Antler short starters

[Cherrybow1]

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?

[beowulf]

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 !

[Cherrybow1]

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?

[Hanshi]

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.

A few more with carved, brass case and hardened wood stubs.  Notice the bottom one still has a bit of the case rim left.

[Cherrybow1]

I see some great ideas in there!  Really like the one carved into the antler with the pick.

[Hanshi]

I see some great ideas in there!  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.

[Cherrybow1]

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)?

[bmtshooter]

Those turned out really nice.  Looks like I will have to give it a try also.

[beowulf]

used a .223 case for my .40 cal

[DandJofAZ]

Good work, now you need a few more for trade bait....

[Cherrybow1]

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?

[Hanshi]

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.

[Hanshi]

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.

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.

[hotfxr]

 

[Hanshi]

Well at least tell a lie!