Graphite Lube

[Sven205]

For anyone using lube that contains powdered graphite, I'm curious on the benefits/reason for adding this to your mix. I've seen some recipes that include graphite, and noticed it will vary from adding just a spoonful (or small percentage) to a pretty heavy dose of the stuff.

Also, If you were to make a batch of this yourself and had a good supply of "motor mica" would that do the same thing?

[Jim Brady Knap's Battery]

Some of you may remember the Great Lube Guru Lefty. Back in the old days Lefty preached the basic idea of K.I.S.S. Keep it simple stupid by using a mix of beeswax, crisco and a touch of olive oil. His motto was "If you can't put it on a Triscut and eat it it doesn't belong on a minnie. I adopted the method and have had great success with it on minnies, carbine bullets and the round balls in my smoothbore. Between relays it only needs a breech scraping and brushing (with the butt up so any crud falls out instead of back into the barrel) and at days end cleans easily with soap and water and on top of all that can be used to supplement emergency rations in a pinch.

[William H. Shuey]

"on top of all that can be used to supplement emergency rations in a pinch."

Jim Brady

Hey Jim:
Some people have stronger stomachs than others !! :-)

Bill Shuey

[Bruce Cobb 1723V]

It was suppose to fill small scratches and increase compression. Maybe it does the same in a barrel?

[Joseph Plakis Jr, 00302V]

For what it is worth graphite is actually an abrasive. It polishes the surfaces to a mirror finish if done correctly.
Some people use Molybdenum Disulfide to line a barrel. To have a modern gun "Molly Treated" cost a lot. You
have to take the Molly powder put it on a patch and work it up & down the inside of the barrel.
If you put it in bullet lube for Minnie's I would not recommend pulling the bullet with your teeth.

Molybdenum Disulfide is a lubricant it actually bonds to the metal.

Joe Plakis Jr 00302V
Hamptons Legion

[Kevin Tinny]

Hello:

Thanks for sharing that graphite can be abrasive in some applications.

I have good results with a proprietary musket lube containing a negligible amount of graphite, but cannot determine if it helps because the same guns shoot just as well with Bob Anderson's/Glen Owen's "N-Lube"/"Bob-O-Lene" that has none.

The Shiloh Sharps Forum has a "Moly Lube Question" thread dated 21MAR2018 by "4570aimfar" that warns of progressive accumulation of nasty bore fouling, accuracy reducing carbide deposits, and ruined barrels when MOS2 (z-micon Dow Corning moly) is used in lubes that either contain any moisture or comes into contact with moisture in the bore. Detailed posts to the Thread include technical laboratory verification.

So, if use any moly, no water in BP lubes (and there is normally some moisture), no blowing into breech to soften fouling (which includes moisture in ones breath), and any between shots wiping must leave no moisture ahead of the next shot.
Edited to add info. Tx.

Smiles,
Kevin Tinny

[Eggman]

Some of you may remember the Great Lube Guru Lefty. Back in the old days Lefty preached the basic idea of K.I.S.S. Keep it simple stupid by using a mix of beeswax, crisco and a touch of olive oil. His motto was "If you can't put it on a Triscut and eat it it doesn't belong on a minnie.
Keeping in mind that many rely on the forum for "how to" advice, this particular guidance had me a bit concerned. My concern is primarily focused on the Crisco portion. Most of us have Crisco in the cupboard, and the average household seldom uses it all up. Eventually a prudent wife will clear out the long tenant Crisco and replenish it with a fresh supply. For most of us, the discarded Crisco is the source for the Crisco portion of our lube supply. Crisco has long life; the tub I'm currently using has an expiration date of 2011. I am extremely concerned about the above recommendation, that readers of this post not only apply it to a Triscuit and, of but of even greater significance, that they go ahead and "eat it." I believe some sort of limitations need to be added to this.

[JW 5875V]

AHHH the good old days on the "Old Artillery Rd" (late 70's)
At some shoots a pot of "Punch" with a toilet lid on it was the staple
for imbidement! at one of the camp sites.
Enjoying an evening, Lefty was relating to his lube recipes.
I had told him previously that I had taken a portion of the "pot"
at times and had mixed it in with my lube.
ARRGh he said, you must mix:
1 part buttery fly wing dust.
1 part fly snot
1 part cow dung.

The theory is:
When you miss, the butter fly took your shot.
The fly hangs around, because of the cow dung.
Cow dung makes you say "S--t" I missed.


Anyhow, too much lube no matter what you use
makes your bullet fall out of the "X" ring in individuals.



Have to close now,
my drool cup needs emptied.

Jim Whitehouse Sr. 5875V
Allegheny Cuty Guards

[Jim Brady Knap's Battery]

Remember Lefty's mention of a lube mix containing Monkey Sweat and Ear Wax?

[JW 5875V]

Remember Lefty's mention of a lube mix containing Monkey Sweat and Ear Wax?

Yes, that was for left hand shooters. Pistol and musket, not carbine.

Jim Whitehouse Sr. 5875V
Allegheny City Guards

[Jim Brady Knap's Battery]

Yes, that was for left hand shooters. Pistol and musket, not carbine.

Jim Whitehouse Sr. 5875V
Allegheny City Guards


Why of course Jim. That makes sense.