seeking soft bullet lube

[venomballistics]

Years ago I worked in a laboratory and one of my duties was to test products for moisture vapor transmission. At the end of the test I had to reclaim the glass tools and throw away the materials. ASTM required fresh bees wax so I threw the used pieces away.

Well, not exactly. I took the shavings home and melted them down. Right now I have about 2 pounds of bees wax in a quart jar.

Being as cheap as I am, I wonder what I could do with it. I love Lee liquid alox, but if I could mix the wax with something and use it for the same purpose I could save money.

Is there a formula out there?

yes ...
I used to just add axle grease until I got the solid consistency I wanted ...

 

[venomballistics]

I've used their half & half lube with many rifle and handgun cartridges after several decades of using the Alox-type half & half. It works at least as well as the original lube. Whatever the "second 50%" is makes no difference in accuracy or lack of leading, based solely on my experience. I shoot a lot.

Best to call them and ask what's in their lube.

I'm thinking the specifics are in Hatchers notebook.
In fact, I'll hang a link on the wall and encourage everyone to do an Abby Hoffman and Steal This Book
Its a good read, packed with gun knowledge that should not be lost to antiquity.

Page 408 in the link will be the info you seek

 

[Nick B]

LBT Blue Soft was my go to lube back in my casting days .
Not sure if LBT is still around .

 

[rockquarry]

I'm thinking the specifics are in Hatchers notebook.
In fact, I'll hang a link on the wall and encourage everyone to do an Abby Hoffman and Steal This Book
Its a good read, packed with gun knowledge that should not be lost to antiquity.

Page 408 in the link will be the info you seek

I know many don't like to buy books these days, but Hatcher's Notebook is a good one to have in every gun library. Lots of interesting information.

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

Go to the Cast Boolits forum and look up lubes. You will be overwhelmed with different formulas. I make my own out of beeswax and Crisco. It's tacky soft.

John

 

[Engineer1911]

Use the blend of commode seals (new rings only) and paraffin/candle wax that you like but ADD about 10% of Dexron III automatic transmission fluid (ATF). DO NOT use that new fancy synthetic ATF.

How much is 10%? It can be by weight or volume, makes no real difference in the performance of the lube. I melt bullet lube in MY 1-quart aluminum saucepan and add about 3 ounces (liquid) of ATF

It works great on hard bullets, soft bullets, or mystery alloy bullets. 1500 rounds of cast 45-70 down a 32" barrel is my proof of no barrel leading.

 

[gwpercle]

Here is a much easier Soft Lube Recipe .
It is for Lithi-Bee Lube ( Lithium - beeswax)
When the old formula for Alox was changed ... the lube maker didn't believe the New formula was as good for alox-beeswax lube he used to make ... came up with this formula and it is very good ... No leading in any of my handguns or rifles with cast bullets .

1 Part ( 1 pound ) Lithium Grease (Lucas Red-N-Tacky)
3 Parts ( 3 pounds) Beeswax

The grease will not melt ... so must be blended into the melted beeswax with a large metal whisk ... melt , bl;end , let cool ... three times to incorporate fully . If Too soft add a little Parraffin Wax (4 ounces) to stiffen the soft lube .

Once I started using this ... I have never had any leading and all I shoot are cast bullets in handgun or rifle .

I'm going to check at White Label Lubes and see if they make any
Lithi-Bee ...
Note ...When making Lube , keep a Fire Extinguisher handy !!!
I made a batch in an old Crock Pot ... had no flash fire but watched the temperature ... I would rather buy some ... I tend to have "accidents" !
Gary

 

[venomballistics]

I know many don't like to buy books these days, but Hatcher's Notebook is a good one to have in every gun library. Lots of interesting information.

I'd have to check my copy, but the internet archive version states it's last printing was 1957.
That might be a hard find in hard copy. The information in it deserves some preservation efforts for sure.
If anyone ever used "ed's red" gun cleaner, this is where it basically came from

 

[rockquarry]

I'd have to check my copy, but the internet archive version states it's last printing was 1957.
That might be a hard find in hard copy. The information in it deserves some preservation efforts for sure.
If anyone ever used "ed's red" gun cleaner, this is where it basically came from

Last printing of the third edition was in 1966. I would guess these aren't hard to find.

 

[Iowa Fox]

I have used White Label for 30 years. It's one of the best and very affordable.

Plus they are really good folks.