I need to make a loading rod for a 10 bore gun and need a 3/8" dark hardwood dowel. The internet hasn't been very helpful yet. Suggestions for sources much appreciated.
A dowel rod is the last thing you want for a nice ram rod.
I'd go with straight grained Coca Bola...you'll need to purchase it in plank form specify a knot free straight grained board.
Coca Bola is fairly easy to work, more stable and cheaper than Gabon Ebony and will darken fairly quickly on its own.
Cut out several squares a little over size then work it round with the spoke shave...careful to do more scraping than cutting with the spoke shave.
As I recall the flat bladed spoke shave was easier for me to control.
I held it in the leather padded jaws of my Versa Vise and moving the piece up and down as I worked it.
In the past I made a couple of shotgun ram rods...keep in mind they have more taper than a rifle ram. I made one out of Gabon ebony the other out of straight grained Coca Bola. Both turned out really nice.