hickory dowel

[LeroyvdH]

I made a rod out of a purpleheart 1/2"dowel, it is a bench rod for my 12ga muzzle loading shotgun. Going on 8 years and between 6 - 800 rounds.
I was lucky and had to pick through 2 dozen to find the best one. Windsor plywood I believe. Ash would be my second choice. I like the dowel cutter.

 

[Painkillers]

Sure, all closely related. My point is that there should be another suitable wood!

Yea, it's called delrin.

 

[bross]

I would think that the properties needed for a ramrod are similar to a bow. Lots of alternative bow woods. Good reference:
www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/bow-woods/

 

[B_noser]

Good point bros. I had not considered the similarity.