Blackpowder FAQ

I sort of reject spit as a patch lube because of the stuff in saliva. There are enzymes that could result in rusting yur bore? There are folks out there that are better qualified in organic chemistry than I am. Would like to hear from some one that can comment on the use of spit for patch lube. I know that folks have been using it for hundreds of years but that does not necessary make it a good method.
 
What to use for a patch lube :confused: ?

There are two lubes that I like to use.

Hoppes#9 patch lube, sold commercially.

Moose Milk nessy's recipe
13 oz water
3 oz water soluable cutting oil (machine shops use on their lathes etc.)
1 oz Murphys Oil soap

With either of those lubes it's a given that you will be able to shoot till the cows come home and never foul your rifle :D
Having said that, if youare using these lubes and you experience fouling :eek: it means your patches are too dry.
Simply clean the bore with a cleaning patch and lube, wet you patches some more and continue shooting :D
Cheers nessy.
Salt free lard, either animal fat or vegetable, IE Crisco. Sweet Oil (olive oil the old timers used this back in the day) Bar grease, goose, duck fat, the list goes on and on. U do not have to get fancy. Although some of the modern preparations used for patch lube would appear to keep the bore clean so cleaning between shots may no longer be required which is a good thing as Martha Stewart would say.
 
I sort of reject spit as a patch lube because of the stuff in saliva. There are enzymes that could result in rusting yur bore? Would like to hear from some one that can comment on the use of spit for patch lube.

I sometimes use a spit patch when at the range. As long as a charge is not left for a day then you won't see rust. One thing I don't like is having to remove a few threads from the mouth.

Reminds of the time when you needed a toothpick after having dinner at the Y.
 
New to black powder and doing some reading p here. Looks like that last comment pretty much shut everybody up for over a year, lol. Looking for a mold for minies for a Parker Hale .577 musketoon percussion if anybody has one kicking around.. Thanks.
 
What to use for a patch lube :confused: ?

There are two lubes that I like to use.

Hoppes#9 patch lube, sold commercially.

Moose Milk nessy's recipe
13 oz water
3 oz water soluable cutting oil (machine shops use on their lathes etc.)
1 oz Murphys Oil soap

With either of those lubes it's a given that you will be able to shoot till the cows come home and never foul your rifle :D
Having said that, if youare using these lubes and you experience fouling :eek: it means your patches are too dry.
Simply clean the bore with a cleaning patch and lube, wet you patches some more and continue shooting :D
Cheers nessy.
I am going to try out your recipe. However I would use a felt over powder wad to keep my powder a little dryer. What say you?
 
I am going to try out your recipe. However I would use a felt over powder wad to keep my powder a little dryer. What say you?

Not ever have had to try that, it may affect the ball performance albeit some smoothbore shooters do use it. I use a 6 part water to 1 part Ballistol oil lubed patch ball directly over my powder with no ill effect of the lube on my powder and i have consistently great accuracy with it. The patched ball will be pushing the fouling ahead of it and that will provide somewhat of a barrier between the lubed patched ball and powder. I do not believe that a card/wad is necessary over the powder.
 
You can use a combination of salt free lard such as Tenderflakke either animal or vegetable and a 50 50 mix of beeswax. Vary the amount of beeswax so yur lub stays in the groves during hotter weather. There are hundreds of different lubs you can concoct with the various cooking oils commonly available in everybody's kitchen, The old timers used sweet oil for patches which is nothing more than olive oil.
 
Not safe either. There must be more compelling things to do with one's spare time than making black powder.
And yes, there are activities in my youth that wisdom of old age thinks are just nuts.
 
NO not legal.
Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.


there has been no updates here for 5 yrs? wow
trying out moose milk, and thank all the contributors, i've noone to learn from in person so YouTube college and this sub forum has made it easier to proceed with this new hobby
 
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