The ramrod on mine is just a basic synthetic (plastic) one - gets the job done.
Solved the wedgepin issue
While I was carefully putting a bend in to keep it tight in the wedgeplates & stock, I noticed the area where the pin meets the cap was somewhat rounded. I figured that this might be what was keeping the pin from engaging the opposite side. Took the Dremel to it, squared that area up and now all is okay.
Next step - reblue the barrel. Question though . . . with the muzzle pointed away from you, in whichdirection do I want to knock out the dovetail sights?