How abrasive is a brass ramrod?

RobertSubnet · 02-21-2009, 12:18 PM

Greetings all.

I probably should have asked this before buying, but....

I bought a brass Treso rod to use as a range rod. Are these brass rods less abrasive than fiberglass rods? And do I need one of those conical rod guides?

Thanks,
~Robert

Ky Headhunter · 02-21-2009, 01:07 PM

Can't say for sure if you "need" one, I wouldn't think you'd have much to worry about unless you're really working over the muzzle crown. That said, I've heard enough horror stories of ruined accuracy caused by worn crowns (allegedly from brass/fiberglass/aluminum/steel cleaning rods) that I do use one of the plastic bore guide bushings on my rifles. Picked it up at Friendship last fall for a buck or two, but pretty sure the usual suspects will have ones that fit muzzleloader rods- Midway, Natchez, Track of the Wolf, October Country etc. Tack one on to the next order you make from any of those places, and you'll have cheap insurance against muzzle wear.

lemoyne · 02-21-2009, 01:12 PM

Brass is self lubricating that's why it is use for bushings, the only thing you need to watch is getting dirt or such embedded in it. Its always best to use a ramrod guide to prevent wear especially uneven wear at the button. Lee

bronko22000 · 02-21-2009, 01:39 PM

Brass is self-lubricating? I'm just an old country boy and that confused the crap out of me. Please explain this to me.Last I recalled brass is an alloy made of copper, lead and zinc. Where does the lubrication come from?

RobertSubnet · 02-21-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Brass is self-lubricating? I'm just an old country boy and that confused the crap out of me.

Yea I'm not quite sure I understand that either.

Thanks for the comments.

lemoyne · 02-21-2009, 05:25 PM

self-lu·bri·cat·ing

adjective

Definition:

needing no oiling:not requiring external application of lubrication to parts that experience friction because the lubricant is self-contained

bronko22000 · 02-22-2009, 05:20 AM

Well if that's the case then the 'lubricant' would have to be the lead. Being that the lead is part of the brass alloy then that means it would be wearing therefore leaving deposits on the mating surface.
So if that's the case then when you are cleaning you are leading you barrel...
Hmmm interesting concept. I thought cleaning was to get the lead out of the barrel?
Actually, after a bit of research on the web, brass itself is NOT self lubricating. Those bearings etc you speak of are made of sintered brass (brass powder) where a dry lubricant has been added in the manufacture.

NITEHAWKJS · 02-22-2009, 06:54 PM

You may be thinking about oillite bushings they are oil-impregnated and are self-lubricating but they are usallly bronze not brass.

gearheart · 02-23-2009, 04:22 AM

Brass is softer than steel. It will wear out instead of the barrel. Aluminum is softer toobut the aluminum oxide on the outside of the rod is very hard and abrasive. They make sandpaper from aluminum oxide. The bronze bearings are made from crystals of bronze formed by pressing and heating just enough to fuse them together but not melt them. This creates a structure full of tiny holes that hold oil like a sponge. A totally unrelated product.