Why do you use gun Lube?

[rmansu2]

What is Gun Lube used for?

Why do you use it?

I am new to reloading and have loaded 5000 rds of leads. No problems with shooting so far and am curious why you use lube. The leads I load have a wax ring inlaid in the bullet. Is that what you are talking about?

 

[Yosemite Sam]

Gun lube is used for lubing guns.

Bullet lube is used for both sizing and to minimize leading of lead bullets.

Case lube is used to keep brass from sticking in reloading dies.

The "wax" rings in your lead bullets are a form of bullet lube that's melted into place when the bullet is swaged/sized by the maker. If you were casting your own bullets you might do this yourself, or you might find that too difficult, so you'd use something like Lee Liquid Alox (LLA).

I've shot quite a few lead rounds like you describe, both rifle and pistol, without having to do any additional lubing of bullets. Some folks put some additional LLA on their bullets to minimize leading. I've never found this necessary, and find that LLA itself is such a sticky mess I'd almost rather deal with the leading. But then, I've never experienced excessive leading in any of my guns using the pre-lubed bullets, either.

The foregoing is my opinion and collection of stuff I've picked up after loading for a couple of years. If I'm wrong someone will be along shortly to correct me.

-- Sam

 

[rmansu2]

I appreciate the info. I have been loading with a couple of buddies for a year now and have heard only a little about lubes. Excessive leading? Can't I just clean my barrel with a bore brush? I use a brush every time I shoot anyway.

 

[okierugershooter]

The lube on cast bullets is a must to help prevent leading of the barrel.
The lube does two things, 1 it lubercates the barrel to reduce friction and prevent leading 2 along with bullet base orbatition it acts a gas seal to prevent gas gutting and leaves a layer of lube for the next shot
Unlubed cast will leave a lot of lead in the barrel with only 1 or 2 shots..

Miner barrel leading(small flakes) is ok, anything over that can and will affect accuracy. Excessive can cause high pressure and possibly barrel damage.

If you get any leading then it can be removed in severial ways, copper(NOT STAINLESS) chore boy from the food store rapped around an old bore brush takes it out very well, adding Kroil to the bore and letting it soak for 15-20 minutes helps a lot.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

"Can't I just clean my barrel with a bore brush?"

Yes, you can.

The point is that using the proper bullet hardness and bullet lubricant can reduce/eliminate the leading problem and its bad effects on accuracy.

Up to you.