Adding moly to powder

[RC]

I know this was something that some of the benchrest guys tried instead of coating bullets. Anybody still do it and what can you tell me.
I tried to Google the subject but could not come up with much.

 

[jo191145]

I've read the rumors that Viht does it but believe they're false.
Viht does have excellent powder fouling characteristics but its my beleif they're tied to the fact they still use cotton instead of wood pulp as a base. Or so I've read. Open to debate.
As for the home reloader? I see no need to dabble in such things. Question why you would want moly mixed in your powder and then begin again.

PS, I'm not against bullet coatings as I use them myself in some rifles.

 

[spclark]

Moly decomposes at 1,185° C (2,165° F) and upon being heated in the presence of oxygen forms molybdenum trioxide and sulfur trioxide, which when combined with water makes sulfuric acid. Not something I'd like to have in my bores, thanks....

My take is that, combined with propellant then subjected to the combustion temps present in a cartridge, the result might be less worth the effort than using moly in the traditional manner to coat bullets.

As a dry lube coating it ought to last longer for the brief period at the start of a bullet's travel down a rifle's bore.

 

[BoydAllen]

Someone told me that Arnold Jewel, of trigger fame, actually patented putting moly in powder. You might try to get a hold of him. If I remember correctly, Jerry Hensler told me about it. I have not tried it. Most of my shooting is with a 6PPC and I would not to anything that might require more powder to hit the same tuning node. I don't have the space to spare.

 

[243Mendoza]

The army labs had tried various additives to powder to reduce small arms barrel wear. They tried calcium carbonate, molybdenum trioxide and talc. The calcium carbonate, and molybdenum trioxide did extend barrel life be 100% and 34% respectively. (ref: Gun Propulsion Technology edited by Ludwig Steifel)

 

[RC]

Thanks for the replies.
I have been using moly for a number of years. I have done no accuracy tests vs non coated bullets so I have no facts to back up any statements about improved accuracy. However, I do feel like something seems to be going on when using moly. Nor can I say that it increases barrel life, but I have not had any reason to think that the opposite is true. I do like the lower pressure for the same velocity vs non coated bullets, and you can realize a slight increase in velocity if you are willing to work up slowly. Using the Berger method of cleaning when using moly I have had no problems with any buildup of moly, copper, or carbon. As for moly combining with moisture in the air and causing harm to the barrel I have not had that problem. I always clean my barrels well and apply a good bore rust preventative, then they are stored in a heated safe.
The reason for my post are the common problems with moly. It is time consuming to coat bullets, moly can and will make a mess if not very careful, and I am not sure that you can truly protect your lungs without a respirator. I don't really believe a paper mask does much when you are dealing with something like moly.
I may look a little closer at the HBN coating if it has the same benefits.

 

[Shynloco]

WOW,
Once again I've learned something new that I have never considered or heard about. And I'm glad we apparently have folks "in the know" on several fronts. But let me play devil's advocate for a second. The question is whether adding moly to powder extends the barrel's life. Well do we know what this addition to the powder does for accuracy in terms of hinderance? SpClark's analysis would be a definite "turn off" for me! Thx guys!

 

[Steve Blair]

Smokeless powders are already coated with graphite for lubricity and static control. I don't see what adding MoS2 to it would buy.