I recently began using mink oil for my patch lube and I really like it. Patched balls are easy to seat and a dozen or more shots between swabbing. Only problem I see is that there seems to be a buildup of the mink oil in the bore which I see it when swabbing after cleaning. I’m concerned about excessive buildup over time. Comments or Suggestions??? Thanks, E..
Mink Oil
- Thread starter Gvilleddie
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I have used Mink Oil(TOTW) for decades and have not experienced the build up you describe. What do you use to clean, then lubricate the bore of your rifle?
You are using too much mink oil on your patch. One wipe across the mink oil with the patch (bore side of patch), rub oil into the patch a bit and load.
Maybe I am using too much. I’m almost saturating the patch.
I’m using water with a little Dawn for cleanup and then RemOil.
rafterob
62 Cal.
Only he outside of the patch needs lube. The whole patch does not need to be saturated. The inside should actually be dry for best results gripping the ball. Mink oil has some wax in it and that is what causes the build-up issue. I had made my own lube for years and used some bees wax to firm it up. A very small amount will keep a lube from getting loose in the summer heat. But over a couple of years I started to notice that build up and would have to swab more frequently. The same lube without the wax did not have the same issue.
Antiquarious
32 Cal
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Yea I've been using this stuff. Does build up a little. I just punch the bore and it all works fine. The large buildup gets taken out with brass bristle brush. The small stuff stays on, doesn't mess with ballistics from what I can tell. Helps keep the rust off in storage.
Thx for all the comments..
hanshi
Cannon
I use mink oil exclusively in the bush and often at the range. Any excess always collects on my gun muzzle when starting the prb. Never had a buildup in the bore.
Brokennock
Cannon
What is the source of the mink oil you are using? Are you sure it is 100% mink oil?
Track of the Wolf implies that theirs is 100% pure. I have seen other manufacturer’s label mention petroleum products (usually leather waterproofing products). Doubt those are 100% pure……. Who knows what is in many formulations. Most don’t post SDS information.
I’m using TOTW oil.
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Been using TOTW Mink Oil for years. I have not had any build up. I clean with cold water then use Barricade for rust prevention. Works for me.
Mwal
Mwal
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i sometimes use Sofsole Mink Oil. The patch is pressed lightly into the Mink Oil being careful to cover the entire surface of one side.
Never had any accumulation of Mink Oil in the bore.
Never had any accumulation of Mink Oil in the bore.
Erwan
45 Cal.
I’m a bit dubious too about mink oil and generally the stuff called beef feet oil like Neatsfoot®…
Beef feet oil is used much less than in the past, except for saddlery maintenance. Currently, the shins and feet of cattle are used with the rest of the carcass. Most products sold today as beef foot oil are actually diluted with natural vegetable oils to maintain the same pH. That makes me reticent : don’t think that those products are “First quality”…
In that way I buy my oil by the manufacturer (they are two resisting in France), it is a bit more expensive than the Neatsfoot in big can, but I’m sure of the product, and he’s quality (this oil is pure but not the grease is not absolutely pure beef)…
For example, I buy it there : Entretien du cuir - Fabrication artisanale de produits pour entretenir le cuir et nourrir le cuir - Trimadel (interesting only for pictures : this is too far to buy)
What they say :
From preparation to canning, everything is done by hand, with attention to detail. We prefer a meticulous manufacturing process, with a choice of quality raw materials, to industrial rates and requirements. The respect of the leather remains above all our primary goal.
The final quality of the product depends totally on the selected raw materials, their meticulous dosage, and their meticulous mixing at an optimal temperature.
I have only good things to say about their oils…
Home site : Entretien du cuir - Fabrication artisanale de produits pour entretenir le cuir et nourrir le cuir - Trimadel
The Paulin’s oils where the best (in the time of my great-grandfather already) and they are the successors…
That why I’m ever reticent with the commercials products : the name is rarely what you buy, and it is the same for the mink oil (for me and in my mind)...
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Brokennock
Cannon
That's why I asked the o.p. Wasn't sure if he was using some other source that might have stuff added that is creating the build up.
Now wondering about the possibility of leftover RemOil causing the problem.
Any left over oil in the bore, RemOil or any other brand, particularly in the breech area can cause an issue. One of the reasons I use a protectant that drys to a film. I prefer Eezox, it’s what have and it works, although I would use Barricade if that’s what I had. With any oil in the bore, best to store muzzleloaders muzzle down, and make sure any oil residue is removed before loading.
I just ordered some Barricade. See if that makes a difference.
Many years ago I used WD-40 after cleaning and drying the barrel. Just checked a 50 Green Man Lancaster I've had since the mid-80's. Bore is still perfect. Even tho it hasn't been fired since the 90's. ( I have too many ). Anyway It works for me. Recently started using Barricade and it works just fine too. I do put an alcohol patch down the bore tho before just to make sure things are happy.
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