Ballistol gun cleaner

cw308 · November 3, 2011, 10:48 AM

Has anyone out there used Ballistol on their guns.

GUNSNGOLD · November 3, 2011, 10:53 AM

i have a friend that swears by it but his M&P locked up on a wolf round yesterday, i like break free myself, no reason to change.

Jim Watson · November 3, 2011, 10:59 AM

I use it only on my BPCR rifles. A good preservative that does not coke up if there is a little left in the gun when shot with black powder. But it smells awful and I do not use it anywhere else.

I don't think an American gun failing with Russian ammunition has a whole lot to do with German oil.

Willie Lowman · November 3, 2011, 11:51 AM

I use it to clean my Mauser after shooting corrosive ammo.

I put it on my work boots sometimes too.

dabluesguy · November 3, 2011, 12:14 PM

I use Ballistol a lot and also Break Free. Ballistol is a superb lubricant. A little goes a long way in cleaning and lubricating.
http://youtu.be/mSyNryTu8QM

Jimbo-Indy · November 3, 2011, 12:22 PM

I use it for my black powder guns, after first cleaning with soapy hot water. I give everything a good wipe down with Ballistol before storage. It prevents rust and seems to reduce fowling accumulation while shooting. I intend to try it as a cleaner for both the black powder and smokeless powder guns. First up is a shotgun to see how it works on plastic wad fowling. Shooting BP this Sunday. will try it instead of soapy water. Will post later with results.

ATW525 · November 3, 2011, 01:47 PM

I use Break Free myself, but have heard good things about Ballistol for black powder shooting. Also, I believe Hickok45 has good things to say about on some of his Youtube videos.

BarryLee · November 3, 2011, 03:47 PM

I believe it is mostly mineral oil and has a variety of uses. I personally prefer other products for gun lubrication, but use Ballistol for protecting knife blades.

mumbo719 · November 3, 2011, 03:57 PM

I've heard good things about it but never used it.

Daekar · November 4, 2011, 09:07 AM

I have some, I use it on wood, leather, and my guns. It's in rotation with ATF and Hoppes.

Not sure why people think it smells bad - it's like licorice. Plus, it's non-toxic, so I can guarantee you that whatever vapors you're inhaling from it are far less dangerous than those from practically anything else you could name.

In my experience, it cleans well, protects well, and neutralizes salts well. It stays put. I put some in the bore of a muzzle-loader that had been cleaned with other products and you would not BELIEVE what came out.

It's my opinion that it is an excellent tool general gun maintenance. If I could only have one product, that's probably what it would be, although I know at times I would be wishing for some Hoppes for really neglected areas with caked-on junk (22lr, I'm looking at you!). Since I am happily not limited to such spartan means, Ballistol forms a capable part of my cleaning and maintenance options.

NOTE1: I have the non-aerosol variety. I can't comment on the spray kind.

NOTE2: I read recently that Ballistol is also popular with airgun shooters. Make from that what you will.

EDIT: Oh yes - the reason Ballistol is even available here is interesting. The German army uses it for everything, and H&K requires it for use in their weapons. The reason it's imported to the US is that H&K said they would not honor warranty claims on the shiny new MP5s if Ballistol wasn't used on them. I figure that's a heck of an endorsement, so I use it on my P2000 without fear.

plumbercrack · November 4, 2011, 10:03 AM

No I swear by Hoppes, but when it comes to lubricant I have found a thin layer of white lithium grease prevents powder residue from building up and gives better lubricating properties. I have a Savage .22 for the kids to use when we are shooting and using this grease extends their day by reducing fowling.

Mesquito Whitey · November 7, 2011, 12:03 AM

I must admit, although I'm positive Ballistol is a great product, I couldn't get rid of it fast enough. I can not stand the smell. Really, really can't. Leaves more for you guys.

Jim Watson · November 7, 2011, 12:23 AM

Quote:

H&K requires it for use in their weapons.

Strange, you would think that they would put it in the instructions, then. From the USP manual: "Any type of high-quality, medium-weight lubricant (oil) specifically designed for use on firearms will work well on the USP pistol."

Ballistol is said to go back to 1905 and was an early effort at a CLP.
The difference being that it is an emulsifiable oil that can be mixed with water to dissolve corrosive primer residue and leave a coat of oil that will protect for a while at least. Known as "Moose Milk" by black powder shooters.

MrGreen · November 7, 2011, 02:56 AM

Have never used it but have heard good things.

joepa150 · November 7, 2011, 07:55 AM

I have used Break free CLP for years. Then I saw a bunch of great reviews about Ballistol. The price was right so I picked up a non aerosol bottle. I actually like the smell. As far as how it compares to Break free, I honestly don't see one being more effective than the other. They both seem to work the same for me. I use ballistol as a CLP on all my firearms.

dyl · November 8, 2011, 07:27 PM

it's said to be completely non-toxic in contrast to all the other petroleum based chemicals out there. Still wouldn't want to drink it or spray it in my eye though. I guess you don't have to worry about it being absorbed through the skin.

ClydeFrog · November 9, 2011, 10:07 PM

I've used Ballistol often. It's great for cleaning & weapon protection.
It's handy around the house or shop too.

Other great cleaning/CLP systems include Eezox, Weaponshield, LPX/Mpro7, Gunzilla.

ClydeFrog

nogo · November 17, 2011, 10:21 PM

Works well, smells bad, and tastes terrible. Everybody needs one can of it.

Roughedge · November 27, 2011, 10:20 AM

I used it on my guns when I done cowboy action shooting but now I use break free. I still use it on the tops of my wood working shop tools to keep them rust free between uses.

November 3, 2011, 10:48 AM	#1
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	Ballistol gun cleaner Has anyone out there used Ballistol on their guns.

November 3, 2011, 10:53 AM	#2
GUNSNGOLD Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2011 Location: in a casino Posts: 153	i have a friend that swears by it but his M&P locked up on a wolf round yesterday, i like break free myself, no reason to change. __________________ "his whole family is all rats - he would've grown up to be a rat"

November 3, 2011, 11:51 AM	#4
Willie Lowman Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: Uh-Hi-O Posts: 3,006	I use it to clean my Mauser after shooting corrosive ammo. I put it on my work boots sometimes too. __________________ "9mm has a very long history of being a pointy little bullet moving quickly" --Sevens

November 3, 2011, 03:47 PM	#8
BarryLee Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2010 Location: The ATL (OTP) Posts: 3,946	I believe it is mostly mineral oil and has a variety of uses. I personally prefer other products for gun lubrication, but use Ballistol for protecting knife blades. __________________ A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman

November 4, 2011, 10:03 AM	#11
plumbercrack Member Join Date: October 21, 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 98	No I swear by Hoppes, but when it comes to lubricant I have found a thin layer of white lithium grease prevents powder residue from building up and gives better lubricating properties. I have a Savage .22 for the kids to use when we are shooting and using this grease extends their day by reducing fowling. Last edited by plumbercrack; November 4, 2011 at 10:08 AM.

November 3, 2011, 10:59 AM	#3
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,541	I use it only on my BPCR rifles. A good preservative that does not coke up if there is a little left in the gun when shot with black powder. But it smells awful and I do not use it anywhere else. I don't think an American gun failing with Russian ammunition has a whole lot to do with German oil.

November 3, 2011, 12:14 PM	#5
dabluesguy Member Join Date: August 3, 2011 Location: Eastern Orygun Posts: 91	I use Ballistol a lot and also Break Free. Ballistol is a superb lubricant. A little goes a long way in cleaning and lubricating. http://youtu.be/mSyNryTu8QM

November 3, 2011, 12:22 PM	#6
Jimbo-Indy Senior Member Join Date: August 27, 2008 Location: Owasso, OK Posts: 334	I use it for my black powder guns, after first cleaning with soapy hot water. I give everything a good wipe down with Ballistol before storage. It prevents rust and seems to reduce fowling accumulation while shooting. I intend to try it as a cleaner for both the black powder and smokeless powder guns. First up is a shotgun to see how it works on plastic wad fowling. Shooting BP this Sunday. will try it instead of soapy water. Will post later with results.

November 3, 2011, 01:47 PM	#7
ATW525 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2005 Location: Concord, NH Posts: 2,723	I use Break Free myself, but have heard good things about Ballistol for black powder shooting. Also, I believe Hickok45 has good things to say about on some of his Youtube videos.

November 3, 2011, 03:57 PM	#9
mumbo719 Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2008 Location: Tampa Bay, FL. Posts: 346	I've heard good things about it but never used it.

November 4, 2011, 09:07 AM	#10
Daekar Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2011 Posts: 458	I have some, I use it on wood, leather, and my guns. It's in rotation with ATF and Hoppes. Not sure why people think it smells bad - it's like licorice. Plus, it's non-toxic, so I can guarantee you that whatever vapors you're inhaling from it are far less dangerous than those from practically anything else you could name. In my experience, it cleans well, protects well, and neutralizes salts well. It stays put. I put some in the bore of a muzzle-loader that had been cleaned with other products and you would not BELIEVE what came out. It's my opinion that it is an excellent tool general gun maintenance. If I could only have one product, that's probably what it would be, although I know at times I would be wishing for some Hoppes for really neglected areas with caked-on junk (22lr, I'm looking at you!). Since I am happily not limited to such spartan means, Ballistol forms a capable part of my cleaning and maintenance options. NOTE1: I have the non-aerosol variety. I can't comment on the spray kind. NOTE2: I read recently that Ballistol is also popular with airgun shooters. Make from that what you will. EDIT: Oh yes - the reason Ballistol is even available here is interesting. The German army uses it for everything, and H&K requires it for use in their weapons. The reason it's imported to the US is that H&K said they would not honor warranty claims on the shiny new MP5s if Ballistol wasn't used on them. I figure that's a heck of an endorsement, so I use it on my P2000 without fear.

November 7, 2011, 12:03 AM	#12
Mesquito Whitey Member Join Date: January 21, 2009 Location: Nevada Desert Posts: 84	I must admit, although I'm positive Ballistol is a great product, I couldn't get rid of it fast enough. I can not stand the smell. Really, really can't. Leaves more for you guys.

November 7, 2011, 02:56 AM	#14
MrGreen Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2011 Location: Desert Southwest Posts: 108	Have never used it but have heard good things.

November 7, 2011, 07:55 AM	#15
joepa150 Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2009 Posts: 107	I have used Break free CLP for years. Then I saw a bunch of great reviews about Ballistol. The price was right so I picked up a non aerosol bottle. I actually like the smell. As far as how it compares to Break free, I honestly don't see one being more effective than the other. They both seem to work the same for me. I use ballistol as a CLP on all my firearms.

November 8, 2011, 07:27 PM	#16
dyl Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,310	it's said to be completely non-toxic in contrast to all the other petroleum based chemicals out there. Still wouldn't want to drink it or spray it in my eye though. I guess you don't have to worry about it being absorbed through the skin.

November 9, 2011, 10:07 PM	#17
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	Plus 1 for the "German WD-40"... I've used Ballistol often. It's great for cleaning & weapon protection. It's handy around the house or shop too. Other great cleaning/CLP systems include Eezox, Weaponshield, LPX/Mpro7, Gunzilla. ClydeFrog

November 17, 2011, 10:21 PM	#18
nogo Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2009 Location: central texas Posts: 215	Works well, smells bad, and tastes terrible. Everybody needs one can of it.

November 27, 2011, 10:20 AM	#19
Roughedge Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2011 Location: Monroe,NC Posts: 669	I used it on my guns when I done cowboy action shooting but now I use break free. I still use it on the tops of my wood working shop tools to keep them rust free between uses. __________________ The man that die's with the most stuff win's!