bullet lube

[Hank45]

Does anybody fill the hollow base on their minie bullet with lube and does it help on base expansion? Thanks for your answer, Hank

 

[azmntman]

I don't shoot em much anymore....for large big game (elk) when I have and I did NOT as I didn't want the lube contaminating the powder whilst I sat or stalked all day looking for a reason to unload! I suppose an over powder wad would eliminate this concern?

 

[Spikebuck]

I have used hollow-base bullets and have not found the need to put anything into the base to get expansion and accuracy. I just load them right on the powder and shoot.

 

[TMan51]

I checked the speed on a few shots, and filling the base adds about 50fps from my T/C Greyhawk using 80gr of Goex 3F. I used Crisco.

Because the evaluation was for an elk hunt, I also checked the difference with a .50cal over powder card/.510. The card had no effect when used with a Crisco filled base. The main reason I used the card, was the gun was to remain loaded for several days, and I didn't want a poof when I pulled the trigger.

Not sure it worked better, but I felt better.

 

[bpd303]

I fill the base on my minie's. The lube I use is a stiff mixture of bees wax and Jojoba oil. Get better expansion with no leading or powder contamination.

 

[galamb]

I don't shoot a lot of minies, plains bullets etc but a good number of years back I read (probably in the Lyman blackpowder manual) that putting a dab of lube on the base was beneficial.

Since I didn't know the difference I have always added a bit to the base.

Can't tell you if it did anything positive or not, but it certainly hasn't hurt anything.

 

[Idaho Elk Hunter]

I have done same as spikebuck and not lubed inside bottom of mini-ball or GP conicals as I don't want to contaminate powder. Now I have done it when I use over powder felt wads soaked with wonder lube 1000, but wads are lightly greased as to not contaminate the powder charge under and then I use lube under conical. I haven't done the chronograph yet on that recipe, but will soon and see if there is any difference in shooting.