MT Gianni wrote:Years ago Veral Smith said to use a light oil and a heavy hammer. That advice has always worked for me. I use a cold steel rod wrapped with elec tape every 6"-8" as a driver and invert a gas check between the sinker and the rod. I don't consider WD-40 an oil so use 3 in 1 or a patch soaked in ATF. Once the sinker is just inside the bore I have a 6" short rod i use to go that far then drive it through with a 30" rod. Just a few blows with a 4 lb hammer will send things down the bore without causing a jam. A 12 oz hammer can cause things to stick to the sides of the bbl creating a real mess. The gas check keeps the rod from being driven into the sinker. My set up cost $7-$8 and has done dozens of guns.
Pappys Rifle Shop
Alanson, MI
"A man who is good enough to shed his blood for the country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards. "
---Theodore Roosevelt
Could a person use a muzzleloader ramrod? I have an aftermarket brass muzzleloader ramrod I used to seat 485gr .50cal lead slugs during my brief smoke pole career. I still have the tip used to push the bullet and not deform the nose.
Jeff
"I come from a state that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me." Willard Duncan Vandiver
A lot would depend on caliber. I would not like to see a ramrod split and I have broken a few off muzzeloading. It might work well but it might not either. It is just something I have never tried. Never mind I just read brass rod. I have always used hickory.
Last edited by MT Gianni on 21 Nov 2012 19:46, edited 2 times in total.
So how do I make sure I have pure lead sinkers? I picked up a bag of sinkers at WalMart made by Water Gremlin. They have a lead warning on the package but don't state anywhere that it is pure lead. What brand are you using?
Jeff
"I come from a state that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me." Willard Duncan Vandiver
Without a statement of "pure lead" or without a BHN tester, it is an unknown. It is a good sign that the lead warning is on the package. Personally, I think you are good to go.
Thanks RD. I couldn't sleep this morning so I pulled out my .45-70 Marlin and just tapped lightly a couple times on the sinker with a small hammer. The end of the sinker was flattening out pretty quickly and created a driving band like ring on the sinker where it meets the bore. It looks pretty soft. My thumbnail makes an impression easily. I can't do that on my cast bullets.
Jeff
"I come from a state that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me." Willard Duncan Vandiver
Rooster59 wrote:Thanks RD. I couldn't sleep this morning so I pulled out my .45-70 Marlin and just tapped lightly a couple times on the sinker with a small hammer. The end of the sinker was flattening out pretty quickly and created a driving band like ring on the sinker where it meets the bore. It looks pretty soft. My thumbnail makes an impression easily. I can't do that on my cast bullets.
My 357 bought within the last month slugged @ .3555". It went with only hand pressure when started then pushed through with one tap just above the chamber. There may be some throat constriction but not much. I am still too busy to do a cerrosafe chamber cast but will if it doesn't shoot to my satisfaction.
Just measured my RG3030 and added it to the list in the opening post. It is at the exact SAAMI spec .3000/.3080. Will get the 454 Casull done in a day or two and add it.
Ranch Dog wrote:Just measured my RG3030 and added it to the list in the opening post. It is at the exact SAAMI spec .3000/.3080. Will get the 454 Casull done in a day or two and add it.
I have a quick question RD in regards to the 45-70 Government. If the Rossi Rio Grande 45-70 barrel slug size - .4500/.4570 how should a bullet at .459 work or should it be taken down to .458 using those numbers?