Ballistol - What is it and does it work?

[Deadeye]

Rat is right, it's an old wife's tale. Use all the petro products you want.

 

[sse]

I don't mind saying, this is getting pretty stinkin confusing! petro, or no petro,,,,,,,??????!!!!!!!

Regards, sse

 

[hobbles]

After I startin usin ffg I found out If I stop to talk to the mail man or a neighbor My weapon gets to where I can't ram a ball in with out cleanin it, I went to wonder lube 1000 and 3 in 1 oil ,,50/50 and now I can stop and talk, go change the targets and go get more powder and shot from our habitat with out havin any problems,, and if it don't go in smooth, I found out it won't come out smooth, and on my weapon,, that's a miss..

 

[Tahquamenon]

I don't mind saying, this is getting pretty stinkin confusing! petro, or no petro,,,,,,,??????!!!!!!!

Regards, sse

Ahh one of the immortal questions that will no doubt continue to on for generations.

If your goal is tradtional, then the natural approach would be likely preferred for long term storage.

If your goal is superior protection for your arms for long term storage, then modern water displacing synthetics are likley preferred.

Excellent and superior synthetic lubes for protectionOtis 0-85 Ultra-Bore & Clenzoil).
Excellent bore solvents for removing lead and copper fouling (Butch's Bore Shine)
Excellent natural lubes for shooting for patch, bore and bullet (T/C NL1000 & Rooster Labs PL-16 Patch Lube).

I figure my muzzleloaders will not mind if I'm not PC when it comes to lubrication and long term storage. Plus I treat all my centerfire weaponry identical with exception to natural lube use.

:imo: :m2c:

 

[Snowshoe]

What it is, is magic. I hadn't shot my .32 44" barreled Kentucky for almost two years. I had cleaned it and lubed it with bolistol. I had relubed it about a month after the initial cleaning but that was all. Last night I got the steel wool out and was fixin to do an hour long job on it. For the fun of it I thought I would run a patch with bolistol down first to see how bad it was. there was just a hint of rust on the patch, so I ran a few more down with bolistol and called it good

SHOE

 

[roundball]

.....some imagine that they do and that's ok;
.....but I clean my ML's with Hoppe's #9+, Kroil and 3-in-1 and experience none of the side effects that people claim petrol-products cause;

:hmm:
To clarify, it's not a case of people imagining that oil based lubes promote more BP fouling than natural lubes...it's a fact.

It might be that because perceived side effects are a relative thing...those who don't mind wiping the bore often when using oil based lubes could use any type of oil based lube...even before factoring in the different negative effects of humitity on BP residue.

But to those who enjoy shooting without wiping between shots, non-petroleum lubes are the proven way to go. If someone has never used them for any length of time in a properly prepared bore, the current view of side effects is understandable.

But if something like bore butter is used diligently in a properly prepared bore, and a number of 40-50 shot range sessions are conducted weekend after weekend without wiping betweeen shots at all...the view that side effects caused by petroleum lubes is acceptable might take on a whole different meaning.

At a minimum, it's certaintly not a claim...it's a fact.
eace:

 

[Tahquamenon]

[/quote]

But if something like bore butter is used diligently in a properly prepared bore, and a number of 40-50 shot range sessions are conducted weekend after weekend without wiping betweeen shots at all...the view that side effects caused by petroleum lubes is acceptable might take on a whole different meaning.

At a minimum, it's certaintly not a claim...it's a fact.
eace: [/quote]

Hi Roundball,

Are you referring to natural lubes for shooting purposes or for long term storage or both that are giving you this ability for 40-50 shots without wiping? Also, to clarify you are shooting Goex 3FG not 2FG correct?

I can shoot just as many 40-50 consecutive shots (with Swiss 3FG) without swabbing the bore.

And as you know, I only use natural lubes for shooting purposes (bore, wads and patches) which is excellent and I remove any natural lubes along with fouling during my cleaning process.
Followed by synthetics for long term protection. Which, are easily removed prior to the next shooting session.

I agree that petroleum lubes with low flash points will burn, coke, tar and varnish within a barrel when used for a shooting lubricant with BP and substitutes.

Later this year, I'll be testing a new (to me) synthetic lube with a flash temperature of almost 500 degrees. Supposedly, this lube will not burn off when fired like other petroleum and synthetic lubricants. :hmm:

 

[Howard]

try mixing 2 ounces or so with a 16oz. bottle of drug store alcohol .. great stuff. DO NOT DRINK IT ...

Kind of takes the fun out of it...

 

[dryfly]

So far it seems to do everything. Patch lube, cleaning fluid, lubricant, preservative and it counteracts the acid caused by firing the powders. I have just about finished my first can and have found no problems with it.