Measuring Twist Rate (Rod Suggestions Needed)

[Splitear]

I've been trying to measure the twist rate of some rifles (now that I sat down and learned how easy it is), however, I don't have a rod that's up to the task of measuring larger bore guns. All of my range rods and shotgun rods either have a fixed handle or have a pretty crappy rotating handle. Does anyone have a suggestion of a rod that is good for this kind of work? Thanks in advance!

 

[Phil Coffins]

Anything will work, even your ramrod. It’s not what you use but how you use it. What has been the problem?

 

[Splitear]

Anything will work, even your ramrod. It’s not what you use but how you use it. What has been the problem?

Just getting the rod to spin correctly. I used my smallbore cleaning rod (adapted up to fit a 50 cal jag) and it just wasn't solid enough to push a tight patch down the barrel using the handle.

Is there a better way to do it rather than this method?

 

[necchi]

Try a different patch.
Use any rod, forget the "handle" and just tease the rod back out with your hand/fingers allowing the rod to rotate with the rifling as you pull.
You'll feel it.
The only important thing is to be sure the jag on the end is really tight on the rod, you don't want it "un-screwing" from the rod.
I use tape on the rod in the proper place with a marks for muzzle and spin on it so I can watch the rotation.
And don't expect it to be a dramatic movement, after all a 1-48 only makes a half turn in 24"s.
You wanna make the measurement several times to confirm

 

[ronaldrothb49]

I use a wood wiping rod I made to use in primitive matches that don't allow range rods. Put the proper size jag with a patch into the barrel. I then attach a small vise grip to the rod at the muzzle and slowly pull it out.

 

[Splitear]

Try a different patch.
Use any rod, forget the "handle" and just tease the rod back out with your hand/fingers allowing the rod to rotate with the rifling as you pull.
You'll feel it.
The only important thing is to be sure the jag on the end is really tight on the rod, you don't want it "un-screwing" from the rod.
I use tape on the rod in the proper place with a marks for muzzle and spin on it so I can watch the rotation.
And don't expect it to be a dramatic movement, after all a 1-48 only makes a half turn in 24"s.
You wanna make the measurement several times to confirm

Thanks for that, it sounds like the key is to measure multiple times

 

[Phil Coffins]

You can also measure on the going in stroke.

 

[necchi]

I don't have a rod that's up to the task

Wait till ya try to figure out if it's a 1-60 or 1-66 with a 28" barrel,
That'll make ya slow down an think,,