Ballistol Questions!

[Kalos]

This is for you guys out there who've been using Ballistol for a while; I just ordered some recently, curious about it as I'm not particularly thrilled with exposing myself the the more toxic products out there on a regular basis. It also can be more economical, particularly considering that it can be diluted...

...which leads me to my first question. How do you guys generally dilute, if at all? Mostly I'm interested in using it for just general cleaning, but if you have specific mixes for specific purposes, I'd like to hear those too.

Second... is this stuff, either straight or mixed with water, good for cleaning after corrosive ammo? Considering that it was originally developed before WWI, when -all- ammo was corrosive, it seems like it should be... but I'm not about to risk a Mosin or CZ52 on that proposition.

Thanks for the help, all!

 

[HogRider]

I use Ballistol for years. Although lot's of people complain about it's distinctive smell - it doesn't bother me at all. I usually spray some of it on the areas of the gun that has powder fouling right after shooting and then pack the gun up. A few hours later when I clean at home everything seems to come off a lot easier. I use it undiluted from the aerosol can. No clue about corrosive ammo though.

I am beginning black powder shooting now and I read that a half/half water and Ballistol mix will work great for cleaning. I'll give it a try soon.

I have also used it as rust protection for guns that had been stored away for a while and it did a great job there too.

 

[Preacherman]

Apart from general cleaning, I use Ballistol as a rust remover when working on older guns. Spray it on, let it sit for a day or two (or a week or so for really bad rust), adding more Ballistol every day, and then brush with an old toothbrush. Rust literally floats off, leaving clean metal underneath. Very impressive stuff...

 

[Hal]

I use it straight.

Good stuff.

Originally I bought Ballistol to use only on the Nickle finished guns where I couldn't/wouldn't use #9. I ended up using it on everything 'cause it worked so well.

The only thing I've found it doesn't work that well on is the plastic residue shot shells leave.

Not sure about the corrosive.

 

[Coot]

I also use it straight...spray on and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Leaves a really nice protective coating.

My wife used to complain about the smell, but less so since it freed a valve on her (very expensive) trumpet when nothing else would.

Great stuff!