Lube Comparison Test for Accuracy

[john boy]

Performed by Virgil Ray Hality back in 2009:
http://www.theopenrange.net/forum/index.php?topic=6798.0
I will make a reasonable effort to test 25 rounds per revolver from a benchrest. The loads will be made with the following components:
 1.9cc 2fg Schuetzen
 Big Lube bullets weighing 200 grains +/-0.5 grains
 Bullets sized at 0.428
 Winchester 44-40 shell casing
 CCI 300 LP primers
Bullets lubed with different kinds of bullet lube. Preferably that which is commercially available.

Best 5 shot group:
SPG.................... 1.00"
50/50 ................ 1.25"
Sagebrush........... 1.50"
Thompson PS Lube.1.56"
Pearl Lube II.........2.00"
NRA Formula......... 2.62"

After 15 rounds fired
Shots 16 thru 20
50/50..................1.50"
SPG.................... 1.50"
Sagebrush............2.25"
Thompson PS Lube 2.78"
Pearl Lube II.........2.87"
NRA Formula......... 3.50+"

three 5 shot group average
(Since there is not a 4th measured group for the NRA lube)
50/50..................1.42"
SPG.................... 1.67" (1 called flyer)
Thompson PS Lube 1.73"
Sagebrush............1.92"
Pearl Lube II.........2.64"
NRA Formula......... 2.83"

average of the best 4 shot groups
(eliminates the called flyer)
50/50..................1.19"
SPG.................... 1.24"
Thompson PS Lube 1.44"
Sagebrush............1.89"
Pearl Lube II.........2.15"
NRA Formula......... 2.50+"

Looks like 50/50 mix and SPG have produced the best results to date.......

[Blackpowder Burn]

Very interesting.  It appears Steve Garbe knows what he's doing.........

[sail32]

What 50/50 formula are you testing ?

[wildman1]

Alox/beeswax. wM1

[wildman1]

I was under the impression that Alox and BP were not compatible. I must have been mistaken or maybe mixing the beeswax with it changes that. What are your thoughts on that JB? wM1

[Jefro]

What 50/50 formula are you testing ?

Beeswax / Crisco

Jefro Relax-Enjoy

[wildman1]

Beeswax / Crisco

Jefro Relax-Enjoy

Not sure but I think he was referring to the testing being done.
Just in case he wasn't I use a 50/50/50 mix of beeswax Crisco deer tallow with a little red candle put in fer color.        wM1

[john boy]

What are your thoughts on that JB?

Never tried it so have no idea.  Paraffin though is a petroleum product but is refined to be an alkaline. I use it in my home made lube and pleased with the results

[Ranch 13]

Was that the test he ran, using his favored lubes in the 2 guns that shot the best and left the other lubes for the guns that never did shoot as well? Or was that someone else ?
Lots of good lubes out there. Even some of the homemade ones work well.

[Jefro]

Not sure but I think he was referring to the testing being done.
Just in case he wasn't I use a 50/50/50 mix of beeswax Crisco deer tallow with a little red candle put in fer color.        wM1

Howdy  Wildman 1, I'm sure he knew not to use 50/50 Alox-Beeswax with BP, since all the other lubes he tested were BP lubes. He would never get those kind of results with an Alox mix, just a mess to try and cleanup. I'd be willing to bet a dollar to a doughnut it was 50/50 Beeswax/Crisco. I use about a 60/40 with about a tbls. of lanalion and tbls. of canola oil. Have shot two day 12 stage match with this mix with great results. Good Luck

Jefro Relax-Enjoy

[DTS]

I have had good results with 60:40, Beewax (1st filter) and Vaseline. I know Vaseline is a petrolium, but this formula works well with BP as a bullet lube as well as grease cookies with paper patched bullets, in .45/70 RB, .45 3 1/4" RB and .50 3 1/4"Sharps as well as the new .50/95 Model 76. I've also used in my .458 CF's up to 2,200fps with 400 and 500gr. bullets with excellent accuracy and no leading.

[Noz]

How about this for a lube.  Garage sale candles melted and Lee's liquid alox poured in until the final mix has the right softness.
I have a friend that uses this in all of his black powder guns with great success.
I tried it and got a huge mess.

[w44wcf]

The 50-50 lube used was beeswax / lamb tallow.

Here is an expanded version of John Boy's data

[john boy]

An excellent adaptation of mutton tallow & beeswax was a 1943 American Rifleman article about 1800's lube ...
40% Mutton Tallow
40% Paraffin -it's an alkaline
20% Beeswax
I say it is a cousin to SPG

[Fox Creek Kid]

An excellent adaptation of mutton tallow & beeswax was a 1943 American Rifleman article about 1800's lube ...
40% Mutton Tallow
40% Paraffin -it's an alkaline
20% Beeswax
I say it is a cousin to SPG

I've used that formula for ages and it's one of the reasons why men envy me & women want to be with me.       

[Dick Dastardly]

PL-II sales have been brisk.

DD-MDA

[Coffinmaker]

I've left this thread pretty much alone because my contribution would be seen as somewhat Snarky.

You see, I don't use ANY lube.  My propellant of choice is APP.  Makes it's own lube.  Way COOL!!

Coffinmaker

[Fox Creek Kid]

Relax, CM. We understand. Not every player is called to play in the Big League.        

[Cliff Fendley]

Do you mix the lube components by weight or volume? Or does it matter?

I haven't taken the time to pour even ingots of beeswax and deer tallow to see how they compare on weight. Since mine is in different size chunks it's easier for me to measure out by weight. Just wondering if I should be doing it different.

[Noz]

Relax, CM. We understand. Not every player is called to play in the Big League.        

Nasty!!!