Author Topic: Ballistol for patch lube (Read 2792 times)

crosscut · « **on:** October 22, 2005, 11:56:40 AM »

I just got a bottle and it says it can be used to lube patches. Does anyone do this?

New Hampshire · « **Reply #1 on:** October 22, 2005, 02:09:07 PM »

You bet! I started using Bore Butter, but switched to Ballistol and have not looked back. Just mix it with water (experiment with ratios as needed) and voila! lay out your patches on a flat surface for uniform lubing and let em dry.
Brian

crosscut · « **Reply #2 on:** October 22, 2005, 02:46:17 PM »

NH,
Why mix it with water? Wouldn't you want it to be "thick" instead of thinning it with water?

I thought I could put some dry patches in a baggie, add some Ballistol, and squeeze to spread the lube.

New Hampshire · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2005, 02:03:27 AM »

The water makes lubing the patches easier, and the ratio you use determines how much gets deposited on the patch.

Using the method you want to try would most likely lead to inconisistent lubing of the patch, which could possibly lead to tough loading (more so if you use thick patches.)
Brian

Slamfire · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2005, 01:54:29 PM »

Sure you can lube patches with it, but why not just plain mineral oil, which is the main ingredient? Spit works too, and there isn't anything cheaper, Crisco ain't all that bad and it doesn't cost as much as that German oil. :roll:

Woodbutcher · « **Reply #5 on:** October 24, 2005, 04:05:37 PM »

OK, why not use just plain mineral oil. I've used Crisco, and spit, and they're fine. Mineral oil is something new to me, might try it. Can't hurt, can it? WQoodbutcher

Ramrod · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2005, 05:51:17 PM »

Seems to me that the original dudes using these guns did not have anything besides animal fat to lube their weapons with. I will occasionally use Crisco, and it works well, but I don't see any improvment over the lard or lard-beeswax mixtures I have been using for for almost 40 years. I get a great big chuckle when reading posts from some of the self proclaimed "traditional" shooters, who then tell you how to get the "best" lube from the local NAPA store! :-D :-D

crow_feather · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2005, 07:29:33 PM »

Quote

I get a great big chuckle when reading posts from some of the self proclaimed "traditional" shooters, who then tell you how to get the "best" lube from the local NAPA store!

Ramrod,
Why do you laugh when people pick up their lube at a Napa store? Especially since you pick up yours at the Piggly wiggly.

I would like to know what gives you the biggest chuckle. Those that try to help others enjoy their shooting experience? Or is it that they suggest using something modern in order to make the experience a little easier?

Just write down on your computer all of the modern stuff that shouldn't be used by "real traditionalists". Then send it out on your telephone line to this web site. And if your running out of lube or powder, hop in that car, drive to the store, and use your credit card to buy some more round balls and powder.

Ramrod · « **Reply #8 on:** October 24, 2005, 08:13:20 PM »

Ha-Ha Crow, AKA Mr. Moderator. Where have you been latley? Your posts here are few, and far between. Forgive me for trying lend a little of my many years experience shooting smokepoles to some of the newer guys. If this is offensive to you, please use your influence with MR. Graybeard, and have me removed from this site! I know you have this power. Also it is easily seen that you know much more about muzzleloaders than I do, or anyone else on this planet, for that matter, so feel free to post your opinions. Just don't blame me when someone else does not agree with you. You might feel that this is some sort of conspiracy!

crow_feather · « **Reply #9 on:** October 25, 2005, 10:15:00 AM »

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Where have you been latley? Your posts here are few, and far between

.
I've been to Bullfrog, Utah on a houseboat, thank you for asking. My posts are fewer as the present topics are not something I want to discuss.

Quote

Forgive me for trying lend a little of my many years experience shooting smokepoles to some of the newer guys.

I have no problem with that, that is what this is all about. I do have a problem when you disrespect other people who post on this site.

Quote

If this is offensive to you, please use your influence with MR. Graybeard, and have me removed from this site! I know you have this power.

I do not have that power, Greybeard thinks for himself. And I would not want you removed. You are knowledgable, write well, and help a lot of people.

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Also it is easily seen that you know much more about muzzleloaders than I do, or anyone else on this planet, for that matter,

I probably do (kidding). Actually, I think we all should be able to present our thoughts, but not deliberately insult others.

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Just don't blame me when someone else does not agree with you. You might feel that this is some sort of conspiracy!

Wouldn't it be a terrible world if everybody agreed on everything.

C F

Flatlander.54 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 04, 2005, 07:07:45 AM »

You better believe it makes a good lube. As stated above...try different mix ratios. Ive had great results with either a 7 to 1 mix or 8 to 1.

Heres how it works. Ballistol mixes with water. Soak your patch strips in it and lay them out on a non-absorbable level surface and allow to dry. What happens is that the water in the mix will evaporate out of the strips and leave the Ballistol behind. The more water you have in the mix, the
"drier" the strips will be. Example, a patch strip soaked in a 10 to 1 mix (10 parts water to 1 part Ballistol) will have less oil in it that a strip soaked in a 5 to 1 mix ratio.
Regardless of what mix ratio your barrel prefers, your patch strips will be consistently lubricated from end to end and strip to strip. This will help eliminate alot of vertically strung groups due to differing amounts of lubrication from shot to shot. Try it...it works.

Haywire Haywood · « **Reply #11 on:** November 05, 2005, 03:15:36 AM »

Nothing to do with Ballistol, but my effort to get consistant lubing with crisco is to cut a strip for patches, spread the crisco on with a butter knife, roll it up tight and microwave it to melt the crisco into the cloth. Seems to work, but then again, my RB accuracy sucks... LOL I might try the Ballistol next, sounds easy.

Ian

Swamp Yankee · « **Reply #12 on:** November 05, 2005, 07:19:58 AM »

On the suject of patch lube, I have been reading back in the archives about cold weather lubes. One of intrest was Mink oil, bees wax and crisco. I have a source for the mink oil [Track of the Wolf] but I have drawn a blank on a sorce for bee's wax. Any ideas? I shoot year round at the range and had to keep my patches in an inside pocket to keep from freezing last winter.
Thanks, Jim

savageT · « **Reply #13 on:** November 05, 2005, 07:24:05 AM »

Swamp Yankee,
I did an internet search some time back and found bees wax sources under I believe "Bee Keeper Supplies" or something like that. I also looked in the local yellow pages for bees, honey, etc. and found someone locally that had a few blocks for sale (cheap). Good Luck and try using Google search engine.
Jim

savageT · « **Reply #14 on:** November 05, 2005, 07:26:54 AM »

....for those guys using Ballistol: I purchased Ballistol in spray cans. Do you have any idea how to measure out spray and water?

?? Guess it would be best to just order the liquid, hah?
Jim

Keith Lewis · « **Reply #15 on:** November 05, 2005, 09:55:32 AM »

Quote from: savageT

....for those guys using Ballistol: I purchased Ballistol in spray cans. Do you have any idea how to measure out spray and water??? Guess it would be best to just order the liquid, hah?
Jim

I bought two spray cans plus a gallon but my spray cans are just steel cans with a screw on spray top. If yours are like mine you can just unscrew the spray thing and pour the liquid. Yours must be different as I don't think you could not have figured that out.

mrlizzzard · « **Reply #16 on:** November 05, 2005, 02:23:53 PM »

Ballistol is also a wholistic medication.Cures migraines,cancer TB ,so they say.I did not make this up.

savageT · « **Reply #17 on:** November 05, 2005, 02:44:39 PM »

Keith.......Hey, my Ballistol came in Krylon paint cans. No screw tops. As for the hollistic thing, I've heard it but have NOT tried it! Now if it would lower my cholestrol and raise my, how shall I put this........... No I don't think so, never!

Jim

lostid · « **Reply #18 on:** November 05, 2005, 03:35:40 PM »

Quote from: Swamp Yankee

but I have drawn a blank on a sorce for bee's wax. Any ideas? Thanks, Jim

If your serious about finding a source for bees wax and using it for your own patch-lube Jim,,PM me,,we'll swap e-addies private like,,when we do that I'll send ya a chunk of bee's wax.
p.s. mink oil can be found nation wide at about any local leather-goods/shoe repair shop

Birddog6 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 05, 2005, 04:26:52 PM »

Here are 2 sources for some bees wax.

http://www.beeswaxfrombeekeepers.com/

http://www.stakich.com/bfolder/beeswax1.htm

:grin:

Slamfire · « **Reply #20 on:** November 05, 2005, 05:27:48 PM »

Quote from: Swamp Yankee

On the suject of patch lube, I have been reading back in the archives about cold weather lubes. One of intrest was Mink oil, bees wax and crisco. I have a source for the mink oil [Track of the Wolf] but I have drawn a blank on a sorce for bee's wax. Any ideas? I shoot year round at the range and had to keep my patches in an inside pocket to keep from freezing last winter.
Thanks, Jim

Sno Seal is basically bee's wax with some kind oil that softens it. You can get anything from a 1 oz tube to a quart can from the maker, or a good shop for hunting boots. I have used it straight without additives.

Swamp Yankee · « **Reply #21 on:** November 06, 2005, 05:35:32 AM »

Thanks for the help with the Bee's wax, Jim

Keith Lewis · « **Reply #22 on:** November 06, 2005, 01:15:42 PM »

SavageT: I suspected something like that. My cans are steel with a screw on lid and came with plastic trigger operated spray nozzles not compressed gas operated. I did not know they made both kinds. I ordered the two cans and a gallon when I decided to try the stuff. So far I am pretty impressed although the smell is a little overpowering for me. Sort of smells like lanoline or maybe it is just old sheep??? I wanted a lube and protectant that was compatable with muzzleloading powder rather than using petroleum and having to really clean before shooting.

lostid · « **Reply #23 on:** February 20, 2006, 09:52:11 PM »

Quote from: Swamp Yankee

On the suject of patch lube, I have been reading back in the archives about cold weather lubes. One of intrest was Mink oil, bees wax ,,,etc.,,,Thanks, Jim

well done Jim

That was a nice surprise.

Ya all should listen to this feller!
He studies,,trusts, experiments ,practices,,and shares his experiance in an honest manner.

dodd3 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 20, 2006, 11:14:47 PM »

mink oil is all i use for a patch lube i use it streight from the tin keeps the fowling nice and soft.
bernie

commanche · « **Reply #25 on:** March 04, 2006, 07:42:40 AM »

Quote from: crosscut

I just got a bottle and it says it can be used to lube patches. Does anyone do this?

it works fine from what i hear. i use simple CRISCO melted in micro-wave,soak patchs and let dry a little.

RaiderANV · « **Reply #26 on:** March 31, 2006, 08:15:46 PM »

Balistol is the true wonder mixture. Heck,,,,,the Smithsonian uses it to restore moisture into old wood and leather. It's pine oil based and not petro. I've used it on really really bad sunburn and it kicked Solarcanes arse! The German's invented it before WW I and was intended as an all around use.

Lodgewood sells all versions of it and cheaper then I've found anywhere else. Their number is 262-473-5444 or email them at Lodgewd@idcnet.com

Hope this helps