48” long 3/8” drill bits, $5

[Flint62Smoothie]

Caveat - Clearly these are not for the semi-pro to professional builder, but might be suitable for the home hobbyist or DIY’r who had a longrifle where they might need to deepen their existing ramrod hole a little bit or whatever. Then maybe it could work for you.

Note you will need to ‘bush’ along the length of the rod behind the bit as it is not a full diameter rod. Only $5 @ Harbor Freight.

 

[64Springer]

That looks like just the ticket for a lot of folks.

A few bushings and you're golden.

Diameter and length?

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

… says it all right there in the Post Title …

 

[64Springer]

… says it all right there in the Post Title …

Oops!

 

[Mgbruch]

Bushings or not, that bit will wander when drilling a ramrod hole. But it's probably worth all of $5.

 

[TDM]

You’d certainly have to drill slow. Maybe buy a couple and practice with it on something else.

 

[rich pierce]

The original post indicates it could be useful for deepening or opening up an existing ramrod hole, so wandering should not be an issue.

 

[windini]

Love the idea! But with my construction experience with self-feeding bits, I would consider grinding down the threads on the lead. I'd be afraid that the screw would dig in & Zip! - way too deep or off course before I had time to react.

I'd be more comfortable making a centering point not long enough to interfere/shaped to accommodate the flutes.

TL;DR: I'd rather push ahead than pull back.

 

[Relic shooter]

Caveat - Clearly these are not for the semi-pro to professional builder, but might be suitable for the home hobbyist or DIY’r who had a longrifle where they might need to deepen their existing ramrod hole a little bit or whatever. Then maybe it could work for you.

Note you will need to ‘bush’ along the length of the rod behind the bit as it is not a full diameter rod. Only $5 @ Harbor Freight.

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Thanks for posting !! wish these inexpensive drills had been around bad when I was building.
Relic shooter

 

[1950DAVE]

With any long bit retract often to clear chips from flutes or you will end with major problems. Especially true with harbor fright bits. I have had them partially unspiral, if that is a word. Soft steel.

 

[billraby]

The last stock blank that I bought was about $2000. I am going to use the highest quality drill bit I can get my hands on and not care how much it costs. I think anyone attempting to drill a ramrod hole with a $5 drill bit is likely to end wishing they spent a bit more.