using Balistol and Hoppes

[Berserker]

I know this for a fact as I had a 45-70 custom snap cap made and left it in a chamber that was wet with Ballistol. I forgot about it and after several months found the plastic retaining plug in the top of the unit had popped out along with the spring. This snap cap had a hard roll crimp holding this spring and plug in place but the Ballistol actually attacked the brass leaving the case mouth so thin that the spring broke free.

That is one instance but I have since found that brass cases left in a cylinder wet with Ballistol can be compromised at the case mouth. I have pulled bullets and found the edges of the case mouth almost razor sharp from corrosive attack. Actually if you let some brass set in Ballistol a day or two you will see that it becomes very shiney which in essence is the product etching the brass.

Anyway Ballistol is a great product but can and will attack brass.

Thanks. So it would not be good for defense guns that are left loaded.

While not the best thing to do, I have over the years just sprayed guns down with Rem oil, let it dry and reload.

 

[Engieman]

I really like Ballistol and use in a lot of different applications. Great preservative and cleaner, and will frequently use Hoppes to clean the gun, dry, and finish off with Ballistol. I did have the opportunity to speak with the Ballistol importer here in the US, and he did give me one caution. If you're going to use the Ballistol in the final stages of cleaning/storing, do not use anything else such as grease, or lube or oil or......he told me the properties of the Ballistol will break down other compounds and make them ineffective as well as scewing up the Ballistol. Nice guy, don't think he was trying to sell me on the idea of only using his product, was just pointing out that 'doesn't play well with others.' Makes sense given the products properties.

 

[chriske]

Ballistol works great but stinks to high heaven.

 

[Berserker]

It is an odd smell. Doesn't overly bother me, not as good as Hoppes. Except one time I had alot of it rubbed on.

 

[gonzogeezer]

CLP choice is like ammo or even guns themselves...ask seven people and you'll get eight opinions! Most of us have tried more than one before settling on a favorite. Mine is Ballistol. First formulated for total rifle cleaning and protection, it has lots of applications (it's a floor wax! It's a dessert topping!). See http://www.ballistol.com/1_Ballistol%202010%20Amazing%20Story%20Flyer%20PROOF3.pdf

I prefer the smell to most petroleum based products, it works better than vegetable products, and it won't resinify, which is good for long-term storage. Plus most of my guns are old and German, so they probably started their life with Ballistol!


--GG, SoCenPA

 

[Berserker]

I slopped up 68 SBH couple weeks ago, Tried to wipe the extra down for awhile. Next day it looked good. I am thinking of applying a few coats and see if I can season it, so to speak.

 

[bcfryer]

A friend and I want to split a gallon. Is it safe to store in a clean plastic spray bottle.

 

[Berserker]

I am guessing so, dunno, find out. Label it.

Email the company they may advise you.

 

[OneMini]

A friend and I want to split a gallon. Is it safe to store in a clean plastic spray bottle.

I have had some in a polyethylene bottle for over a year, no problem that I can see.

 

[mr-mom]

Here s another vote for Ballistol. I've used many different products over many years of maintaining weapons. Ballistol just works, plain and simple. As others have indicated, it cleans and protects metal, wood & leather. My wife can't stand the odor, buy I find it non offensive. And yes, it stores well in plastic bottles. I purchase the larger containers of the product and then pour it into smaller plastic spray bottles. Have never had a problem doing that. Try it, you just might like it also. Be safe, Shoot straight and have fun.
Dave