Re: MtMan-List: Patch Lube / BP Cleaner

[cwebbbpdr@juno.com (Charlie P. Webb)]

 John Kramer > writes:

 Charlie P. Webb wrote:
>> The water soluble oil is actually very similar to
>>some of the available lubricants used thru the mid 1700's through
>>the 1860's
>I am curious as to specifically which lubricants you refer to.

Howdy John K,
What I meant specifically was WSO works as a patch lube in
muzzle loading firearms, its characteristics when used for this
purpose are very similar  to "Whale oil"  and animal rendered
oil such as bear.  I have used both whale sperm and bear oil
off and on since 1947,  In my firearms (some original some
replicas)  there is little if any difference between patches lubed
with  sperm  oil, bear oil,  jojoba or WSO.  The accuracy of a
a  firearm is not one bit better when sperm oil is used as a patch
lube than it is with WSO or one of the many other lubes folks
sing the praises of.  As a oxidation or rust prevention  WSO
is a poor choice, here the sperm oil etc. shine.  For Target
shooting I get more and quicker fouling   using sperm oil etc.
because a thin film of oil/ grease is deposited to the
walls of the barrel bore  as the patch/ball combination is
firmly seated on the powder. When fired the residual oil/grease 
seem to collect and hold the crud. This is no problem when
hunting,  and I do use them for that purpose.  After a target
relay of five shots the fouling must be wiped out.  WSO  or
"Moose Milk"used as a patch lube does not  do this.  The
ring of fouling just above the chamber also does not occur. 
I apologize for confusing the the issue,  I simply was
referring to WSO/Moose Milk as being similar in use as a
patch lube to  the known lubes from the 1700s thru the 1860s.
Jojoba  has worked  well for me, how ever I have no source to replenish
what little I have on hand.  I  just don't know where
to get it here in Colorado.  I have rendered bear oil myself 
over the years and used it,  and  also have a gallon or so of
Whale oil that I horde. After many thousands of rounds in
competion  and time spent testing,  I find as a patch lube they
have no greater merit than "MooseMilk". 
	The closest thing that I have found to matching 
whale oil is a lube called Ballistol,  in use it even feels a lot
like whale oil.  It is supposed to have been developed in
Germany around the turn of the century.  I  have not 
concluded testing it as a patch lube,  but it does look 
promising.  In the few months I have been using it as a 
gun lube, it has not dried out  and no rust can be detected
inside or out.  Plus that, it is bio-degradeable.
	 Again I am sorry when writing  my post, I diden't 
make myself understood.   Hope all have a good day, keep
your powder dry, regardless of what patch lube you use,
and thank the lord for hind sights!
Respectfully,

C Webb
CC CO

>The earliest reference to a W.S.O. I've found speaks of saponifying 
>mineral
>oil
>with alkali soap and water to produce a Water Soluble Oil.  An early 
>20th
>century technique with a petroleum base oil.  I have found no early
> references
>to this technique being used with lard oil or any other oil.
>
>John...
>
>John T. Kramer, maker of:=A0
>=20
>Kramer's Best Antique Improver
>>>>It makes wood wonderful<<<
>=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0 >>>As good as old!<<<
>
><<http://www.kramerize.com/>http://www.kramerize.com/>
>
>mail to: <kramer@kramerize.com>=20
>
>

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