Moly Coated bullets (updated opinions)

[EOD Rob]

I know that this topic has been covered in the past and can be very opinion based. I searched and read several thread, but they were all very out dated.

I have used moly coated bullets in the distant passed, but not for years and would like to hear some current opinions on weather or not they are worth using. This question stems from the current availability of bullets. I have found what I'm looking for at a reasonable price, but they are in moly coat.
The bullet in question is the SMK 6mm 107gr. This will be used in my 6 ARC and 6 Creedmoor. The 6 ARC has a X-Caliber 22" 1in7" barrel and the 6 Creedmoor has a Proof Research 24" 1in8".

All opinions are welcome.

 

[paperpuncher]

Rob with the lack of availability now you may be more inclined to do things you wouldnt normally do. You can shoot them as they are, guys out there that swear by moly. You can remove the moly coating, an extra step and a pia but at least your shooting. Im sure you know the pros and cons of moly coating just decide how you feel about it and proceed from there. If you decide to clean them its not that terrible of a job

 

[paperpuncher]

So if you decide to remove the coating....
removing moly from bullets

 

[338 dude]

All I shoot is Moly coated bullets my barrel life has increased by nearly 50% less friction means less heat just know you will have to slightly raise your powder charge to get back to the previous velocity. Also my barrels clean up very quickly with less patches

 

[338 dude]

I also shoot a proof barrel on my 6.5 X284 Norma when you spend the money for a barrel like these isn’t it great to get more life from them

 

[EOD Rob]

Both, very good advise! Thanks.

 

[EOD Rob]

All I shoot is Moly coated bullets my barrel life has increased by nearly 50% less friction means less heat just know you will have to slightly raise your powder charge to get back to the previous velocity. Also my barrels clean up very quickly with less patches

338, maybe a dumb question, but I would think that you would need less powder with Moly bullets not more?

 

[457ciSBC]

338, maybe a dumb question, but I would think that you would need less powder with Moly bullets not more?

I always contributed this to lower pressures; across several different cartridges I found that I had to come up .5 to sometimes well over a grain or more. I started in 96 using the dry method, shooting it in 7-8 different guns, still have some that only have had moly bullets through them.Honestly, I don’t hold it in much regard anymore.....YMMV

 

[338 dude]

338, maybe a dumb question, but I would think that you would need less powder with Moly bullets not more?

It’s been my experience that you will lose about 30ft./s when using a Molly coated bullet this is due to less friction in the barrel so the bullet does not let pressure build as much I usually have to go up about a half a grain to get back to my target velocity

 

[1shot]

I've shot moly for years with no ill effects. However if left uncleaned, moly will cause rust in a bbl. in humid environments. Because of that, I have started experimenting with HBN, but with the current madness going on, that is on hold. I've always used the "wet" method of applying it so there isn't any dust that can be inhaled.
I hope this helps,

Lloyd

 

[ronemus]

if left uncleaned, moly will cause rust in a bbl. in humid environments

I never saw that in my stainless barrels, but a chromoly barrel might if the bore is left dry - I always apply a bit of CLP that I patch out prior to firing. Molybdenum disulfide is inert, and decomposition product from the temperatures reached during firing will be removed by normal cleaning; however, a bore left as is after firing will certainly rust, as much or more from combustion byproducts as from the decomposition of moly. I have a PhD in analytical chemistry, and I'm very skeptical of claims that moly is a source of corrosion.

 

[1shot]

I never saw that in my stainless barrels, but a chromoly barrel might if the bore is left dry - I always apply a bit of CLP that I patch out prior to firing. Molybdenum disulfide is inert, and decomposition product from the temperatures reached during firing will be removed by normal cleaning; however, a bore left as is after firing will certainly rust, as much or more from combustion byproducts as from the decomposition of moly. I have a PhD in analytical chemistry, and I'm very skeptical of claims that moly is a source of corrosion.

I have personally not seen any corrosion, but I'm pretty OCD about my cleaning regimen. With that said, I have read enough posts on here over the years, that there must be some validity to it.

Lloyd

 

[vonb]

I'm in your shoes Rob. I've purchased moly bullets as that was what was available. I'll try and remove the moly best I can but don't fret over it as I always put away my barrels clean.

I think if I was going to use something coated, it would be HBN. The stuff is really slippery.

 

[Shooter13]

I shoot moly bullets (I coat myself) in 6PPC, 30 Major, 6 Grendel and 30BR and have found very little (if any) difference in chronograph speed or powder, maybe this is true (er) for long range? I can tell you from experience that I have to clean less if I choose not to clean I've seen no difference in accuracy for up to 200 rounds, others I know have several hundred rounds through the barrel with no cleaning and still winning matches.

 

[LHSmith]

Never used moly, but have used Danzac for several seasons in SRBR competition. IME with coated bullets it takes a few extra shots to get the barrel "seasoned" after cleaning where as naked bullets generally only required one shot. I got better scores going back to naked and cleaning midway through the match ~25 rounds and I use less components and taking one more variable out of the equation. I see most other competitors at matches must have come to the same conclusion. IIRC the barrel longevity claim has been not been convincingly proven beyond anecdotal claims.
I recently removed Danzac from a large box of 6 mm Hollisters just to keep my regimen the same. To me it will be worth the trouble.

 

[ronemus]

I pre-treat my clean barrels with Midway's Moly Bore Prep and find that the first shot is in the group and the velocity is correct; however, I shoot 1/2 MOA with my rifles (they're not bench guns) so I'm not as sensitive.

 

[338 dude]

Done tumblingDry themPolishedTrim chamfer and reload

 

[Dusty Stevens]

View attachment 1249817Done tumblingView attachment 1249818View attachment 1249819Dry themView attachment 1249820PolishedView attachment 1249821Trim chamfer and reload

Whats the best way to get them out of the water? What did you do to remove all the excess moly between those 2 paper towel pictures and polish them?

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I shoot moly bullets (I coat myself) in 6PPC, 30 Major, 6 Grendel and 30BR and have found very little (if any) difference in chronograph speed or powder, maybe this is true (er) for long range? I can tell you from experience that I have to clean less if I choose not to clean I've seen no difference in accuracy for up to 200 rounds, others I know have several hundred rounds through the barrel with no cleaning and still winning matches.

Aren't you using tungsten disulfide(Danzac)? It's not the same as moly but looks similar.

 

[Adam in WI]

Whats the best way to get them out of the water? What did you do to remove all the excess moly between those 2 paper towel pictures and polish them?

I'm wondering if carpet and flower pots in the loading room helps or hurts with regards to the moly's performance. Inquiring minds want to know