A little experiment..

[big-ugly]

So we all know there are as many different ways to clean a black powder firearm as there are people who shoot them..

I was at work one day (at my last job) and was bored, reading a can of fluid film. I noticed it was lanolin based. This stood out to me, and got me wondering about using it as a lubricant for my muzzle loaders. I first experimented with it last December when my girlfriend shot my .50 cal Traditions inline (cheapie) at a nice doe. I cleaned it the way I normally do, and then proceeded to lube it with the fluid film. I let it sit for a week and checked it thoroughly. I found no indications of rust and decided it was an acceptable lubricant, for short term storage, at least.

So fast forward a few months and still no signs of rust or any other adverse effects. I decide to use it on my Lyman GPR (not so cheap). After a good cleaning with water and dawn dish soap I decide to lube it with the fluid film. This time however, the fluid film did what it does best and penetrated into the pores of the metal, pulling up more dirt and grime I missed from using simply water and dish soap. I continued using it to clean, even though it states directly on the can "no solvents". After a couple months of storage again, no adverse effects.

Today Chelsea and I decided to shoot the GPR just for a little bit of fun-at-the-farm. I decided today, June 26, 2017 to use strictly fluid film as a CLP (Clean, Lube, Protect) of sorts for my muzzle loader. I did notice that it actually cleaned up much easier today than it normally does, which may or may not be because of the fluid film. I am going to keep a VERY close eye on this rifle for the next month or so, checking it very thoroughly every couple days. My experiment is to see if I have found another product that will offer an easier means of cleaning up after a day of shooting "black powder" (pyrodex rs, in my case). Or if it is better suited as strictly a lubricant.

I am not asking any of you to try this on your own. I simply am doing this of my own curiosity and thought that maybe one of you will find this interesting, or entertaining at the very least.

Last but not least, I am in no way responsible for what you do to your guns, and whether it causes any harm or damage. I am not paid by Fluid film or any of its affiliates, or associated with them in any way. I am simply a curious individual willing to do an experiment based on my own findings, with my own property.

I will try my best to keep this thread updated as soon as I do my thorough inspections of my rifle. However, I am a busy man and may not have the time to jump online and update immediately after my findings. I will update at the very least weekly, unless noted otherwise.

 

[daboyleroy]

Sounds and looks good
Please keep us updated as time permits
http://www.fluid-film.com/heavy-marine-applications/

 

[big-ugly]

That was definitely an interesting test, I've not seen that before. I am a big fan of fluid film for many uses. I have also used PB blaster in the past on my guns, but I think I am going to only continue its use as a bust-it-loose, juice. Blaster is good for breaking loose rusted nuts/bolts, but wasn't my cup of tea for my guns. I think a lot of it had to do with the smell. I couldn't get rid of that smell, and I use my guns for hunting. Believe me, whitetail deer can smell that stuff from miles away.

So in some of my research I found that (not surprisingly) I am not the first person to use fluid film for black powder guns. I found some discussion from an old member here by the name of "Kernel" who claimed to have been using it for over 20 years with zero problems. This member hasn't been seen in quite some time, so I can't contact him to verify his findings. The thread I found this info in is
"Is Fluid Film compatible with BP?"
Check it out for some more information if you are interested in this products use for black powder.

 

[big-ugly]

Just a quick update
I pulled the Great Plains Rifle out of the safe and gave it a good inspection this morning (killing time before I have to be to work). Not surprisingly, everything looks great with no signs of rust or any other corrosion. Tomorrow I *may* run a patch through the bore, but that decision is yet to be made. From what I can see there are no ill effects of using the fluid film, as of today.
Attempts at a picture of the bore were fruitless... I just can't hold the flashlight and the camera at the perfect angles to each other in order to get a good shot. I will continue to try, but I may have to come up with some form of light I can drop down the bore so I only have to get the camera to focus.

 

[entropy]

The real question is "Did she get the doe?"
Nice to know about Fluid Film; another tool in the box is always good.

 

[44 Dave]

I have been using it for 4 or 5 years and like the results.

 

[big-ugly]

44 Dave, do you use the aerosol can, or another form? I am using the aerosol, as it is what I have on hand. Do you use it in any of your other firearms? I am considering it's use in my 1911 and ar-15, although I'm having excellent success with high temp moly grease in the ar 15.

Entropy - She hit the doe in the front shoulder and it ran into the woods. I tracked it and found it again, but it was too dark and I couldn't see it through the scope to finish it. It then ran away again and I continued to follow until I heard a very strange noise that sounded like something grabbed it by the throat. Mind you, it is a known fact that there are mountain lions in this area - even though the game and parks says otherwise... Lots of eye witnesses and wounded/killed livestock with big claw marks, and dead deer found high up in the crooks of trees... No big kitties... right...

 

[midland man]

wow I've never heard of this, so where do I get some??

 

[big-ugly]

wow I've never heard of this, so where do I get some??

If you have an O'reilly's nearby, they stock it. That is where I got the can I have. Do a quick google search, I'm sure many other places carry it as well.
Walmart also carries it, apparently.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/brand.oap?mn=Fluid+Film(R)&mc=FFM
https://www.walmart.com/search/?que...2=c&wl3=10366605833&wl4=kwd-64008332180&wl12={ProductId}&wl14=where%20to%20buy%20fluid%20film&veh=sem

 

[Panzerschwein]

Nice! I wonder if anyone has repackaged and rebranded it for black powder shooting? They should call it "Old Frump's Stump Water Slicky Snot" or some such name.

Seriously, I want to try fluid film, sounds like good stuff and I'll add it to the list of lubes I want to try (and different patch materials) for my Lyman GPR.

 

[whughett]

big-ugly does the label of fluid film mention "contains petroleum distillates " anywhere on it.

 

[big-ugly]

The label on the back of the can - "The unique wool-wax base formulation (lanolin) of FLUID FILM provides long term protection for all metals and tack-free lubrication for moving parts. Stops existing corrosion on contact, penetrates to free-up heavily seized parts. Always active, FLUID FILM does not dry out or readily wash off. Will not harm most paint, plastic, or oil-resistant rubbers.

FLUID FILM is the worldwide standard for corrosion protection. Proven in the most severe environments. FLUID FILM starts working immediately upon application, creating a non-drying barrier of protection. Nothing protects better.

APPLICATIONS OF EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE
Battery terminals, fertilizer & salt spreaders, vehicle undercoating, boat trailers, leaf springs, chains, slides, hinges, saws, hedge trimmers, outboard engines, snowmobiles, snow blowers & plows, electrical connections, locks & tools, winches, mower under-deck, fishing reels, guns, motorcycles. Frees rusted parts. FLUID FILM will not burn greenery when applied to trimmers and cutting devices. Will not readily freeze. Inhibits the buildup of snow and ice. Body shop safe. Contains no silicone or teflon.

Care should be taken around non oil-resistant rubber goods. May cause swelling. Fluid Film may soften some vehicle undercoatings. This includes undercoating type paints. Check with dealer/manufacturer for compatibility.

FLUID FILM is Eureka's brand of lanolin based rust and corrosion preventative.

Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces - No smoking. Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source. Pressurized container - Do not pierce or burn, even after use. Protect from sunlight. Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50*C/122*F. Dispose of contents/container to licensed treatment, storage or disposal facility. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN."

 

[big-ugly]

The label on the front... - "POWERFUL RUST & CORROSION PROTECTION
PENETRANT & LUBRICANT
protects all metals
Lanolin based
superior lubricant
no solvents
long lasting
non-toxic / non-hazardous"



No mention anywhere of there containing petroleum distillates

 

[big-ugly]

I ran a patch down the bore this morning, and found pretty much exactly what I expected to. A little bit of grey and fluid film on the patch. No signs of rust. Trying to post a photo, but for some reason my phone isn't wanting to send the picture to my email..

Here's a picture of the patch. The residue looks darker in the photo than in person. I assure you all, it is slightly grey with some yellowish fluid film.

 

[daboyleroy]

Their site
http://www.fluid-film.com/

 

[44 Dave]

44 Dave, do you use the aerosol can, or another form? I am using the aerosol, as it is what I have on hand. Do you use it in any of your other firearms? I am considering it's use in my 1911 and ar-15, although I'm having excellent success with high temp moly grease in the ar 15.

Entropy - She hit the doe in the front shoulder and it ran into the woods. I tracked it and found it again, but it was too dark and I couldn't see it through the scope to finish it. It then ran away again and I continued to follow until I heard a very strange noise that sounded like something grabbed it by the throat. Mind you, it is a known fact that there are mountain lions in this area - even though the game and parks says otherwise... Lots of eye witnesses and wounded/killed livestock with big claw marks, and dead deer found high up in the crooks of trees... No big kitties... right...

I was given an aerosol can by another bp shooter.

 

[whughett]

The label on the front... - "POWERFUL RUST & CORROSION PROTECTION
PENETRANT & LUBRICANT
protects all metals
Lanolin based
superior lubricant
no solvents
long lasting
non-toxic / non-hazardous"



No mention anywhere of there containing petroleum distillates

That would do it for me. I've gotten in the habit of using Ballistol and have a supply on hand, it, however, is available only by internet and if Walmart carries this Fluid Film, well I might give that a try.

 

[big-ugly]

Update - I inspected the rifle again this morning, still no signs of rust or corrosion. I feel that the fluid film has done a satisfactory job as a CLP for my Great Plains Rifle thus far. I believe that I am going to continue to use it as a rust preventative for my black powder rifles, but for peace of mind I may continue to clean first with soapy water or Hoppes, and then lube/oil with the fluid film. So far I am seeing no reason for this, but I like to keep meticulous care of all of my guns. I *think* that the fluid film is continuing to penetrate and bring up more crud that I have missed in previous cleanings, which is a great thing. The bore in my rifle looks as good as the day I built it, so I have no doubt that the fluid film is doing what it says it will do.

I work the next 6 days/nights straight, so my updates may be lacking for the next week. I will try to continue to post and keep those of you who are interested informed on my findings. If there is anything in particular that any of you would like to see or know what/how/why I did something, please feel free to ask here or send me a P.M. and I will do my best to help you out.

Whughett - Ballistol is a great product, but like for you it is not available locally to me. I wouldn't say to stop using it altogether, however there are alternatives out there if it becomes a hassle to acquire. It appears that Fluid Film is a decent alternative, thus far in the experiment. If you don't like the aerosol version, there are other forms of it available as well. Next round I think I may buy the 8 oz container variety, simply for ease of application. Heck, I may go all out and buy the 1 gallon can. That would last me a VERY long time. I did however just purchase a new mower, and the underside sure could use some rust proofing https://www.walmart.com/ip/FLUID-FILM-Corrosion-Inhibitor-8-oz-Container-Size-BC/189110606

 

[rodwha]

I use Ballistol as well, and though I doubt I can find it locally I love how it mixes with water allowing it to evaporate leaving just the oil. And that it's also good for wood is an exceptional quality. I've been wanting to try it as patch lube too as I read it works well (moose milk). Some don't like the smell but I'm rather fond of it...

Regardless a product that works well is always worth trying out.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I use Ballistol as well, and though I doubt I can find it locally I love how it mixes with water allowing it to evaporate leaving just the oil. And that it's also good for wood is an exceptional quality. I've been wanting to try it as patch lube too as I read it works well (moose milk). Some don't like the smell but I'm rather fond of it...

Regardless a product that works well is always worth trying out.

I do like to watch when I add Ballistol to water. It makes an appealing, milky substance almost immediately. The smell... it is like a strong musty sweet licorice type affair. I've come to associate it most fondly with my black powder guns, along with the minty smell of Bore Butter.

 

[whughett]

Ah, yes Ballistol and Moosemilk, my entire basement workshop/gun/hand-loading room smells like Ballistol. The interior of the gun safe, a mixture of Ballistol, Hoppes and Rem Oil. I love the smell of a clean well oiled gun.

 

[big-ugly]

Okay, so now it has been a couple more days. A couple nights ago was a campfire night, and last night was my home town's street dance. Been a long, hungover couple'a days... Anyways. Just ran another patch down the bore of my rifle, and again found no traces of rust or any other corrosion. I am not going to post a picture of that patch, unless requested. Nothing interesting to see there.

I hope all is going well for everyone, and that everyone has a safe Independence Day. Celebrate our freedom with a vengeance, many people paid their lives so that we could enjoy it.

 

[big-ugly]

I finally had a day off of work and had a chance to do a thorough inspection of my rifle. No abnormalities or signs for concern to be found. I am very pleased with the Fluid Film as a lubricant and protectant. I am not quite sold on it as a cleaner yet, although over the last couple weeks I've experienced no reason why it couldn't be a cleaner. I suppose it is just personal preference, but I think I will stick to my good ol' Hoppe's #9 for cleaning, and lube with the Fluid Film. I think that tomorrow I am going to shoot this rifle again, so the experiment will come to a close. Or I may decide to shoot one of my other fabulous rifles.. decisions, decisions... Thanks for hanging in there with me guys. Let me know if there's anything I missed or need to look at closer.