Ramrod hole into barrel channel

[Ajgall]

While drilling the ramrod hole on my latest build the bit broke off inside the ramrod hole. I cut a mortise down into the hole and was able to get the piece of bit out, but this lift a hole down into the barrel channel. I know historically this may not have been repaired since it won’t be visible when the rifle is complete, but what is everyone here’s preference when the rr hole breaks into the barrel channel?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Eric Krewson]

I have seen where people who bought a rifle from the folk that route out the ramrod hole in the forestock have covered the hole for aesthetic reasons. Although unnecessary, it is a personal choice, if it were me I would probably patch the hole but I am picky.

 

[rich pierce]

Cover the hole. Use hand tools or router to cut a U shaped trough from close to entry thimble to breech. Pay special attention to near entry thimble. Make the trough deep enough to allow for lock bolts. Take a piece of stock wood for patching and cut or use router to make a half round groove. Fit this to the barrel channel over the ramrod groove you cut. Get glue on everything and tap into place with the ramrod drill in place. Slide the drill out. Afterwards trim the barrel channel and run the drill in there again. Neat, tidy, strong.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

Cover the hole. Use hand tools or router to cut a U shaped trough from close to entry thimble to breech. Pay special attention to near entry thimble. Make the trough deep enough to allow for lock bolts. Take a piece of stock wood for patching and cut or use router to make a half round groove. Fit this to the barrel channel over the ramrod groove you cut. Get glue on everything and tap into place with the ramrod drill in place. Slide the drill out. Afterwards trim the barrel channel and run the drill in there again. Neat, tidy, strong.

Rich,
You always have good suggestions, but I question your process? Am I missing something from the OP?. Why patch from entry to breech?
Where the integrity of the wood under the barrel is OK, why are you suggesting to cut it out?

 

[rich pierce]

Larry you’re 100% right, I was skimming and thought 1) the ramrod drill is out of commission and 2) the hole was not completed when the ramrod drill broke. For sure if the drill works now, I’d only patch what's necessary.

 

[Ajgall]

I only lacked about an inch or so from being full depth when the bit broke so I went ahead and extended the mortise to where the ram rod now will seat to the full depth. I’m left with a 3 +/- inch open section near the breech end of the barrel channel. I don’t think is will weaken the stock where it is if I leave it.