I always use a bore guide for both range rods and short starters.

True what Chap saidthat for a hunting ML this may be over protective, but if you are like me and shoot several pounds of powder a year, a couple of bucks to help protect the bore of your favorite ML is well worth it.

Really nice brass bore guides available from Track of the Wolf:

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(5g0ij355afjiwrj55h11ju55))/categories/tableList.aspx?catId=6&subId=49&styleId=15 9&partNum=RG-6

Tahquamenon