Ned Robert's Book?

[N.Y. Yankee]

If you have read Ned Robert's book The BP Caplock Rifle, do you recall seeing what he recommended for patch or bullet lube? I was curious and did a bunch of reading and only saw "sperm oil", but I didnt read the whole thing.

 

[hanshi]

I have the book but read it so long ago I can't recall the recommendation either.

 

[Notchy Bob]

I have my dad’s old copy, which I think dates from 1949. I was looking through it just a few nights ago, and saw the passage about lubricants. I believe Major Roberts did recommend sperm oil as the best, but he also recognized bear oil as an excellent alternative. I was specifically looking for something about tallow, but didn’t find it. The index in that book is terrible, and while the text is generally well organized, there are little tidbits of random information scattered throughout. It can sometimes be challenging trying to find specific information in it.

For all that, though, it is a very good reference. It would be well worth it for you to get a copy. You can probably find a used one on AbeBooks for a reasonable price.

Notchy Bob

 

[N.Y. Yankee]

Bob, I have one. I just haven't found much about what I am looking for, or maybe I have found all that I will on that topic.

 

[ppb]

In my copy of the book, "The Muzzle-loading Cap Lock Rifle" by Ned H. Roberts, reprinted in 1991; on page 302 he begins the story of "The bear Hunt of 1880." In the next few pages, he describes how he and his Uncle Alvaro processed the two bears they harvested, then, and his thoughts on the bear oil they obtained.

 

[mhb]

FWIW: On Uncle Alvaro's recommendation, I tried bear oil for patches - every bear-oiled patch was blown to smithereens with loads that spit patches (or Falkenberry Juice) worked perfectly for.

mhb - MIke

 

[N.Y. Yankee]

In my copy of the book, "The Muzzle-loading Cap Lock Rifle" by Ned H. Roberts, reprinted in 1991; on page 302 he begins the story of "The bear Hunt of 1880." In the next few pages, he describes how he and his Uncle Alvaro processed the two bears they harvested, then, and his thoughts on the bear oil they obtained.

Thanks! I'll look for that!

 

[Frontier's]

Bear oil by itself isnt that great. My bear paws patch lube is a blended lube and the bear oil actually helps soften it and adds more anti rust protection.

Back in the day I used regular bear oil and accuracy just was not there. I hate beeswax in my bores, so I got away from it.

I believe he also mentions a water soluble oil as well.

 

[Dude]

The Paper Jacket by Paul Matthews is another good one.

I just recently read Roberts' book and Bear Oil was his preference.

 

[offhand35]

When I had read of the use of Sperm Oil for patches I searched for a modern substitute. I found mention of Jojoba oil. I have used that on oiled patches over a dry wool wad and was amazed at how little fouling was left to clean out between shots at the range. I have been shooting KIK powder which is no longer available in the US.

 

[nhmoose]

I like bear oil and beeswax as my hunting lube. I have been using Foggy Mountain bear oil and beeswax boot polish for 30 odd years. Bought out all at a Rite Aid store that was closing and still have 3-4 unopened cans left.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Lots of swell info in that publication. A top read!

 

[Rokon]

Rare edition. I have the 2nd Edition inscribed by Ned Roberts to Kenneth Roberts, the author of "Northwest Passage", "Rabble in Arms" and the "American Revolution". Kenneth Roberts' library plate is attached to the inside cover. Interest anyone?