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Post by elkman1310 on Dec 15, 2017 15:24:17 GMT -5
Since we have seen the results of a double loaded muzzleloader I was looking for a way to mark the rod to make it more fool proof besides just the witness mark which can be missed if your not paying attention. The rods I use are 3/8ths in diameter so now I simply use a piece of 3/8 red shrink tube 3" long I place this below the witness mark and apply heat to the shrink tube to lock it in place. It can be removed or changed if you change your bullet and powder combination.
If you load your gun and your ramrod is showing red above your muzzle you better start asking yourself what you did wrong. If its only 1/4" above it may just be the bullet is not properly seated anything more than that will indicate a double powder charge if its a 1" or more you got a real double load If you can't see red as danger you can buy this in different colors but I am using red. I bought a big pack from Amazon for like $10.00 and each piece is 6" long so you can do two ramrods with one shrink tube. |
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Post by nippernut on Dec 15, 2017 16:55:21 GMT -5
get a shaft locking ring, absolute fool proof
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Post by elkman1310 on Dec 15, 2017 17:03:20 GMT -5
I thought about that too. But nothing stands out like 3 inches of red tubing on the ramrod. The locking color can be missed just like the witness mark. It shouldn't be missed but it can. Its still good insurance and better than just a scratch mark like some people use.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2017 18:10:23 GMT -5
Good idea Elkman....
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Post by 12ptdroptine on Dec 15, 2017 19:06:44 GMT -5
In the past I have used electricial tape. But it shears off if it touches the crown. Also I use a delrin bore guide/protector. And I dont know that shrink tube would pass through the hole in it. But it just might. Sure is worth a try. The lock collar would require a visual also. And I see no reason I would ever be loading in the dark. But as I stated in another thread...I will be getting dedicated ramrods for each gun....and colored shrink tube would be a great way to identify them. And yall know color coordinated accessories are very important...lol
Drop
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Post by kskaggs on Dec 15, 2017 19:34:58 GMT -5
I double loaded a NULA 50 cal way back when powder bullet powder bullet and fortunately caught it with the ram rod mark but it can happen and I think all these posts for the beginners are great and it is so important for the posts I know the pics are graphic but necessary!! All these ideas are great I think it’s important for people to develop a routine and stick with it!!
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Post by elkman1310 on Dec 15, 2017 19:51:43 GMT -5
The shrink tube I used is thin but it is very durable stuff. Anyone that looks at the ramrod now can't miss it even when its dark. I am sure something elaborate could be machined but these ideas we post are simply and cost effective so anyone can do them. Always great ideas can be found on this message board.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2017 20:12:55 GMT -5
For me there is nothing easier to see or feel even in low light than a 3/4" OD lock collar on the ramrod. If the collar does not contact the muzzle, you have a problem.
No offense Elkman. If heat shrink tubing works for you, that is all you can ask for.
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153
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Post by 153 on Dec 15, 2017 21:30:37 GMT -5
Been using white out, liquid, on my for several years. Just freshen up every so often. My first SML had a 25" barrel and the next three I made sure to make all the same length. Also, except when testing loads, a piece of electrical tape goes over the muzzle. Let's me know gun is loaded and keeps rain/moisture out.
I know the pictures of someone hand blown to bits are hard to look at but we all need a reminder every couple months.
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Post by doug136 on Dec 16, 2017 8:55:33 GMT -5
Excellent idea Carl ! Thank you for sharing
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Post by elkman1310 on Dec 16, 2017 9:30:43 GMT -5
What every you decide to use just about anything is better than a scratch mark on a ramrod that maybe be worn or full of scratches to begin with. Scat the big locking collar is fine too but the shrink tubing just looks nice on the gun. If you don't have your ramrod mounted on your rifle and carry a range rod then a locking collar would be good.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2017 10:15:03 GMT -5
On a gun mounted rod, I prefer mine to extend about an inch on a loaded barrel. Granted, I can't push a bullet thru with it, but if double loaded it will be easy to tell. Awareness is what it is all about. Thanks Elkman for starting this thread. Maybe we should sticky it ?
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Post by elkman1310 on Dec 16, 2017 15:12:00 GMT -5
Well I did some shooting today with a ramrod I marked with shrink tube I made it 3" long below the witness mark that proved to be to long. All the guns I build use a fairly long muzzle brake but that much tubing it can snag on the end of the muzzle which will start to flair out the shrink tubing so I kept cutting it back to about 1 1/2 inches which worked out good and still gives plenty of indication you did something wrong.
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Post by jimmykip on Dec 16, 2017 15:35:58 GMT -5
+1 for the locking collar.
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Post by BigMoney on Aug 11, 2020 11:57:04 GMT -5
Will using a collar or shrink tubing work when using a load through funnel? I am new to the SML game and I am trying to learn all I can to be safe. I understand using a witness mark for an empty rifle, but with the advent of load through funnels, is that still practical? Or should your empty mark be with the funnel in the brake? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
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Post by jims on Aug 11, 2020 20:11:01 GMT -5
Some good ideas here.
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fng
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Post by fng on Aug 12, 2020 10:31:07 GMT -5
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Post by hillbill on Aug 12, 2020 13:10:19 GMT -5
I used the same rod at the shoot this past weekend, it's great for the bench but not so for the woods
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Post by nippernut on Aug 13, 2020 21:25:25 GMT -5
I think i will stick with my 3.00 shaft lock ring
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