Original 1842 Springfield Ramrod Dimensions?

[cwpilgrim]

Can anyone provide me with the following data regarding an original 1842 Springfield Ramrod:

a) Major Diameter of 'Tulip' end
b) Diameter of main shaft
c) Length of taper (measured along centerline of rod)
d) Radius on end
e) Thread size and pitch
f) Length of thread
g) Total length
h) Type of steel

Any help appreciated.

John

[Dan Wambaugh]

Re: Original 1842 Springfield Ramrod Dimensions?

John,

I've got an original here with my '42 if you ever need to take a look at it or borrow it. Also, be sure to sign your full name to your posts, they'll get on you for that before too long. ;-)

[Craig L Barry]

Re: Original 1842 Springfield Ramrod Dimensions?

Dixie Gun Works will save you the trouble, 1842 one piece ramrod, part RP0-800 ($24.95). Great improvement over the two piece repro ramrod that comes with the armi-sport. Not threaded on the end, though.

[cwpilgrim]

Re: Original 1842 Springfield Ramrod Dimensions?

Craig,
I ordered it, and it is in fact 2 piece. It is also about .030 smaller than the Armi-Sport along the main shaft. While the profile of the ramming end looks better, there is such a discrepancy on the large end diameter between the 2 rammers I need to see an original and decide what to do, whether to modify one I have, or make a new one from scratch.

I will be going to Dan's today to check out his original.

Thanks for your time and input though.

[Blair]

Re: Original 1842 Springfield Ramrod Dimensions?

John,

You may want to check with Lodgewood MFG to see what they might have. In the original or repro market.
You may have to wait until after Fall N-SSA Nations to check with them, that maybe sometime late next week.
You may access their web site to see what they might have. It will be at the bottom of my main page of my web site listed here.
Thank you,

[Craig L Barry]

Re: Original 1842 Springfield Ramrod Dimensions?

Dixie must have changed suppliers. Too bad, that ramrod used to be a good alternative. Good to know, though.

[cwpilgrim]

Re: Original 1842 Springfield Ramrod Dimensions?

After spending a few hours Saturday with Dan, I have the following information regarding the dimensions of an original 1842 Springfield Rammer

Length 41-1/2 inches
Thread o.d. .218"
pitch 28-32 tpi.
Thread length 3/8"
Diameter at large end .558"
Radius on end = even radius about .080 beyond major diameter. In otherwords, it protruded out the end of the rammer .080 from outside of 'tulip'. Definately a pronounced trumpet shape.

Taper diameters at specific distances from threaded end
@33-1/4 inches = .230
@36 in = .273
@38 in = .285
@40 in = .325
@41 in = .455
@41-1/2 in = .558

A few things to note
a. It appeared to be of single piece construction, no seams noticeable
b. The taper is almost 8 inches long.

This design contributes significantly to the strength and functionality of the rammer. Both Armi-Sport and Dixie rammer tapers were almost 3-4 inches shorter in taper, which explains why they are inherently weaker.
This also explains why Dan's armi-sport rammer was 'kinked' at the seam after live loading a couple of rounds; no support.

[minieball]

Re: Original 1842 Springfield Ramrod Dimensions?

Try Nick Brevoort. He supplies many folks who make custom repro rifles and rifle-muskets in N-SSAdom with excellent original and well-made repro parts not available anywhere else.

He used to offer machined, one-piece M1855 rifle and rifle-musket ramrods so he may have one piece M1842 rods available.

Nick Brevoort
607 Eversole Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45230

(513) 232-7045

Oh yes...one thing to remember when dealing with the Italian repops.....they use metric threads in the locks!