[deerslayer303]

Well some veterans will chime in directly. I prefer some type of lube. I shoot a Remington mostly and without it, I would have to beat the cylinder pin out with a hammer. I've never shot my pistol without some form of lube. So I couldn't say for sure how they are with only the ball and powder. I believe the wads help wipe the fouling out of the barrel when firing too. Because upon inspection after a few cylinders worth my barrel is the cleanest thing on the gun. And I know that when I clean my gun the fouling will spray right off after its dunked in hot soapy water.