Ballistol

[JEBar]

Just have to always deal with being a "mega cleaning nut."

understood because I used to be a "mega cleaning nut" .... call it age or whatever but over the years that's changed considerably .... rust I can't tolerate but in thinking about it, I have come to realize that it isn't necessary for me to agonize over removing every spec of grime innate to shooting a firearm .... lead in a barrel still really bothers me, so much so that I no longer fire lead bullets .... when I shine a light and look down a barrel, if it looks shiny and clean, I'm good .... when the action works smoothly and the bullet consistently hits what I aim at when I pull the trigger, I'm happy .... in a similar vein, I do run them through a car wash but its been decades since I detailed a vehicle

[markiver54]

I see this thread has been inactive for a while but it's the first time I have looked at it. I think I might pick up some if I can find it.
Have a question though. I have a friend who has been into Cowboy Action shooting for many years. To my surprise, he said he uses automotive brake cleaner as a bore solvent. Sounds kinda crazy to me but I do respect him and he's no spring chicken either. What thoughts do any of you have ? I have not used it. Just curious, seems like it might be a bit too aggressive.

[ESquared]

While I've heard the tales of how great brake cleaner is for many years, I've never used it. No doubt many will pipe up here in support of it. Can't see how it would be too aggressive on the stuff that fouls a barrel if it can clean brakes. Don't know if I'd let it loose on internal actions and such, but, again, have never used it; others may give it the thumbs up all around.

As the old adage goes, [within parameters of good sense] it doesn't so much matter what you use to clean and lube, but just that you clean and lube.

I have used Ballistol for years, and it's fantastic, non-toxic, multi-use stuff, for everything from cleaning bores and action parts to woodstocks and leather slings. The odor is kind of odd, but no more so than good ol' Hoppes No. 9. Heartily recommend!

[Mags]

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I would not use aerosol brake cleaner near wood, brass or plastic. Any over spray can mar the finish.

I see this thread has been inactive for a while but it's the first time I have looked at it. I think I might pick up some if I can find it.
Have a question though. I have a friend who has been into Cowboy Action shooting for many years. To my surprise, he said he uses automotive brake cleaner as a bore solvent. Sounds kinda crazy to me but I do respect him and he's no spring chicken either. What thoughts do any of you have ? I have not used it. Just curious, seems like it might be a bit too aggressive.

[markiver54]

Yes Mags, my concern was also what effect it might have on a beautiful walnut stock finish. Might go to my local GS today and see if they carry the Ballistol. Could just call and ask, but always love going to the gun stores.

[ESquared]

In my experience, Ballistol isn't all that easy to find at retail. Like most things these days, Amazon is a good option, and a 3-pack lasts quite while, depending on what you choose to use it for. I find myself using it in situations where I might have used WD-40 previously, for example, but would never use WD-40 on leather.

https://www.amazon.com/Ballistol-Multi- ... nd+cleaner

[Mags]

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Yup any excuse to go the gun store!

I've never used Ballistol. Never seen it on the shelves here. I've been a long time user of Hoppe's #9 and other than for copper fouling, had no reason to try anything else. For copper fouling I use TetraGun. For lube of moving parts I use Remington Dry-Lube. For the bore a slightly damp swab of gun oil.
For wood and brass buff with Renaissance Wax.

Yes Mags, my concern was also what effect it might have on a beautiful walnut stock finish. Might go to my local GS today and see if they carry the Ballistol. Could just call and ask, but always love going to the gun stores.

[JEBar]

In my experience, Ballistol isn't all that easy to find at retail. Like most things these days, Amazon is a good option, and a 3-pack lasts quite while, depending on what you choose to use it for. I find myself using it in situations where I might have used WD-40 previously, for example, but would never use WD-40 on leather.

https://www.amazon.com/Ballistol-Multi- ... nd+cleaner

Ballistol is sold at our area's largest gun shop but I can buy it just as cheaply from Amazon and they deliver it to our door .... I use it for both cleaning and as a lubricant .... Ballistol and Sweets 7.62 (for copper removal) are the only chemicals we use

[markiver54]

Well.. I went to three area gun stores today and could not find Ballistol. The biggest one around did not even know what it was. The third small shop I went to, ( where I should have gone first ), at least knew what it is. He sent me to a local gunsmith who works out of his home and got a 16 ounce can for $11.50. I was intrigued enough by all of you and that helped me persevere. I'm glad I did though because of all the uses listed on the can. Had fun looking though. Nut'in else this old retired guy had to do today! Look forward to trying it soon. BTW...wife thinks I'm nuts... she might have a good case.

[JEBar]

suggestion .... take one of your firearms that you know has a clean barrel ..... run a dry patch down the barrel to remove any lubricant .... swab the barrel with a Ballistol .... remove it from the barrel and take a look at the patch .... if you do so, I'd really like to hear your reaction

[markiver54]

I definitely accept your suggestion and WILL try that, maybe even tonite! Just wondering as I did not see it mentioned, do you guys dilute the Ballistol? The chart on the can has 6 suggestions for dilution %'s ?

[rodbuster]

I believe it is mostly black powder shooters that dilute it.

[markiver54]

Thank you rodbuster. I guess 100% can't hurt on the guns, but thought about using it on the wood and my leather holsters. Think it's ok at 100% for all applications ?

[JEBar]

do you guys dilute the Ballistol?

I use it just as ti comes out of the bottle .... it takes very little to do the job

[markiver54]

Just ran a jag and patch through my 686 revolver which is my cleanest gun at the moment. Five swipes through the 6 inch barrel then 3 swipes through all cylinders. This is what I saw.

[rodbuster]

I use it full strength, I spray it on my leather holsters, slings and I spray it on the wood of my henrys and wipe with a cloth and they look
real good. Been doing for a long time, it works great.

[markiver54]

Great! I guess that's what I wanted to hear. Don't like having to dilute and worry about all that.Thank you rodbuster!!

[Henry88]

Sounds like the gunsmith sold it to you at cost; good guy.

I put it into those little Rem Oil plastic dispensers and mark it with a "B".

[markiver54]

Yes Henry88. I thought the price was right, was probably gonna pay whatever he wanted anyway after my search. Met a great guy and ended up talking with him for about an hour and a half. Learned a lot as we covered many subjects.

[JEBar]

Just ran a jag and patch through my 686 revolver which is my cleanest gun at the moment. Five swipes through the 6 inch barrel then 3 swipes through all cylinders. This is what I saw.

based on your direct observation, what is your assessment ..