CB
posted this
07 December 2006
ssgt,
I think the cast bullet lube manufacturers nudge that 'hocu pocus...' thing along for a selling point! You may be right about using about anything for lube, but different features in some lubes have a purpose to certain applications.
As Jeff commented about the lube's residual affect left in the bore, probably has more of an impact, more than anything. The components of black-powder lube's, residue helps keep the carbon fouling soft for continual shooting up to a point.
Lubes suggested for pistols are usually intended for a slower velocity and pressure, and in most cases, ease of application. In today's high tech world of pistols or handguns, the term has surpassed its original basic definition to now include all types and variations from revolvers in target grade configuration, up to high velocity magnums, to single-shot handguns practically shooting high-power rifle velocities and performances. So speaking about handgun lubes now is a loose term at best, prompting a consideration for each individual's application. Notably, your Vaseline application, or even spit would probably work for gallery loads in a revolver.
I'm not an design engineer, but I don't believe cast bullet lube actually lubes the bullet. If that were the case, the lube ring would be at the front of the bullet, not at the back. So the ingredients in cb lube does not pertain to how slick the bullet is sliding down the bore; but to the lube surviving the high temperature/pressure environment of each shot.
That remaining residual affect in the bore is most evident with the shooters using NRA Formula Alox 50/50. The many that I know who use it most commonly never clean their bore, or their accuracy will fall off considerably, until they have shot at least a handful of fouling shots down the bore again. The lube I happen to use does not do that, and I keep a clean bore at my bench, because a clean bore shoots the most accurate loads for me.
Wingnut