A sampling apparatus for taking a core sample of dense packed fibrous material including: (a) a generally cylindrical sampling tube open on its distal end, wherein the length of the sampling tube is greater than the sample length; (b) at least one exhaust port outside the sampling length adjacent to its proximate end; (c) a ram rod movable from the proximate end to the distal end of the sampling tube for discharging a sample from the sampling tube; and (d) a drive attached to the proximate end of the sampling tube for aiding in sampling.