Quote Originally Posted by charlie b View Post
I stay away from flexible rods. Stainless or coated steel one piece. I have a rod for each rifle and the rod is stored in the case with the rifle.
I use a stainless steel uncoated one piece rod with a bore guide. I have never seen any scratch marks on any rifle I own (all purchased new except one) from the steel.

If for a .223, I would suggest a rod less in diameter than one for a .223. As to length, and to avoid a collection of rods for each individual rifle, going four or five inches longer than measurement and clearance as above is not going to hurt. You also don't know now how long a replacement barrel is going to be until you decide what you want in the future.
Patches are a whole other thing. The thicker ones of the same diameter as the thinner ones, are not going to allow entry into the chamber because clearance will be much less. PLEASE stay away from the two and three piece rods. Sooner or later they are going to bend or break.

I hope this helps a bit.