Expedient lube..?

[Homesteader]

I've been a fan of good old spit-lube for rifle patches since I was a young shooter (about a hundred years ago). Simplicity and tradition has always been my thing with front-stuffers. Before heading out the other day with a new (to me) smoothie I noticed I had a bottle of rendered bacon grease in my fridge and on a lark decided to bring it. I used it on tow wads a couple of times, and dipped a few fiber wads in it too. Made me hungry!

But it did get me to thinking not only what they may have used back in the day because it was at hand, but what you all have grabbed to lube your tow or patches or what have you, simply because it was there. Seems to me that formulations are one thing, necessity is another. I'm curious what y'all have done in this regard, or what you think might work.

 

[bradly_tx]

I don’t know if it’s Expedient or not, but I use lard for everything! Works for me. YMMV

 

[tenngun]

Bacon is not good. It’s full of salt. Lard is ‘pure’, crisco ain’t the best, but it works too. Olive or veggies oil nut oils work well. But avoid ham, bacon or salted butter it ain’t the best.

 

[Carbon 6]

Spit has never failed me, but for real lube I make beeswax and olive oil mix. I always have those ingredients on hand.

 

[Homesteader]

I only used the rendered (clarified?) bacon grease for a couple of experimental shots, so I should be okay. I'll give it a bit more attention today to be sure the bore's clean and oiled. I didn't consider salt content. Good tip, thanks.

 

[Treestalker]

If you chew 'bacca and use your spit for lube, is it true your muzzleloader will never have worms?

 

[mushka]

I always prelube patches at home. I use the totw mink oil and lube the patches lightly. I keep them in a sealed small container. I do this so that I don't have to mess with lubing on the range or field.