Lubes for lead bullets question

[COLT45SA]

I've ween wondering about two different lubes for possible use on lead projectiles. Both are available is a spray-on form and dry within a few minutes of being applied. One such lube is Moly while the other is Graphite.
Those of you who have loaded lead projectiles are aware of the benefits of using a lube, and I would be interested in any thoughts, experiences regarding advantages or drawbacks of using either.
Thanks to all who respond~!

 

[mike mccormick]

I will stick to 50/50 mix of alox and beeswax, myself. Running them through a luber/sizer anyway

 

[DHD]

I don't think you'll find that the spray on lubricants you memtioned will stay put for what you're trying to do. A PC will but that isn't what you asked.

Just asking here, what exactly are you trying to do? An easier to apply finish/lube (relatively speaking), superior lube, or don't want to deal with a standard lubesizer/lube? I have a can or each (moly and graphite sprays) but haven't found them to really do anything a good oil or grease won't do better. I know we're talking cast bullets and not bearings here.

 

[Fuj]

I will stick to 50/50 mix of alox and beeswax, myself. Running them through a luber/sizer anyway

Yes Sir !! And for many years......I'll throw in a little purple candle coloring.

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

Lead bullets from most casters come already lubed. You have to special order without lube.

Frank

 

[Pres100]

Agree with DHD .... I don't think that spray on lubes will hold up. My favorite wax lube for casting (aside from PC):

 

[COLT45SA]

I don't think you'll find that the spray on lubricants you memtioned will stay put for what you're trying to do. A PC will but that isn't what you asked.

Just asking here, what exactly are you trying to do? An easier to apply finish/lube (relatively speaking), superior lube, or don't want to deal with a standard lubesizer/lube? I have a can or each (moly and graphite sprays) but haven't found them to really do anything a good oil or grease won't do better. I know we're talking cast bullets and not bearings here.

I'm trying to find ways to make bullets very slippery so that I have minimal leading. All of my shooting will be under 1600 fps. I don't want to get involved with a lube*sizer.

 

[mike mccormick]

I'm trying to find ways to make bullets very slippery so that I have minimal leading. All of my shooting will be under 1600 fps. I don't want to get involved with a lube*sizer.

In that case, tumble lube with alox, then use a lee push through sizer. BTW, sizing .002" over your actual bore diameter will prevent leading

 

[stork]

Agree with DHD .... I don't think that spray on lubes will hold up. My favorite wax lube for casting (aside from PC):

That's my favorite too. Have shot over 75,000 rds of 45 with this stuff. Soft, doesn't slump, stays put. What's not to love.

 

[c3d4b2]

This book is a great referance

Recommended Bullet Casting Book from Cast Bullet Association « Daily Bulletin

Forum member Roy Bertalotto has found a great print resource for cast bullet shooters. Roy, who runs the RVB Precision website, has started casting his own bullets. Roy tells us: I recently joined the Cast Bullet Association (CBA) as I've discovered the great hobby of casting my own bullets for...

bulletin.accurateshooter.com

I Ran across a web version sometime back. Did a little looking and ran across this link.

Cast bullets for beginner and expert - Free Download PDF

Download Cast bullets for beginner and expert...

kupdf.net

I have no idea if it is a safe download; however you can read the book without downloading it.

 

[Bill Clifton]

All of my lead bullets get lubed with 50/50 beeswax/deer tallow, of course most all of my lead bullets are shot with black powder.

 

[Bottom Fodder]

Man this brings back memories: casting bullet using scape wheel weights sizing and lubing

 

[rockhound78]

Tried the liquid moly, but got leading above about 850 fps. Don't think the graphite would work as well. Go with the Lee liquid alox

 

[Bill K]

I'm trying to find ways to make bullets very slippery so that I have minimal leading. All of my shooting will be under 1600 fps. I don't want to get involved with a lube*sizer.

If you are buying the bullets, instead of casting, then order one's for or with a gas check.
Or you can add and seat a gas check on yours, if your bullet casted for their use.
You can lube with 50/50 as mentioned or the Alox coating.
I would not use the spray's you are mentioning.

 

[DHD]

I shoot more PC than anything. That's with 32, 357, 44, and 45 caliber cast bullets. When I do lube, I only use White Label. Probably my favorite is Carnuba Blue with BAC my next favorite. When sized correctly (I am a .001" over kinda guy) no leading and low smoke. Now PC is my favorite! As long as you know what you're doing and cure it correctly, what's not to love shooting wild colored bullets cleanly in tiny groups.

Since I have more than a few FA 83's and at least one 97, I can and will push a PC'd bullet hard. Of course, White Label lubed bullets can take equal punishment.

Depending on your velocity goals, no spray on or coated with a wax type finish will equal a properly PC'd or lube-sized bullet. I don't like to use absolutes when talking shooting, but I'm pretty close here. Lower velocity ammunition will allow you more leeway with alternative lubes but still not quite. Just my opinion here. I don't shoot any swaged bullets in autoloaders so my interests are SA revolvers so that is what I'm referring to.

A good set up for PC isn't really too expensive and I'll admit enjoyable but will take up room. Just for more information, what caliber/gun are we talking about here? Also mention the bullet.

 

[DocDoc]

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/ has more information than you probably want about cast bullets and shooting them.

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

Are you casting your own bullets? Are you buying them? If so from whom? A commercial caster?

Frank

 

[lotech]

I will stick to 50/50 mix of alox and beeswax, myself. Running them through a luber/sizer anyway

Generally, best advice.

 

[JSH]

On most CB’s made for the masses, those lubes are made to stay on during shipping, little else matters, most is little more than crayon at best.
I have tried a lot of readily available lubes, none did what I wanted across the board for rifle and pistol
Years ago I made my own batch of FWFL, aka Felix lube. I have had ZERO issues and continue it’s use to this day.
The best lube in the world or a gas check will NOT prevent leading.
Size is king period. Hard cast will not make leading go away, especially in a wheel gun.
Powder coated is said to be the future, I just can’t warm up to it. My end results were mediocre at best. I expect a lot more than a majority of people from cast bullets, and I get it.


A quick search will glean you info that has been repeated over and over.

 

[KMW 1954]

45/45/10 bullet lube found on Cast Boolits.
45% liquid alox, 45% Johnson paste wax, 10% Mineral Spirits applied as a tumble lube. Been using it with everything from 380 to 45acp. Little goes a long way.