Ball starter

[shootrj2003]

I have one made with a T end instead of a ball,the T top is stub of deer antler it is also a mallet on one end and a measure at the other end with a point turned int a 1 " starter stub,,it's more than a starter ,it'zs a multi tool.i don'use it much as a starter unless I don't brush between loads .

[BruceB]

My theroy is that the short starter should not seat a ball directley under a dovetail. The sight and the underlug should be either passed or stop short of, just in case you forget to fully seat the ball on the powder. Hence the term short started. The barrel could be weaken at those points and a short started ball could turn from, a ringed barrel to a split barrel. I'm just a little paranoid but thats just me. My $.02 worth and worth twice the price

[shootrj2003]

I have to go with Hanshi here,just because men in the past did not do it does not mean we can't,besides just because they all lost they're short starters( we all know how easy that is)is no reason to assume they did not use them(LOL)!If we followed that reasoning ,we should all be using matchlocks or bows.
  I only use mine if I don't brush the bore between shots and I already have the ball pushed in the muzzle,If I do there is no reason to use it.
 

[pathfinder]

I too agree that if you want to use 'em,USE 'EM!! I have NO issue what so ever with them. I dont use them not because of the "they didn't have them then,so I wont use them now", it's one less thing I need to worry about making room in my  bag for!

I sometimes use a bullet board,now THAT'S  an item that'll get the thread counters going! I like coning my barrels,and so far 34 of my customers wanted and recived coning in thier gun, Some still use a short starter with the coning,they can really get a tight load and NOT cut the patch!

[beowulf]

yep ! figure it`s all a matter of preference ! if you like them use em ! I used to ! 

[Blackfeet]

I use them. On the range, I use my 12" pistol range rod as my 'short' starter for the rifles. In the hunting pouch, a standard length starter.