Ball Starter - Insert needed

[Intervention]

I'm looking for another brass insert that will fit a 10/32 threaded jag. It goes into a 3/8" hole for a ball starter.

 

[sawyer04]

brass rods can be purchased in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 inch diameters. I have made all my rod ends and ball starters. Just cut and thread with proper thread die. Maybe an acquaintance has a hack saw, file and thread tap.

 

[Tinhorn]

I needed a .56 ramrod tip, and made one out of the brass ferrule on a warped 2-piece pool cue. Made the cup in the end with a 1/2" ball router bit. Make friends with a machinist, or a buddy with a lathe.

 

[Grenadier1758]

What you are looking for can be found at places such as Grainger. They are a bit pricey though, but it is for a package of 25.

https://www.grainger.com/product/4Z...id=:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!!e!!o!1102900012269!

I have also seen them on Amazon.

 

[Eric Krewson]

You could use a ramrod adapter from Track, round, short, 8/32 on one end and 10/32 on the other,

Down abut the middle of the page.

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/573/1

 

[Sidney Smith]

Just get some 3/8 solid brass rod, cut, drill, then tap to 10-32 thread.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Admittedly, I would install the 10-32 insert on the opposite side of the ball. There may come a time when you need the capability to use an 8-32 accessory.

 

[ZUG]

Go to the hardware store and buy a brass bolt that will thread into your ball then drill and tap it for the 10-32 jag -- am I missing something here? Your cost is about $2.00 for the bolt - glue it into the ball after your done so it don't unthread and you lose it.

 

[ZUG]

Sidney Smith -- Sorry -- I just saw your post -- I also agree with this

 

[mooman76]

I made my own ball starters. I use dowel rod glued into a round wood knob. For my big one I have a knob that is round but someone flat on top so it doesn't hurt my palm as much. For the tip I use brass shell casings' I have a round 1/2 " ball that is like a rasp, fits into a drill to make it concaved for minimal distortion to the RB when driving into the barrel.

 

[Sidney Smith]

I made a ball starter using a piece of deer antler. Drilled into the middle and glued in a dowel. Purchased a ramrod tip and fastened it to the rod, and glued in a small concave tip onto the end of the antler as the initial ball starter. Was a bit too tiny in diameter for my .54 cal. It would leave a circular impression on the ball. Might work with my .32 if I sand the rod down some.

 

[Cowboy]

Homemade starters using shell casings, and pieces of disregarded hickory ramrod.

Note the hole in the top of the block? Used to place over top of ramrod to drive a stubborn ball down the bore if needed? Especially handy during woods walk competition where shots, consecutive shots are timed.

Respectfully, Cowboy

 

[Kansas Jake]

Cowboy, that looks similar to the ball starter I made 40+ years ago with a scrap piece of oak and two pieces of leftover ramrod. I didn’t add ends to the dowel and just used the wood. It is still my only ball starter. Mine is ugly but works. The flat sides work well to give a patched ball a whack to get it flush with the muzzle.

 

[oldwood]

It's mostly kids showing up at my shop w/splintered ramrods trying to start balls w/o short starters. I found good success in smartening them up by fixing them a new r/r and handing them a couple basic , untipped ball starters like i've used for years. Don't see them showing up again. Success is a beautiful thing.........oldwood

 

[Cowboy]

Cowboy, that looks similar to the ball starter I made 40+ years ago with a scrap piece of oak and two pieces of leftover ramrod. I didn’t add ends to the dowel and just used the wood. It is still my only ball starter. Mine is ugly but works. The flat sides work well to give a patched ball a whack to get it flush with the muzzle.

With a little thought, one can create something that’s superior to anything offered on the market. Even if it’s something as simple as a ball starter?

Respectfully, Cowboy

 

[Sidney Smith]

Here's the one I made.

 

[oldwood]

Sid.....That starter is a work of art. That's what I cherish about the m/l culture , just look at what you've made. .........oldwood

 

[Sidney Smith]

Thank you. It was actually very easy to construct. I wasnt happy with the tip so added the piece of flowering pear tree wood on the end just for a little contrast.

And thanks go to the little deer carcass I found who had shed his amtlers. I made the starter and a powder meadure from them.

 

[hanshi]

These are just a few of the starters I've made over the years. Sometimes I would also use fired cartridge cases for tips; I ground off the rims first. Currently I probably have close to 18 starters I've cobbled together. The only difficult work so far was when making an ss for the .32. The 5-sided piece of antler is a palm saver I made.

 

[Carbon 6]

I'm looking for another brass insert that will fit a 10/32 threaded jag. It goes into a 3/8" hole for a ball starter.View attachment 39909

https://www.mcmaster.com/screw-thread-inserts/