Purple Problem Solver - experience

[CluelessFrank]

For those who have first hand experience with the Purple Problem Solver:

How good works PPP in comparison with other popular gun lubes or CLPs?
Lubricating properties, cleaning action and corrosion protection?

Regarding corrosion protection, how stable is the PPP film on the metal? - Only protecting if visibly moist? Protection easily displaced by moderate wiping or handling, or rather not? Protection rating over all -short term, long term?

I read about PPP's ability to remove metal fouling; how good does it work there? Does it prevent additional layers of metal fouling from adhering once an initial layer has been established on the barrel steel, like for example FP-10 can do? Or does it dissolve copper like Ballistol? Is PPP good for removing lead and copper fouling and can a barrel be cleaned down to the bare steel with the PPP? Is it a good carbon cleaner, too?

Thanks, Frank

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Yeah... I would like aclearer explanation of metal fouling removal. Does it control things like copper - or remove them?

Can the PPP absorb or displace moisture?

People rave about their favorite gun CLPs -- but some are questionable performers. Would like more user-info on this stuff also.

 

[416Rigby]

I've used it for a year now, and it does remove metal fouling. Copper, lead, even bronze fouling is removed. Powder fouling is removed as well. I haven't really tried it as a lube, since I have a good bit of FP10 and TW-25 in my kit. But, when it dries it leaves an oily film. For rust prevention, I use Eezox because it has outlasted any other product I've ever used.
As a bore solvent, I would rank it higher than Hoppes, Butch's Bore Shine, Barnes CR-10, Shooter's Choice, Ballistol and BF CLP.

 

[CluelessFrank]

Thanks for the replies.
Sounds pretty interesting. I'll probably give the stuff a try.

Quote:

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416Rigby
...when it dries it leaves an oily film.

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Does the PPP contain volatile solvents? I read that some noticed the PPP smelling of acetone or ether? Does it contain kerosene or mineral spirits?

I read the PDS on Speciality Formulations' site, but it doesn't tell you much about the product ingredients. Is there a MSDS available or does anybody know if the PPP would be regarded as toxic or harmless?

Frank

 

[Tempest]

I E-mail them a while back asking for info/testing/MSDS. There is no MSDS. As far as other things:

Quote:

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Firearm products don't generally get ASTM tested and out testing was done over about 2.5 years while tweaking the formula.

We did have a COC test on the Flashpoint and it was 207 F. We had this done because a PD asked for it.

Our formulation is a trade secret and the MSDS will reflect that as well, but I can tell you it contains the following:

1. four synthetic base oils meaning all non-mineral or non petroleum oils

2. metal protection and anti-wear package

3. Powder/residue solvents.

Thanks for your interest.

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I have not used the product. Just too expensive. I am happy with FP10 which is 2 the price.

 

[CluelessFrank]

Thanks for the quote, Tempest

This really doesn't tell you much. In a consumer product, I'd prefer a little more information, at least regarding possible health concerns. I agree, the price is rather steep.

I wonder how the PPP would compare to some of the variants of Ed's Red formula.

Regarding the removing of metal fouling, how quickly does the PPP work? Is it capable of removing even heavy metal fouling in a relative short period of time - down to the bare steel?

Frank

 

[416Rigby]

It starts to work as soon as you put it through the bore. I let it soak for about 30 minutes to loosen up the fouling, then run some patches through to clean. For heavy fouling, I just repeat this soak/clean routine several times.
For metal fouling, it works much better than Ed's Red, especially on copper. It contains no ammonia, so you don't have to worry about it damaging the bore. It's safe to leave in overnight, if that's how you clean your guns.

 

[CluelessFrank]

Thanks, 416Rigby, that's what I wanted to know. Do you have any idea about the solvents used in the PPP? - Does it contain acetone? Do you use a bore brush (copper or bronze) or only patches for barrel cleaning? In-between using the guns, I leave the bores coated with the product of choice and value a protectant that continues with loosening fouling.

Frank

 

[416Rigby]

I believe it has no acetone in it, along with a number of other compounds. But, it's formula is a secret. Considering how good the stuff is, I'm sure other companies would love to get ahold of it.
I just use patches to clean. If the fouling is really bad, you can wrap a patch around a bore brush. After I'm done cleaning the bores, I usually leave a coating of the PPS on them. For long-term storage, like 6 months or more, I coat the bores with Eezox.

 

[CluelessFrank]

Thanks for the explications, 416Rigby

Frank