I don't know, so I'll ask.

[qajaq59]

Can the Lyman dark colored bullet lube that I use in my 450 sizer be used on black powder conical bullets until I can get my hands on some beeswax? I thought I might melt down some and pan lube the conicals with it for the 50 cal in-line.

[FredWT]

It will work, but it is by no means the best. The petroleum base lubes are not desirable. Use Wonder Lube or SPG lube.

[qajaq59]

Thanks Fred. It'll only be until local guy gets his supplies in. And thinking about it, I may just wait a while for the right stuff. By the way, I knew about the petroleum based stuff being bad news, but I really don't know why it is. Does it lube lousy or is it a real bear to clean after? I'd guess the latter?

[FredWT]

It is more of a baking onto the bore when fired, sota like seasoning a cast iron skillet.

[gray-wolf]

Petro. based lube should be avoided in a BP  rifle or pistol.
WHY ?  because  one of the important things for a lube to do in black powder shooting is to keep the burnt powder soft in the barrel.  This aids in reloading the next shot.
  Petro. based lubes will tend to create a creosote type of hard fowling and does not make reloading or cleaning much fun.  You can get some bore butter.  Or if you are in a rush and want to try a few shots
  Use a little Crisco rubbed on the bullet and don't load to hot.