how to lube a patch

[45flint]

I'm thinking of trying mink oil as a patch lube and wounder what is a pc correct way to lube a patch

 

[reddog]

Ummm, mebbe dead cat,graveyard at midnight, arcane incantations, don't fart when lubing???
or you could just smear some on a patch, set a ball on it and shove it down the bore on top of some powder. I would bet that my grandaddy did it like that,,,

 

[bingo1952]

I use my fingers with a grease/wax/oil lube for hunting. On the shooting range I'm a rag chewer.

 

[SimonKenton]

With either Mink Oil (GREAT in cold weather!!) or Crisco I often melt the lube gently and soak the patches. Then I let them dry on waxed paper and store them in ziplocks.

-Ray

 

[Dphar]

I'm thinking of trying mink oil as a patch lube and wounder what is a pc correct way to lube a patch

First its going to depend on the lube. Some lubes will soak the patch. Others like thicker greases can be rubbed on. If you wipe every shot the grease can simply be rubbed on the barrel side. The ball needs not lube on it.
If you are shooting without wiping you will need more lube and a softer one, perhaps liquid.

Then the rifle has to decide what it likes.

Dan

 

[MikeC]

I'm thinking of trying mink oil as a patch lube and wounder what is a pc correct way to lube a patch

I use mink-oil for hunting only or if it's below freezing and I'm stupid enough to go to the range. Just rub it in with your fingers and place in a bag. For the range and above freezing temps just use what God gave you...spit.

 

[Swampman]

I string my patches into a stack using a needle and thread. I then melt the patch lube (which I make myself) and dip the stack into it. I then lift it out & let it cool. I peel them apart as I need them.

If I'm just using olive oil, I just put them in a little tin & pour a little oil in with them.

 

[shootemup]

Actually a pretty good point to bring up, because lots of guys use way more lube than they need (although nobody here, I'm sure :wink: ).

Just a tiny bit on the side that engages the rifling is all you need. If you're applying it in the field, put the lube on your fingers, then rub it on the patch.

Spot

 

[rafterob]

I think the poor boy rifles with a hole in the stock alludes to a patch being swiped in the grease on one side and then muzzeled. What about the patch boxes? Was patch material pre-lubed? or was some grease put in there also? I have to imagine spit was the most used lube back in the day.

 

What about the patch boxes? Was patch material pre-lubed? or was some grease put in there also?

I don't think anyone knows. No documentation.

 

[Swampman]

Patchboxes were normally filled with melted tallow.

 

[musketman]

On liquid lubes, I saturate the patch and then squeeze out the excess just prior to loading...