There is a lot of R&D invested in improving weapons solvents and lubes, and they keep getting better all the time. CLP is the current MILSPEC cleaner/lube and it works very well. MILITEC-1 is touted as being even better.
About the only product that I find a to be a retrograde step is Hoppes No 9. The old/original version was modified to eliminate benzene as a health hazard. Maybe it still works as well as a powder solvent, but I miss the old aroma.
With all of the purpose made products out there, I don't see much point in concocting various "strange brews" to do the job. There are some good greases available to prevent galling and smooth up motion on camming surfaces and other high friction points. Tetra grease or moly based greases are good. I must confess to using a stash of original 40+ year old MILSPEC grease on my M1 Garands, M1 Carbines, and M14.
I remember going thru basic training at the Armoured Corps School in 1965 when the buggers issued us NO oil for cleaning small arms.

We were issued the old fannel 4x2's for the .303, which you needed to tear a piece off to prevent your pull-thru from jamming in the smaller bore of the FN. I distinctly recall one "helpful" sgt walking the firing point on the range with one of those little green coke bottles full of oil which he offered to lube your rifle. I respectfully declined not wanting a face full of hot oil.

My solution was to go to a sporting goods store in Barrie and buy myself some Hoppes No9and rifle oil which i felt was a necessity for a spiffy rifle.