Eezox, I'm sold.

[Wagon Box Willy]

Howdy Pards,

Today, after a long cold winter I got out my pistols and shot about 175 BP (24gr GOEX 3F/CoW) rounds off in the back yard.  The 1875 Remmies started giving me fits and I had to squirt them with Moose Milk at about 35 rounds each.

After the practice, I took the guns inside for a cleaning and I couldn't believe how quickly I was done.  The barrels were rinsed in Moose Milk and water and then a light brass brush.  The first patch though the barrels was slightly discolored, the second one was clean.  I couldn't believe it as in the past I would have to patch and scrub the barrels a number of times before I could get to a clean patch.

I read some threads on Eezox claiming that it would make the gun easier to clean but I purchased it for it's rust prevention and not cleanup ability so I was pleasantly surprised.

As for rust prevention, my guns made it through the winter without any bluing damage.  I reapplied the Ezzox once about a month ago.

After the cleaning because I used Moose Milk (Ballistol) I used a heavily wetted patch of Eezox to clean off any Ballistol residue and then applied a light coat which is drying as I type this.

So like I said I'm sold on Eezox both as a rust preventive and an aid to cleaning up my BP guns....I just wish it wasn't so expensive so I could use it instead of the Moose milk for cleanup.


   -Willy

[Fox Creek Kid]

Have you read the MSDS sheet? 

[john boy]

Kid, have you ever looked at the Hoppe's #9 MSDS sheet?

Ingestion
May cause irritation to membranes of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract resulting in vomiting
and/or cramps. Aspiration of vomit into the lungs may cause inflammation, and possible chemical
pneumonitis, bronchopneumonia, or pulmonary edema.
Inhalation
Prolonged or repeated overexposure is anesthetic. May cause irritation of the respiratory tract, or acute
nervous system depression characterized by headache, dizziness, staggering gait, confusion or death.
Irritation of the mucous membranes, coughing, and dyspnea are also possible.

They really tell like it is ... confusion or death
And some goofy (confused) folks want to use the stuff as a perfume!  

So, the issue is - Pick One!  Eezox or Hoppe's
PS: Yes I have read the Eezox MSDS sheet too.  Probably before most folks even knew that Eezox existed

[Icebox Bob]

Why remove the Ballistol?  Here are some quotes from the Ballistol MSDS.

Non-Toxicity
In experiments with rats and rabbits the animals' entire intestinal tracti and stomachs were filled with Ballistol. The animals showed signs of uneasiness. After the Ballistol had been evacuated from their bodies as provided for by nature, the animals without exception appeared to be in excellent condition and showed no adverse prolonged side effects. It was not possible to establish an LD 50.
Ballistol does not contain ingredients considered hazardous by OSHA. It does not contain any ingredients, which normally may be considered harmful or fatal if swallowed, BUT DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING, ASPIRATION CAN OCCUR. CONSULT A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. It does not contain any ingredients which may be toxic for warmblooded organisms, reptiles or aquatic organisms, if used as directed. However, Ballistol may kill small insects such as aphids, mites, chiggers, ants, termites, spiders or wasps etc. by mechanically clogging up their respiratory systems, as most oils will.
Ballistol does not contain any ingredients known to cause cancer such as 1,1,1 Trichloroethane, 1.1,2,2 Tetrachloroethylene, tar, Teflon (Polytetrafluorethylene) or Silicone. Ballistol does not contain chlorine or chlorinated substances. Ballistol aerosols do not contain CFCs. The Isohexane contained in Ballistol aerosols as a thinner containes less than 3% n-Hexane, which make it non-toxic. Ballistol meets the criteria of the Federal Trade Commission for the claim of biodegradability. It has been found to biodegrade and/or photodegrade within a period of approximately 24 months in aerobic decomposition as defined by OECD approved closed bottle tests.

Ballistol as a Corrosion Inhibitor
Most corrosion inhibiting lubricants can only protect against normal oxidation. They do so by covering up the surface, which they are supposed to protect, and prevent contact with water and air. Due to its alkalinity Ballistol can also protect against galvanic corrosion, acidic corrosion and salt water corrosion. Ballistol contains oxygen binders. They make the oxygen, contained in water or air, unavailable for oxidation. Due to its low surface tension, Ballistol is capable of creeping into the smallest openings even against gravity. Accordingly, Ballistol provides not only passive but also active protection against corrosion. However, Ballistol is not a permanent coating or paint. Its protective effect will be the stronger the more often it is re-applied.

Compatibility of Ballistol with Other Materials
Ballistol is fully compatible with all metals including aluminum. However, Ballistol dissolves traces of copper, zinc, lead and tombac and can, therefore, be used to clean brass, bronze and silver. BallistoL is compatible with all types of unfinished woods. Ballistol is compatible with paints and varnishes which are chemically resistant to petroleum. Caution is recommended when using Ballistol on antique furniture or antique musical instruments. Paints and varnishes from past centuries may not be resistant to Ballistol. Ballistol can be used on all smooth leathers. Its use on suede is not recommended, since it will spoil its looks. Ballistol can be emulsified with water and mixed with gasoline, diesel fuel or antifreeze. Ballistol will chemically interact with and partially or fully neutralize substances of an acidic nature such as, but not limited to, human sweat, battery fluid, residues from tannic acid in leather.

Health Hazard Data
Routes of Entry:
Inhalation: Aerosol Spray - Possible / Non-Aerosol Oil - Not Probable
Ingestion - -Possible.
Absorption through skin  - Insignificant if any.
Acute and Chronic Health Hazards: - No LD-50 oral could be determined for Ballistol with rats and rabbits. Manufacturer classifies product as non-poisonous.  Ballistol does not contain Benzene or Kerosene.

Carcinogenicity:
No NTP publication. No IARC monograph. Ballistol is based on medicinal grade white mineral oil, (CAS # 8042-47-5) which has been classified "Class 3" by the IARC. This means that there is insufficient evidence for this substance to cause cancer in animals or humans. Ballistol does not contain any substance currently known to be a carcinogen.

Signs and Symptoms of Exposure  - None known.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure  - None known.

Emergency and First Aid Procedures:
In the event of contact with eyes or skin, flush with large quantities of water. If ingested, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING, ASPIRATION COULD OCCUR. Consult with physician immediately.

Control and Protection Information
Respiratory Protection Information -  Not required.
Eye Protection - Not normally required.
Ventilation  - Locally as needed.
Protective gloves -  Not required.
Mechanical  - As needed.
Other Protective Clothing  - Not normally required.

Work & Hygienic Practices:
Avoid contact with eyes. Use in ventilated area. Do not use around flame or hot surface. Do not spray into open flame. Do not puncture aerosol container.

I use Ballistol. 

[john boy]

Bob, Ballistrol is primarily mineral oil which was used as a laxative in prior years.  As for the rust prevention, cleaning and lubing capability of it compared to other products ... not equal or greater than IMHO and having used it

[Wagon Box Willy]

Why remove the Ballistol?  Here are some quotes from the Ballistol MSDS.
...
I use Ballistol. 

I tried Eezox because I was not satisfied with the rust preventative capabilities of Ballistol, my guns rusted over the winter with Ballistol.  Eezox will not be effective over Ballistol so it has to be removed prior to the final rust preventative coat of Eezox.

[Deadeye Dick]

FYI, This was presented by others on this Forum earlier. Sorry I don't remember who to give credit to.

http://www.ctmuzzleloaders.com/ctml_experiments/corrosion/corrosion2.html         

Deadeye Dick

[Icebox Bob]

FYI, This was presented by others on this Forum earlier. Sorry I don't remember who to give credit to.

http://www.ctmuzzleloaders.com/ctml_experiments/corrosion/corrosion2.html         

Deadeye Dick

That is one of the things I saw that kept me as a fan of Ballistol.  Here is the other, which is a summary of MSDS toxicity information on three products that we have been considering here.

Hoppes's #9
Product contains six ingredients with a range of LD50 and LC50 values. 
The most significant LD50 oral dose was 350 mg/kg of ammonium hydroxide (in rats). 
The most significant LD50 dermal dose was 2,000 mg/kg of kerosene (in rabbits). 
The most significant LC50 inhalation dose was 1.4 mg/l/kg (in rats).

Eezox
LC50  Inhalation  =  8,000 ppm/7 hours (rat)
LC50  Dermal  = 15g/kg  (rabbit)
LD50  Oral  =  10-12g/kg (rat)

Ballistol
Product is classified as non-poisonous.  No LD50 values could be determined in either rats or rabbits.

A median lethal dose or LD50 value, is the amount of a solid or liquid material that it takes to kill 50% of test animals (for example, mice or rats) in one dose.

A median lethal concentration or LC50 value, is the concentration of a material in air that will kill 50% of the test subjects (animals, typically mice or rats) when administered as a single exposure (typically 1 or 4 hours).

Just some information to help people decide what they want to use........

[Wagon Box Willy]

It has been my experience over the last 12 or 13 years fighting rust on my woodworking machinery in my New Hampshire barn-shop that what works for one person or one application does not necessarily work for another.  I have participated in debate after debate and test after test about what method or combination of methods works best and I've personally experienced methods which worked for others not work for me, and vice versa.

My brief experience (2 years) with guns has not proven to be any different.  Despite any reports or tests to the contrary, Eezox has prevented rust on my handguns....with virtually no maintenance while Ballistol, which I supplemented by periodic re-treatments, did not.

I still use Ballistol, but not as a rust preventative.

YMMV, use what works for you.

  -Willy

[Deadeye Dick]

Willy,
Did you use Ballistol full strength for rust preventative? I use Ballistol Moosemilk for cleaning and Ballistol full strength as a final wipe down. Never had a rust problem and you can't say doesn't rain in Oregon in every season but summer.

That is one of the things I saw that kept me as a fan of Ballistol.  Here is the other, which is a summary of MSDS toxicity information on three products that we have been considering here.

Hoppes's #9
Product contains six ingredients with a range of LD50 and LC50 values. 
The most significant LD50 oral dose was 350 mg/kg of ammonium hydroxide (in rats). 
The most significant LD50 dermal dose was 2,000 mg/kg of kerosene (in rabbits). 
The most significant LC50 inhalation dose was 1.4 mg/l/kg (in rats).

Eezox
LC50  Inhalation  =  8,000 ppm/7 hours (rat)
LC50  Dermal  = 15g/kg  (rabbit)
LD50  Oral  =  10-12g/kg (rat)

Ballistol
Product is classified as non-poisonous.  No LD50 values could be determined in either rats or rabbits.

A median lethal dose or LD50 value, is the amount of a solid or liquid material that it takes to kill 50% of test animals (for example, mice or rats) in one dose.

A median lethal concentration or LC50 value, is the concentration of a material in air that will kill 50% of the test subjects (animals, typically mice or rats) when administered as a single exposure (typically 1 or 4 hours).

Just some information to help people decide what they want to use........

+1 on the quote
Not trying to change your mind, just telling you why I like Ballistol.

Deadeye Dick

[Wagon Box Willy]

Yep, clean with Moose Milk and preserve full strength.  The issue I have is temperature swings.  I only keep my shop heat at 35° in the winter when I'm not in there and heat it up to 60 when I am.  The temp swing and the moisture put out by the propane heater tends to wreak havoc with steel.  My solution for my cast iron is 24/7 air circulation, Boeshield T-9 (not wiped off) and machine covers.

The Eezox not only kept the rust away, the guns aren't oily and the cleanup after use went much easier than before.  I'm really happy with it.

The one thing I did notice, though I'm not sure it's related, is that the Mobile One Synthetic Grease I was using on the cylinder pin seemed less effective than in the past.  Not sure if it's related to the Eezox or not yet....

-Willy