What does patch lube actually do?

[Flintlock]

Anyone have a thought about wiping the bore with dawn or some sort of lube after seating the charge and projectile?

Why, who carries all this junk anyway. More people should just switch to in-lines.

 

[doubleset]

Why, who carries all this junk anyway. More people should just switch to in-lines.

Definitely. I've been seeing some pretty good prices on traditional BP rifles in online auctions lately -- I presume in part from the switching crowd.

 

[Old Hawkeye]

Was reading your original post...JMO,but I wouldn't leave my rifle loaded for "a couple weeks". I think it'll bring troubles. As I said JMO. I,personally feel uneasy w overnite.I know it's a pain to shoot at dark,and clean,then start all over again tomorrow,but you'll never have a question that it'll go when needed.Maybe I'm over-cautious,but that's my 2 cents.

There is documented evidence of muzzleloading rifles that had been loaded for a hundred years that fired just fine when the cap went off! Lot's of people load opening day & don't shoot till they get a shot at an animal, which can be days or weeks. To each his own, but to say "it'll bring troubles" is just not the case. I don't think in the old days, when your life could depend on your rifle, that they "shot at dark and cleaned, then started all over again tomorrow". Never heard of a company of Civil War soldiers firing off their rifles & reloading every night neither. Just my two cents.

 

[Rocksolid]

Why, who carries all this junk anyway. More people should just switch to in-lines.

Wait a minute...Now you're telling me to go back to what I started with in muzzleloading?

 

[snoutsugar]

Nobody has mentioned barrel pressures associated with lube. Lesser quality guns can be compromised as well as better quality guns. Make sure yours isn't too thick or patch too tight as pressure will rise. Those championship shooters swab their barrels not only regular but with great care to repeat the same action/lube amount/cleaning fluid amount each time. Consistant safe pressure they are after. We all strive to make the best shot with our time, money and safety. Maybe what the big boys do is a good thing...? Results say a lot.
Just a thought.....
Cheers

 

[flntlokr]

Never have had that happen. And that is with a whole lot of shooting over many decades.

you don't live on Vancouver Island. We have had many 'smokers' to stomp out. Not a big deal on an open, grassy field, but very bad in the woods on a trail walk; the patch can hide in the undergrowth and smolder for hours. Before we made the rule, we had to have people doing a 'fire walk' a couple of hours after the range/trails closed. At my club, (and most others on the Island) we don't use our trail at all during fire season unless there has been recent rain enough to lower the forest fire hazard rating to 'Low'.

 

[Flintlock]

you don't live on Vancouver Island. We have had many 'smokers' to stomp out. Not a big deal on an open, grassy field, but very bad in the woods on a trail walk; the patch can hide in the undergrowth and smolder for hours. Before we made the rule, we had to have people doing a 'fire walk' a couple of hours after the range/trails closed. At my club, (and most others on the Island) we don't use our trail at all during fire season unless there has been recent rain enough to lower the forest fire hazard rating to 'Low'.

I am always amazed by the number of burning patches I find on the range. I know some say it cannot happen but I think they overestimated their experience a tad bit.

 

[Andrewmtnman]

I was shooting last fall here in CT and it was fairly dry, I might not have noticed the leaves were smoking if I wasn’t looking for my patches after a shot a bunch. Had I just left it may have been a problem. Now that I figured out a better lube they don’t burn

 

[hanshi]

Lube does a number of things, most of them already mentioned. Using a grease type lube in an unfired gun allows one to keep the gun loaded through the season or until it's fired. Wet lubes, including spit patch, work well but the bore can't be left loaded very long or a rust ring will form.

 

[SmokepoleSam]

Andrew, If you don't mind me asking what lube were you using and what are you using now. Thanks

 

[Greenjoytj]

Nomex for patch material. Nomex® is an inherently heat and flame-resistant fiber that won't melt, drip or support combustion.

 

[SOLANCO]

A good patch lube can also grease your moccasins, cows knee or other leather gear, protect chapped lips, seal wood and metal gaps from moisture or protect-lube lock and or metal parts as well as seal your patch from any water that may find it's way down your barrel while hunting or walking.

Makes me wonder if Pecard Leather Dressing would make a good lube. Website says ingredients are beeswax and USP grade petroleum products. No flammable warnings on the container.
I do recommend it for leather.

 

[Andrewmtnman]

Andrew, If you don't mind me asking what lube were you using and what are you using now. Thanks

I am currently using straight deer tallow. I was using preluded patches, don’t recall the brand. I tossed them

 

[Flintlock]

Makes me wonder if Pecard Leather Dressing would make a good lube. Website says ingredients are beeswax and USP grade petroleum products. No flammable warnings on the container.
I do recommend it for leather.

Might be worth a shot (pun intended).

 

[Flintlock]

Nomex for patch material. Nomex® is an inherently heat and flame-resistant fiber that won't melt, drip or support combustion.

Next step is a in-line.