Sabotloader, I never expected you to be even more anal than I am.

Really now. If you have a jag-end-ramrod like the one in your picture, what's the concern if it's 3/8" short of reaching the bottom of the bore?

Let's assume the powder and bullet take up 3.5" of space at the breech end. That would be typical for a 100 grain load with a 250 grain bullet in a .50 caliber. Now with a bore length rod you will have 3.5" of rod sticking out when you seat the load. With a rod that's 3/8" short of bore length you will have and 3.125" sticking out. How big a deal can that be?

As far as swabbing, if you're not using an extension with your bore length rod you're swabbing somewhat short of the breech face anyway - probably an inch or so. Will a swab that's 0.375" shorter be a problem? I think not.

Now leave me along. I've worked with a short rod all my life and have learned to adapt.