Another newbie question. Should I have the cleaning jag on 1 end and the loading tip on the other? I was hoping to put some sort of handle on one end to ease the pressure in my palm when loading/cleaning. However, changing out the loading tip and cleaning jag would seem to be a bit of a hassle.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Back40,

What I do is permanently keep a Barnes MZ bullet starter on the end of my gun's ramrod (it fits every bullet I currently shoot so it is a real convienent piece to have and it is only about 3/4" long & doesn't interfer with the gun's muzzle when shooting). And for range & cleaning purposes, I keep a spare range rod with a cleaning jag & muzzle guide on 1 end and a T/C screw-on t-handle on the other. The extra rod cost less than $10 (as you don't need anything fancy for a cleaning rod) and is a great addition to my gear that really speeds up range reloading time......using 1 rod to run a cleaning spit patch and then quickly grabbing the other rod to push down the bullet.


"Every moving thing that liveth, I give unto you as meat" (Gen 9:3)

Trust God..........but keep your powder dry!

I shoot a side lock, but I still have a seperate rod I use for cleaning the rifle. I never use the loading rod. I just find for the cost of a second rod, and the convience it makes, it is worth it....

I have a stainless steel poading rod with a nylon bore guide. One end has a round plastic knob, and the other end is threaded so I can quickly change tips. What's the big hurry? Take your time, and enjoy the day.

I also have one rod for the gun and hunting then made another one with a large handle on it for cleaning and loading at my vehcial before going out in the field. I only use the one in the gun if fI take a shot in the field and want to reloaad out there it saves the hand forsure.

You need to get yourself a Dixie Gun Works catalog. They cost $5 and have hundreds of items for the ml shooter. Among the things that they list (and I have one) is a folding T handle that will screw right on the ramrod and will save on your hand and also will give you something to get hold of to pull a stuck ramrod out if it ever happens to you.