Originally Posted By: billt460
Ballistol is selling what amounts to 16 ounces of scented Mineral Oil for $18.00. You can buy the exact same thing for $1.98 at any Wal-Mart. And when you're constipated at least you can drink it. The more of this kind of stuff that I read, the more I realize I should have gone into the lubrication business.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Mineral-Oil-Intestinal-Lubricant-16-fl-oz/44807472
https://www.expeditionexchange.com/ballistol/
"Ballistol is based on medicinal grade white mineral oil, (CAS # 8042-47-5)
which has been classified "Class 3" by the IARC."
http://www.co.vermilion.il.us/MSDS/EMA/ballistol MSDS.PDF
Not exactly true. It also contains alcohols, which enable its emulsification, and provide some solvent properties. That allows it to be used as a great black powder solvent, and, also allows it to continue to lubricate in the presence of water. (Ballistol remains after water evaporates.) It also contains, as listed in MSDS, certain salts that make it alkaline, which provide its ability to neutralize corrosives.
Someone above said, "It's not a particularly good cleaner." Well, personally, I don't need a strong cleaner on my firearms. In fact, that is one of the reasons I really like Ballistol - it's not a harsh chemical. I don't have to worry about fumes, or getting it on my hands.
And I haven't found any residue on my firearms, after use, that Ballistol can't remove.
You guys who say it's not a good cleaner - how long are you going between cleanings on your guns?
As stated previously, when you use Ballistol frequently, to clean and lubricate and coat, cleaning becomes easier. Surfaces treated with Ballistol become slick - the carbon residue just wipes off. I don't go more than a few hundred rounds, max, between cleaning my guns, so a strong solvent is not necessary for my needs. And, as also mentioned previously, I don't have to worry about getting it on wood, plastic, polymer, etc. In fact, it beautifies the wood on my guns. I like having only one cleaning/lubrication product to keep up with. I don't want or need 5 or 6 different products that I have to use to clean and lube my guns.
And I'm one of the ones who actually likes the smell! Black licorice!