Traditional Muzzleloading on the Cheap

Member’s General Interest => Where can I get it? => Topic started by: Cherrybow1 on August 31, 2021, 02:34:25 AM

Title: Antler short starters
Post by: Cherrybow1 on August 31, 2021, 02:34:25 AM
I am wanting to find a source for the short starter ends to make several more of these in different calibers.  Anyone have a good idea on what to use?
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: beowulf on August 31, 2021, 12:22:30 PM
this may sound crazy , but I use empty brass cartridge cases for the ends !  clean the markings off the base and reshape the area where the primer is seated with a dremel tool , a bit of good epoxy and a pin  . and there you go , a good looking  short starter that works as good as it looks ! I use one !  only mine is just an inch long , all I use it for is starting a patched ball , once it`s below the muzzle , I use my ramrod !
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: Cherrybow1 on August 31, 2021, 01:00:47 PM
That's what I used on the long end of the starter( 38 special). I guess one could glue in a very short dowel and cut down a shell case for the small end. Do you have a picture of your ball starter?
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: Hanshi on August 31, 2021, 05:48:23 PM
I also use a lot of cartridge cases for starter tips.  For the stub that gets the ball past the muzzle I've used wood, brass, and even carved into the handle.
Here's one with the stub carved into the antler and an integral vent pick added.
(https://i.ibb.co/M1QrsGD/48007139-0679-46f5-b9d7-9c6dd8fb37ef-zps8bb5bf49.jpg)
A few more with carved, brass case and hardened wood stubs.  Notice the bottom one still has a bit of the case rim left.
(https://i.ibb.co/tQ2LCp0/89b20b4a-02bd-41be-9eb6-81dadfa7c30e-zpsd567bcc6.jpg)
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: Cherrybow1 on August 31, 2021, 07:20:36 PM
I see some great ideas in there!  dntn Really like the one carved into the antler with the pick.
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: Hanshi on August 31, 2021, 08:38:46 PM
Quote from: Cherrybow1 on August 31, 2021, 07:20:36 PM
I see some great ideas in there!  dntn Really like the one carved into the antler with the pick.


Not as difficult as it would seem, especially if it has a burr or a small tine to begin with.
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: Cherrybow1 on September 04, 2021, 12:57:14 AM
Made a few of them up tonight. These are all made using 38 special brass which works down to 45 cal.  What do y'all use on the smaller calibers (32,36 and 40)?
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: bmtshooter on September 04, 2021, 11:50:43 AM
Those turned out really nice.  Looks like I will have to give it a try also.
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: beowulf on September 04, 2021, 12:04:40 PM
used a .223 case for my .40 cal
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: DandJofAZ on September 04, 2021, 04:35:40 PM
Good work, now you need a few more for trade bait....
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: Cherrybow1 on September 04, 2021, 06:12:45 PM
Quote from: DandJofAZ on September 04, 2021, 04:35:40 PM
Good work, now you need a few more for trade bait....
That is my plan...make up a bunch for different bore sizes and also a bunch of antler tip powder measures for trading at the traders fair.
.223 sounds good for .40. What about .32 and .36?....solid brass rod?
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: Hanshi on September 04, 2021, 06:15:14 PM
Looking good, Cherrybow1.  I usually grind off the cartridge rims, though not always as you can see.  I collect brass so always have most any size needed.
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: Hanshi on September 04, 2021, 06:29:42 PM
As for powder measures I like antler and (doesn't grow up here) southern rivercane.  I've also been making measures from cartridge cases by cutting to length, grinding off the rim and making it smooth and round then gluing a tiny "eye bolt" into the primer hole.
(https://i.postimg.cc/hjccz7wW/a8f9d338-30a2-4794-8140-4e1013ca7240-zps9675be80.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)(https://i.postimg.cc/qqpC6XNP/PICT0382.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
I'll try and take some pics of the cartridge case measures and post them so you can see what I'm trying to describe.
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: hotfxr on September 04, 2021, 08:31:46 PM
 'SNTY"
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: Hanshi on September 04, 2021, 09:18:10 PM
Quote from: hotfxr on September 04, 2021, 08:31:46 PM
'SNTY"


Well at least tell a lie!  :mini-devil-28492: :mini-devil-28492:
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: Cherrybow1 on September 04, 2021, 09:57:30 PM
And I thought river cane was only good for arrows and tomato stakes  dntn
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: Hanshi on September 04, 2021, 10:10:15 PM
Quote from: Cherrybow1 on September 04, 2021, 09:57:30 PM
And I thought river cane was only good for arrows and tomato stakes  dntn


Well that too.  But here we go.  L to R: river cane, antler and cartridge cases.
(https://i.ibb.co/cwTsVpC/DSC00504.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/gd8sBTL/DSC00503.jpg)
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: Cherrybow1 on September 27, 2021, 10:02:18 PM
Have a few made now. Thinking of making a bunch for trade items at Woolaroc.
Title: Re: Antler short starters
Post by: Hanshi on September 28, 2021, 05:18:30 PM
Quote from: Cherrybow1 on September 27, 2021, 10:02:18 PM
Have a few made now. Thinking of making a bunch for trade items at Woolaroc.


Those are really nice, Cherrybow1!  They do look a little better with the rims ground off, but they are excellent as is.  thmbsup