I am a newbie and am using the CVA lifetime cleaning/range rod that came with the muzzleloading cleaning kit I bought at cabelas to clean my 50cal. It is a 3 piece brass rod that is pretty thick, very sturdy and doubles as an oustanding ramrod. Well when I was out at the range I saw little brass slivers on the patches (not many just evry now and again so I started being a little more careful but it is concerning to have seen that and also the scrapes on the rod. I just don't want to screw up my bore..

Can you tell me what you use for a cleaning rod and what you use as a ram rod? Please include linkls to whatever you suggest. There are so many of them and I don't know if one rated for 45 cal is ok to go with cause hardly any I have seen go up to 50 cal. Thank u in advance.

you need a bore guide at the end of it so the brass rod doesnt scrape the sides of the barrel. You can get them for at little as $4

Bonner1

By far the best one that I have used is product made by Lehigh for Knight. It is expensive but it is the best and will last forever....

Check this one out....

http://www.knightrifles.com/ultimate-range-rod-M900081/

Here is a thread about the rod and all the things it will do...

http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/blac...oming-out.html

I don't use a ram rod for a cleaning rod. For cleaning I use my Tipton only.

Ok - this is going to sound realy stupid but how do you use the bore guide? Do you hold it in place on top of crown of barrel while you raise and lower cleaning/range rod? I have never used one before.

no, just take off the loading jag off your range rod, slip the bore guild onto the range rods shaft and reinstall the loading jag.

After putting up with the cheap hollow range rods for many years, i went to Atwood's and bought one 3/8" x 36" solid brass rod and a solid aluminum rod of the same dimensions. Drilled and tapped one end of the rods for the loading jag.

The aluminum rod is a little soft and it bends a little when leaned on hard. The solid brass rod does not bend.

Total cost of the two rods were less than $10.

Mine should be here before Christmas. It was pricey and i made that clear when i bought it. Hopefully they listen and have a introductory special for others.