Metal Lubrication

Chuck Shoun · 09-27-2001, 09:09 PM

There are many discussions concerning the durabiltiy of stainless and carbon steels. All seem to address the basic surface ability of the metal to resist forces (abrasion). Might I suggest that the lubricant be included in the discussion, relative to the operation of the LUGER pistol? I have found that "TetraGun" grease is an excellent lubtrcant for the Luger pistol. I do not have a Luger in SS, but my SS P239 has a stainless slide (right term?) riding against an aluminum frame (again, the right term?). The TetraGun grease performs an excellent job of lubricating the pistol. Also, when I used the grease as a lubricant in the bore, I was able to use lead bullets (on the P239)with no lead deposit in the bore. I'm sold on the TetraGun lubricants. The grease does a great job on all my pistols, and especially the Luger. I recommend that the experts try it, and let me know their opinions.

09-27-2001, 11:09 PM

Chuck,

It appears to me that the galling problem Is most serious when similar metals of similar hardness are rubbed together.

Dissimilar metals of differing hardness are rubbed together the problem is much less serious, i.e.: Crankshaft bearings in automobiles and such. That is Polished steel shaft on Babbitt bearing shells, where the softer metal is the sacrifice material leaving the steel shaft with the lesser damage.

Therefor the application of Steel on Aluminum presents a similar condition.

The problem with Stainless steel as both rubbing surfaces is well described in a previous thread.

(See: Re: Johnny are you thinking of 18-8 ? -- Viggo G Dereng -- on 9/25/01 at 1:24 a.m.)Farther down this index.

There are very few if any good lubricants for lubricating any application of 18-8 on 18-8 stainless steel rubbing together.

However this condition is somewhat improved with other grades and harnesses of St.-Stl. But it still remains a serious problem industrially.

Newer lubricants are also helping but not reducing the problem to a comparable condition with dissimilar carbon steels.

ViggoG

09-28-2001, 01:10 AM

I have been told that it is a bad idea to lubricate the bore for the reason that the bullet going down the barrel scooping up lubricant forms a tighter seal than an ordinary naked bullet and thus could create a dangerously high pressure situation. Whether or not this is true is knowledge beyond my expertise.

09-28-2001, 01:48 AM

Mike,

I personally feel that a very light coat of gun oil, properly applied, is good.

By properly applied I mean. Clean bore with a lightly oiled patch followed by dry patches until patches show no oil.

This leaves only the slightest coat of oil and should be repeated each time fired with non-corrosive primers.

Or each 6 mos. of storage.

Corrosive primers require special cleaning of the complete pistol to remove or neutralize the powder residue. This is very necessary at the end of each day at the range using corrosive primers.

Back to oil;

Too much oil can be a problem via wedging and increasing breach pressure to a small extent.

I'm not advocating too much heavy oil, as this might be dangerous.

ViggoG

09-28-2001, 10:41 AM

Marvin · 09-28-2001, 03:57 PM

Chuck,

This is a little off topic, but I hope you can help on the Tetra Lubricants. I have a Mauser Mod. 96 (the last made by Mauser in 1998) in .300 WM caliber. The factory manual stated that Tetra Lubricants should NOT be used with this rifle; do you have any knowledge of why they would not want this companys lubicants to be used?

I don't currently have any stainless firearms, but when I did, I used RIG grease formulated for stainless steel. I don't remember the name offhand, but it did a nice job. Personally, I feel that most any grease with a high compression ability would work. On my M1A rifle, I use a lithium based grease on the bolt and roller and have never had any problems.

Marvin

10-01-2001, 11:16 AM

We fomulated a synthic lubricant especially for the use in firearms. Goes under the name of Kellube M-12. It resulted from a problem we had with competetion guns which were fitted with close tolerances firing a number of rounds in a short time. Some were constructed with dis-simular metals. We have a few samples that I would be happy to send to those requesting. A couple of $'s for shipping would be nice.

09-27-2001, 09:09 PM	#1
Chuck Shoun User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Brigham City, UT Posts: 30 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Metal Lubrication There are many discussions concerning the durabiltiy of stainless and carbon steels. All seem to address the basic surface ability of the metal to resist forces (abrasion). Might I suggest that the lubricant be included in the discussion, relative to the operation of the LUGER pistol? I have found that "TetraGun" grease is an excellent lubtrcant for the Luger pistol. I do not have a Luger in SS, but my SS P239 has a stainless slide (right term?) riding against an aluminum frame (again, the right term?). The TetraGun grease performs an excellent job of lubricating the pistol. Also, when I used the grease as a lubricant in the bore, I was able to use lead bullets (on the P239)with no lead deposit in the bore. I'm sold on the TetraGun lubricants. The grease does a great job on all my pistols, and especially the Luger. I recommend that the experts try it, and let me know their opinions.

09-27-2001, 11:09 PM	#2
Viggo G Dereng Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Metal Lubrication Chuck, It appears to me that the galling problem Is most serious when similar metals of similar hardness are rubbed together. Dissimilar metals of differing hardness are rubbed together the problem is much less serious, i.e.: Crankshaft bearings in automobiles and such. That is Polished steel shaft on Babbitt bearing shells, where the softer metal is the sacrifice material leaving the steel shaft with the lesser damage. Therefor the application of Steel on Aluminum presents a similar condition. The problem with Stainless steel as both rubbing surfaces is well described in a previous thread. (See: Re: Johnny are you thinking of 18-8 ? -- Viggo G Dereng -- on 9/25/01 at 1:24 a.m.)Farther down this index. There are very few if any good lubricants for lubricating any application of 18-8 on 18-8 stainless steel rubbing together. However this condition is somewhat improved with other grades and harnesses of St.-Stl. But it still remains a serious problem industrially. Newer lubricants are also helping but not reducing the problem to a comparable condition with dissimilar carbon steels. ViggoG

09-28-2001, 01:10 AM	#3
Mike T. Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Bore lubrication bad? I have been told that it is a bad idea to lubricate the bore for the reason that the bullet going down the barrel scooping up lubricant forms a tighter seal than an ordinary naked bullet and thus could create a dangerously high pressure situation. Whether or not this is true is knowledge beyond my expertise.

09-28-2001, 01:48 AM	#4
Viggo G Dereng Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Bore lubrication bad? Mike, I personally feel that a very light coat of gun oil, properly applied, is good. By properly applied I mean. Clean bore with a lightly oiled patch followed by dry patches until patches show no oil. This leaves only the slightest coat of oil and should be repeated each time fired with non-corrosive primers. Or each 6 mos. of storage. Corrosive primers require special cleaning of the complete pistol to remove or neutralize the powder residue. This is very necessary at the end of each day at the range using corrosive primers. Back to oil; Too much oil can be a problem via wedging and increasing breach pressure to a small extent. I'm not advocating too much heavy oil, as this might be dangerous. ViggoG

09-28-2001, 10:41 AM	#5
TIMOTHY CANNEY Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Bore lubrication bad? (EOM)

09-28-2001, 03:57 PM	#6
Marvin User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Upstate S.C. Posts: 1,132 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Metal Lubrication Chuck, This is a little off topic, but I hope you can help on the Tetra Lubricants. I have a Mauser Mod. 96 (the last made by Mauser in 1998) in .300 WM caliber. The factory manual stated that Tetra Lubricants should NOT be used with this rifle; do you have any knowledge of why they would not want this companys lubicants to be used? I don't currently have any stainless firearms, but when I did, I used RIG grease formulated for stainless steel. I don't remember the name offhand, but it did a nice job. Personally, I feel that most any grease with a high compression ability would work. On my M1A rifle, I use a lithium based grease on the bolt and roller and have never had any problems. Marvin

10-01-2001, 11:16 AM	#7
N Keller Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Bore lubrication bad? We fomulated a synthic lubricant especially for the use in firearms. Goes under the name of Kellube M-12. It resulted from a problem we had with competetion guns which were fitted with close tolerances firing a number of rounds in a short time. Some were constructed with dis-simular metals. We have a few samples that I would be happy to send to those requesting. A couple of $'s for shipping would be nice.