So I am at work and what am I doing? That's right reading about ramrods and how to make them at home. (I am trying to decide whether to use a polymer rod and save the wooden rod for show)
Along my Internet travels I came across a snippet where the poster describes a technique for seasoning wooden ramrods. I have never heard of this method before and would appreciate comments before soaking a rod in kerosene!
If you are going to use a wooden ramrod, you really ought to properly season it to prevent it from breaking in your hand.
Get a galvanized iron pipe about an inch inside diameter (threaded on each end) long enough to put your ramrod in it and a cap for each end. Fill the pipe with kerosene, cap it, and let the ramrod soak for a few months.
When you take it out, let it dry and you will find it to be quite flexible, and almost unbreakable. This is much better than having a dry wooden ramrod break and stick through your hand. I picked up this technique from an old Dixie Gun Works Catalog's Reference Section.
Thank you for your comments and thoughts.