Ballistol

I have mixed with water used as a cleaner and patch lube for muzzle loading rifles for years always used it straight for rust protection never did trust it for long term storage. Anything that mixes with water that easy makes me a little nervous for using it for long term storage. I have no idea why anyone would want to mix it with water for any air gun use. It does seem to work good for a bore cleaner for air guns, straight no water!

RB

TheOtherPursuit,

I've actually been using Ballistol liquid in the larger can for years now..
I always wondered how the spray-version worked, but, never asked or tried it out. 
For things like barrel cleaning / prep / etc. I just use it at full strength.. 

The only time I ever diluted was when I was using it as a cleaner & protection on a finished wooden stock. 
It probably didn't have to be knocked down, but, I figured I'd better be safe than sorry. Ratio = 3:1 Ballistol to Water.

I always joke around about wearing it as cologne also, since I love the smell of the stuff so much.



Sam -

Same only used the liquid, great stuff on patches to clean and wipe on with a cloth on anything metal or wood. Full strength no problem. 

I've used the spray and the liquid for years for all kind of things. Never though about cutting it with water or anything though. Its pretty much my go-to for cleaning or storage of powder burners, black powder (revolvers, rifles, and shotguns) and the exterior of airguns. Until recently, I never really gave much thought to cleaning airgun barrels but that idea has changed after educating myself a bit. Based on Steve's post I now use Ballistol for that as well. But - I may start waxing the barrels after cleaning them (another similar thread).

I just started using Ballistol in the can at full strength. So far so good, used it to clean some airgun barrels, left it perfectly clean.

Never was much into European fragrances. For cologne I am an old Hoppes #9 man myself!

Not a smell you want on you while grocery shopping that's for sure, I think that scent would perplex too many people.

Not a smell you want on you while grocery shopping that's for sure, I think that scent would perplex too many people.

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The very best description of it ever!

I don’t know anyone else that uses the stuff, and I was beginning to think that I was one of the few that thought the stuff was a smell you didn’t brag about...

I mean Hoppes #9 is one thing, but, yeah, Ballistol, no bragging rights there!

SWEETS remember that? Now there is some nasty stuff. I rarely use it but if you have a coppered up varmint barrel it’s about the only thing that will get the copper. Not too good on bronze brushes. It probably would cauterize a fairly large open wound. It will clear out your sinuses I know that and bring tears to your eyes . Straight ammonia from the smell of it maybe with a little oil in it . May not even be able to buy the stuff any longer. They changed the formula for # 9 to get the bad stuff out. I remember guys complaining about the new stuff not working as well as the old. . That was 25 years ago . 

I’ve always diluted mine. I always assumed the spray was some version of diluted. Diluted has always worked good for me for rust. 

Caution to be taken on suede and certain types of and soft plastics maybe even soft touch coated stocks and or BSA rubber plastic coated scopes rangefinders binoculars etc and though FDA deemed non carcinogenic avoid inhalation and skin contact as much as possible and don't try to drink it. If ingested do not induce vomiting and call for medical attention. GOOD stuff that works BTW... Yo!

I’ve used Ballistol full strength for decades. One of the only things I trust not to mess things up. One caveat, don’t use it on old original case hardened receivers etc. it will cause them to fade color. Not really an issue with air gun items but something to keep in mind for other applications. 


Corky

I've only ever used the full strength bottle.

I keep a stack of patches soaking in a screw top pellet tin. I keep a rag I wipe everything down with sort of soaked - it gets a few drop wrung into it every few weeks. Its great for wiping off fingerprints and such.