Ballistol — User Reviews Wanted

[AckAck]

Gotta always have some around (along with Kroil). It’s not the best for everything, but it’s really great for lot of things and super-good-enough for everything else.

 

[qldreloader]

I like the fact it is non toxic and it doesn't matter if you get it on your skin. It also emulsifies with water so it keeps lubricating and acting as a corrosion inhibitor when things get wet. While not a great long term anti corrosion answer it works fine if a rifle or handgun is given a quick clean and wipe over every few months. It's often very humid here in Queensland and I have no rust on any of my firearms.

I particularly like it for lubricating small parts such as ejector or extractor springs as it doesn't gum up over time like most oils.

It isn't a great carbon remover but a wet patch after shooting makes the carbon easier to remove later with Boretech C4.

 

[snert]

The smell makes me gag. Can't stand the stuff.

 

[243winxb]

Ballistol Multi-Purpose SDS Spray.

 

[Nvcnvc]

Nothing better for multiple uses. I have been using it along with Patch out/whipe out and Kroil…

 

[GWY]

Agree with a lot of the positive comments here on Ballistol.

Another use is on leather. A few years ago I got a new holster that had a real tight fit despite trying to break in in several days. I finally sprayed the inside of the holster with Ballistol and holstered the revolver in/out a few dozen times and broke it in perfect, still snug but no excess drag/binding on drawing.

 

[urbanrifleman]

The smell is horrible. I tried it and gave up because I detest the smell so much.

Awful.

I don't think it's very good at anything really. And it's crazy expensive for what it is. You can go to Lowe's and buy Slick Stuff for seven bucks a can and I like it a lot better.

 

[Knotwild]

I used it last night to release bandage tape where I had an IV in my arm. It released the glue immediately and completely - then it washed right off as if it had never been there and now my arm doesn't even look like it was stuck.

I also squirt some in my rimfire suppressors before shooting. It helps keep the deposits greasy instead of baked on.

 

[Jonnyofalltrades]

Awful.

I don't think it's very good at anything really. And it's crazy expensive for what it is. You can go to Lowe's and buy Slick Stuff for seven bucks a can and I like it a lot better.

Expensive? Do you use it straight or something?
I find that diluted 3 to 1 with water it is cheaper than lots of other stuff.

 

[urbanrifleman]

Ballistol Multi-Purpose SDS Spray.

View attachment 1546391

It's mineral oil!!!! Haha

That explains it.

 

[Nature Boy]

Smells like dead shrimp rotting in the sunshine.

I always described it as licorice buttholes...

I liken it to a rotten baboons ass buried in a dirty sock

I use it though

 

[6.5 forever]

I have no sense of smell....now I know my wife's complaints are justified....

 

[BoydAllen]

Bought some of the liquid. It stunk. I gave it away. I have other products to do the job.

 

[Whisky Tahoe Foxtrot]

I use Ballistol as case lube for mass production PD rounds. Spray it on, let it flash dry and size.

No need to clean the Ballistol off the finished cartridges .....I was skeptical but now am a firm believer.

THIS!!! I do the same as this post from @ricco1949
but only with fired cases to minimize getting a stuck case.

I use aerosol Ballistol at the range to wipe the carbon off my brass after each relay. I spray it on a patch and wipe.

Then when I reload I wipe the case again before FL sizing. With my 6BR rounds and good dies, that is sufficient case lube. YMMV.

I don’t need to tumble and don’t need to use a thick, sticky case lube.

Again, I caution that I remove the carbon BEFORE it hardens — wiping the cases off minutes after shooting.

For reloading larger cases you may need a thicker lube.

And this. Cleaning brass early is a serious shorcut.

Who cares what this amazing stuff smells like.
Buy it before someone figures out (inaccurately) it's going to cause cancer.
As old as Aspirin and just as amazing...

 

[bobcat93]

What is your honest opinion of Balllistol?

It stinky as can be!, but a good product for mild metal protection ..I think it protects better then lubes..and I think hoppies #9 cleans better

 

[Adam in WI]

Isohexane is a hydrocarbon with six carbon atoms, and is similar to naphtha or lighter fluid. So, save yourself $ and make your own. By the quart light mineral oil is about $10 and VM&P naphtha about $17. Both are much cheaper by the gallon.

It appears the mix is about 2 or 3 to one, solvent to oil. You can mix a small batch of both and see which one you like. You don't need the propane propellant, just put it in a small polyethylene spray bottle, and spray away.

Mineral oil has no odor, and naphtha smells like lighter fluid, so the sweaty butt-smell is likely coming from the "odorized" propane propellant. If you really want [or need? ] your DIY recepie to stink too, just buy some Ethyl Mercaptan (Ethanethiol) and add a few drops to the mix. Since this stuff smells just awful, be sure to do that outdoors!

SJ

I looked up white mineral oil and it appears the stuff is not water soluble. Blackpowder shooters are always raving about the stuff for its ability to be mixed with water for cleaning and it's ability to remain on the metal once the water has evaporated. Are the other ingredients making it soluble?

 

[JEFFPPC]

I looked up white mineral oil and it appears the stuff is not water soluble. Blackpowder shooters are always raving about the stuff for its ability to be mixed with water for cleaning and it's ability to remain on the metal once the water has evaporated. Are the other ingredients making it soluble?

Best thing to clean black powder is Simple Green.

 

[danny]

Gotta always have some around (along with Kroil). It’s not the best for everything, but it’s really great for lot of things and super-good-enough for everything else.

I used/bought Kroil twice; first and last time. I could not figure out what the hype was all about, and it is more expensive than other options. After that, I saw a Youtube video from "Project Farm" testing various penetrants. Liquid Wrench fared better in their testing. It is also available nearly everywhere, AND cheaper.

Danny

 

[Brians356]

Terry Wieland not long ago devoted an entire Shooting Times column to Ballistol. As I recall he said it's all he needs for metal, wood and leather.
-

 

[Dimner]

Try THAT with Montana Extreme!!!

Man I know THE INSTANT I have a hangnail or any tiny open would with that stuff