a cleaning rod for a modern rifle, you can't do better than bore tech. www.boretech.com Spendy, but worth the price!

mazo kid

Guys....... I'm familiar with ramrods as I have been shooting muzzle loaders darn near 30 yrs. now. The wiping rod I'm looking for is for the Ballard Pacific rifle and is slung under the barrel, not unlike a M/L or a Gemmer. Someone suggested Ballard Rifle Works in Wy. so that is where I am going next. Thanks for the your time in responding. Emery

davem3

My #5 Ballard in 40/85 has what appears to be hickory wiping rod with two V shaped rings cut around one end to hold a patch and a tapered slightly enlarged walnut tip on the other end. Not the original I am sure. Grant's book on "Single Shot Rifles" would have more info. but all I have seen had a plain wood rod.

davem3