grampajack
AR Junkie
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2016
- Messages
- 1,714
I'm going to do some experimentation to see if I can come up with a non toxic gun oil that acts kind of like CLP. I'm not looking for super high performance, or for anything to be used on critical firearms in harsh environments, but something that can be used on plinking and hunting rifles. The idea is to limit my exposure to chemicals.
Yes, I know there are already such products on the market, but they are freaking expensive! I go through quite a bit of gun oil, so they're really cost prohibitive for me. And I feel like I can come up with something that works just as well if not better for less. I'm using mil comm right now, which I would describe as having a low toxicity, and it aint cheap either. My plan is to continue using mil comm on my carry piece, but switch to something cheaper and completely non toxic for non critical firearms.
I'm familiar with some of the properties of vegetable oils. I'm going to assume that I want a non drying oil for long term stability. I'm also assuming that a high content of fatty acids will yield a CLP like effect, and of course I can add those if the base oil isn't high enough. The fatty acids should also act as a natural preservative. Lastly, I'll be looking for something with a high smoke point, but again, I can raise the smoke point of the base oil by adding more fatty acids. I feel that a smoke point of around 400 is adequate, but I would like to aim more for like 500+, which I feel is doable. Surprisingly, this is one area where vegetable oils are naturally good. I'm also aiming for 0 degrees before any significant congealing occurs, although I would be happy with anything under about 25 degrees. Realistically, I'm probably not going to be shooting in anything under about 20 degrees.
I'm looking at Jojoba and Safflower oil to form the base. Safflower oil has a very high smoke point, and Jojoba is completely non drying. Jojoba is actually about the most stable oil I know of. So far as I know, both oils are soluble in ethanol, so I can likely use that as a way to lower the freezing point, kind of like the Russians used benzine in their gun oil in WWII. The ethanol should also help keep things from going rancid or gelling.
I'm also looking into some types of palm oil. Certain types of coconut oil might be helpful, but the price may be counterproductive.
If anyone has any input I would be grateful. Just remember, the whole point is for it to be completely non toxic, so please don't suggest any chemical additives. If it's not edible, then I don't want to use it.
Yes, I know there are already such products on the market, but they are freaking expensive! I go through quite a bit of gun oil, so they're really cost prohibitive for me. And I feel like I can come up with something that works just as well if not better for less. I'm using mil comm right now, which I would describe as having a low toxicity, and it aint cheap either. My plan is to continue using mil comm on my carry piece, but switch to something cheaper and completely non toxic for non critical firearms.
I'm familiar with some of the properties of vegetable oils. I'm going to assume that I want a non drying oil for long term stability. I'm also assuming that a high content of fatty acids will yield a CLP like effect, and of course I can add those if the base oil isn't high enough. The fatty acids should also act as a natural preservative. Lastly, I'll be looking for something with a high smoke point, but again, I can raise the smoke point of the base oil by adding more fatty acids. I feel that a smoke point of around 400 is adequate, but I would like to aim more for like 500+, which I feel is doable. Surprisingly, this is one area where vegetable oils are naturally good. I'm also aiming for 0 degrees before any significant congealing occurs, although I would be happy with anything under about 25 degrees. Realistically, I'm probably not going to be shooting in anything under about 20 degrees.
I'm looking at Jojoba and Safflower oil to form the base. Safflower oil has a very high smoke point, and Jojoba is completely non drying. Jojoba is actually about the most stable oil I know of. So far as I know, both oils are soluble in ethanol, so I can likely use that as a way to lower the freezing point, kind of like the Russians used benzine in their gun oil in WWII. The ethanol should also help keep things from going rancid or gelling.
I'm also looking into some types of palm oil. Certain types of coconut oil might be helpful, but the price may be counterproductive.
If anyone has any input I would be grateful. Just remember, the whole point is for it to be completely non toxic, so please don't suggest any chemical additives. If it's not edible, then I don't want to use it.
