Author Topic: bouncing the ramrod?? (Read 939 times)

jritter · « **on:** February 16, 2005, 03:10:24 PM »

I have a question about bouncing the ramrod when loading muzzleloaders. Seems all of the powder and gun manufacturers say not to do it because the powders could ignite from the force.
In experience, I like to drop the ramrod in until it bounces when loading, that way I know for sure the projectile is properly seated. Sometimes when the barrel is fouled by a couple of shots, it is impossible to just push the bullet in to place all the way. I have my ramrod marked to identify this. (Before I did this, when I was a rookie, I slightly short fired a ball and it was a weird experience. :eek: )
How do you guys do this?

By the way, I am still a muzzleloading rookie! :-)

jbtazgrabber · « **Reply #1 on:** February 17, 2005, 04:23:55 AM »

i dont bounce the rods because i usally use hollow point bullets and dont want to deform the hp......i know my rod is marked and the more i shoot the more the rod sticks out of barrel ,because of powder buildup...i dont clean between shot at all.......but if the rod should sudenly stop shorti wood bounce test.....BUT i usally try a steady push on rod whene loading and FEEL it hit bottem..so i dont deform my bullet.....hope this helps....jb

mangulator · « **Reply #2 on:** February 17, 2005, 05:55:22 AM »

I need to agree with jbtazgrabber, I mark my rod and can feel when I seat the bullet on the powder charge. I do not bounce the rod because I use polycarbonate tipped bullets and hollow points so bouncing the rod can damage the bullet tips. I have bounced the rod when using mini-balls, conicals and round balls.

jritter · « **Reply #3 on:** February 17, 2005, 04:17:04 PM »

thanks for the replies. You are correct about loading bullets, I wouldn't want to deform the tip. My experience has been with a patched ball, black powder, and a hawken. After about 2 or 3 shots, the only way to get the ball down is to bounce it. It goes in easily, but just about an inch off the powder, it stops.
I have some powerbelts for my new sidekick, I will see how they load.

jbtazgrabber · « **Reply #4 on:** February 17, 2005, 06:57:18 PM »

i wount shoot a rb. out of a sidekick,with its quick twist barrel its BEGGIN TO SHOOT BULLETS,NOT BALLS....JB

jdbe · « **Reply #5 on:** February 20, 2005, 08:38:41 AM »

You should not have to bounce it at all, just seat it firmly. To aid me at the range, I fabricated a ramrod out of round steel that is available at the local home center. I chose this as it is heavy and that aids in seating. I turned a nice purpleheart handle and tapped the end to accept implements. I also made one out of al stock that I put a cleaning jag on for swabbing between shots. This way, I do not have to screw and unscrew anything. I just seat the sabbot with firm two handed pressure with a little of my weight behind it. Seems to work well. also mark your seating rod so you confirm same depth each time.