I wonder...

have any of you seriously tested patched roundball with different lubes? The point being is there really any noticable difference in PERFORMANCE in accuracy and velocity between a Crisco lubed patch and a LeHigh Valley lubed patch, or a spit patch, or Stumpkillers lube? And so on?
What we need to do is test a rifle that is a known performer and try different lubes only, keeping all other variables exactly the same to determine if there is any real difference on the target range and over the chronograph. This would of course take some time and some scientific disipline, but the results might be very worthwhile.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Wouldn't it be nice to have a bench mounted barrel & action that would eliminate human error.

There will be accurate lubes that require pampering (cleaning between shots) and there are almost as accurate choices that let you shoot strings. The requirements for hunting lubes (long time between shots - effects barrel temperature and amount of time lubed patch is on the powder and can leach into it, first shot must be same point-of-aim as all other shots, no 'tackle-box of cleaning gear and range-rod available, pre-lubed patched balls carried in a hunting block, temperature variations between shots ) differ from target lubes (multi-shot sessions within a relatively narrow time, more controlled and controlable environment).

Still, I'd love to see something like this undertaken.

 

[roundball]

Uhmmmmm...a lot of work and expense for sure...as good as most good lubes already are, this would have to be a labor of love...can't imagine there being any kind of surprise or significant return on investment.

Example: if you're already getting a 1.0" group at 50yds, and somehow you were able to control the variables precisely enough to absolutely declare that such-and-such a lube produced a smaller group (which I think would be a real challenge) how much tighter could it be: .97"? .93"?
My hats off to you for your patience and interest in such an undertaking :shocking:

 

[Ohio Joe]

I think even if a person tested five different rifles and calibers, the next person could do the same and end up with completely different results depending on weather conditions such as humidity. Altitude at which test were performed, loading techniques, and probably a dozen more variables would also have to be factored in...
The idea is good, but I don't see it as anything more then what you can test for, for yourself in the region you live, and the conditions you shoot in... Even then, the slightest variation in conditions and loading can effect the outcome of a three or five shot group.
I think the ability to read your patches is the key to how well your lube is performing. That and if your able to load shot after shot without difficulty and still get good grouping...