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Petroleum Products and BP don't mix?

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I know this has been hashed over here and in other forums. I’d settle for a link to another thread.

Where did the idea that petroleum products and Black Powder don’t mix come from? Is there any truth to it?

I’ve read the lengthy article that started with a product called Natural Lube 103 and ended with the formulation of Bore Butter and its cousins. It sounds like something a marketing person would come up with to sell his product.

TIA!

Walt

P.S.: There’s an old recipe for a bullet lube from the 1930s; 50/50 Japanese Beeswax and Vaseline (1 pound each), with one tablespoon of motor oil. This is from the guy at my local ML shop who believes the title of this post is BS.
 
I know this has been hashed over here and in other forums. I’d settle for a link to another thread.

Where did the idea that petroleum products and Black Powder don’t mix come from? Is there any truth to it?

I’ve read the lengthy article that started with a product called Natural Lube 103 and ended with the formulation of Bore Butter and its cousins. It sounds like something a marketing person would come up with to sell his product.

TIA!

Walt

P.S.: There’s an old recipe for a bullet lube from the 1930s; 50/50 Japanese Beeswax and Vaseline (1 pound each), with one tablespoon of motor oil. This is from the guy at my local ML shop who believes the title of this post is BS.
Probably did not effect him as he has not got around to actually trying what really works ! Kind of like 4F will destroy your gun/mind and belief in fairy tales are true (UNICORNS ANYONE ?)
 
Petroleum products tend to make a messier goo when combined with burnt powder. If it sits a few hours before you clean it can get a little crusty. That is reason I was told. 'It'll gum up yer gun" dad said. Dad wasn't right about everything it turns out. ;)

When I shoot my revolvers at targets I will use a smidge of 10w-30 on the top of each ball. Doesn't cause any serious goop issue, but I am shooting it pretty much as soon as it is put on, and I swab out my barrel and chambers before I load again. When I load for long term storage it is wonder lube or bore butter. And that stuff makes a real mess let me tell you.
 
preempting.
popcorn impala.gif
:D :D :D
 
hoo, boy..... Here we go again! :ghostly:

The main reason for my question is I posted on FB and the first thing someone said was "BP and Petroleum don't mix". I've heard this for years. Ever since Lube 103 first came out. Where's the proof? Rather than cause a long discussion, if someone could point me to a previous thread or other material, it would be greatly appreciated.

Walt
 
Probably did not effect him as he has not got around to actually trying what really works ! Kind of like 4F will destroy your gun/mind and belief in fairy tales are true (UNICORNS ANYONE ?)

If you're referring to the guy in the shop, he's worked there since the 70s. Before it was the Gun Works and way back in the Green River Forge days.

Walt
 
Rather than cause a long discussion, if someone could point me to a previous thread or other material, it would be greatly appreciated.
Have you tried using the Search feature? Try searching for "black powder and petroleum products" (like you titled this thread). You'll be amazed! Just scroll through the items returned and pick out the ones you want to read by looking at the first line listed. It's really easy and effective -- and you don't have to depend on other people to provide what biased references they favor. 👍 But it may be too late for it to result in avoiding a long discussion -- though "discussion" may not be the best description of it.
 
Have you tried using the Search feature? Try searching for "black powder and petroleum products" (like you titled this thread). You'll be amazed! Just scroll through the items returned and pick out the ones you want to read by looking at the first line listed. It's really easy and effective -- and you don't have to depend on other people to provide what biased references they favor. 👍 But it may be too late for it to result in avoiding a long discussion -- though "discussion" may not be the best description of it.

I know what you mean. I will, thanks!

Walt
 
When I was a young grade schooler the gun safety pamphlets said alcohol and gun powder did mix. Took me a lot of years to figure out what that meant.
I’ve used oil to protect muzzleloader barrels for years. Haven’t tried it for patch lube and probably won’t as spit and other stuff work fine.
 
Back in the early sixties not knowing any better I tried STP as a patch lube. Big time fouling!I always use petroleum based oils for protecting the bores after cleaning. If I don't get the oil washed out with alcohol before shooting I have trouble with fouling as well.
 
Get some cast bullets pre-lubed with a non-BP lube. You'll learn how horrible the fouling can be.

Petroleum based lubes react with the burning powder and leave a hard crust fouling. After shooting a few such bullets through an antique lever operated unmentionable, it became increasingly difficult to chamber a round, and accuracy went to hell. Upon cleaning, I found quite the crud ring in the chamber.
 
BP Addict, this topic ( another is cleaning methods....) tends to cause some long and drawn out arguments by folks who are absolutely convinced of the correctness of their opinions. Proof, frankly, doesn't make much of a difference.

I have my own opinions, but I am not going to discuss them because they really don't matter. Use whatever lube/cleaning method works for you.
 
Rather than cause a long discussion, if someone could point me to a previous thread or other material, it would be greatly appreciated.
We can't.
You've already made up your mind what constitutes a petroleum product. And thus conclude that all petroleum are the same in use, and shall be considered as just that,, a petroleum product.
Is "Oil" a petroleum product?
How `bout whale oil? Is "Synthetic" oil,, real oil or is it a lubricant?
Are roads "Asphalt" or "Tar", or,,? (concrete/cement)
How about transmission fluid? Why not use that instead of Chapstik ?
 
We can't.
You've already made up your mind what constitutes a petroleum product. And thus conclude that all petroleum are the same in use, and shall be considered as just that,, a petroleum product.
Is "Oil" a petroleum product?
How `bout whale oil? Is "Synthetic" oil,, real oil or is it a lubricant?
Are roads "Asphalt" or "Tar", or,,? (concrete/cement)
How about transmission fluid? Why not use that instead of Chapstik ?
"Petroleum" is used to describe anything derived from crude oil or natural gas. With the exception of whale oil, everything you listed is a petroleum product.

Petroleum products simply do not react well with burning black powder. They will leave a hard, crusty residue. It may be mitigated by the loading action of a muzzleloader, especially if it's only for one or 2 shots such as hunting, but it's still going to be harder to clean.

Animal fats and plant oils are far better lubes for black powder.
 
Back in the early sixties not knowing any better I tried STP as a patch lube. Big time fouling!I always use petroleum based oils for protecting the bores after cleaning. If I don't get the oil washed out with alcohol before shooting I have trouble with fouling as well.
Did you thin it or use it straight? Just curious as I've dumped plenty into car and airplane engines.
 
Never used petroleum-based lubes but knew an Okla. Highway Patrolman years ago that used plain old white petroleum jelly and swore by it. Me, until a while ago, a great while ago, used a lube named; 'Grease Ball' and was very happy. Haven't, for a great while. Have been using pre-lubed linen patches. They've been working just fine. Did they quit making 'Grease Ball?' If not where could find it? Live in South Texas. THANKS!
 
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