Choosing Loading/cleaning jags

[pilgrim]

     Recently I had another learning experience, involving jags.  In the last 1 year plus, got into muzzleloding,  all I ever used were  solid brass cleaning/loading jags on the range rod.   Several months ago, while cleaning the Pa rifle a jag broke off with the tip stuck in the powder chamber while drying the barrel.   Shot that one out.  Just last weekend another broke off in the  58.  But could not get powder to shoot it out since the powder chamber was soaking wet and the cleaning patch was also soaked with water.  Got it out finally BUT,  this will never happen to me again,........... I hope.    The tips break off at the brass threads.  Brass is too weak  and crack easily.  Track of the Wolf sells Cleaning jags with STEEL THREADS.  Use ONLY jags with steel threads  to  save yourself any unneeded anxiety and trouble.    I recently ordered 2 sets  of .50, .54 and .58 jags. 
     I hope this helps anyone that is just starting out in Muzzleloading.  It is a learning experience and as I found out, YOUR NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN   the only ones who dont learn are those who are deceased.  Well as far as I know

[beowulf]

usually works with steel shanks , but I`ve had the rod snap next to the jag ! I generally use a cotton bore swab , and then an undersized bronze brush with a patch . have`nt had any problems with this combination !

[pilgrim]

     Thanks beowulf

[flintboomer]

I generally use an undersize jag (.45 in a .50 cal and .50 in a .54 etc.) and cut up old cotton socks for cleaning patches. 
I haven't broken off a jag in years, but most of mine are steel shanked and I did break off a brass shanked one years ago.

[Blackfeet]

I have not broken one off inside the gun but actually must have come close as the tip broke at the threads when being slid into the loading stand