Lube star

[PAT303]

I went to the range after sorting out my alloy problem but afterwoulds noticed that there was no lube star or any lube at all at the muzzle and the bore was very dry.I never shot as good as I hoped so I'm wondering if there's not enough lube? Should there be lube at the muzzle. Pat

[44man]

Oh boy you made it hard! What gun, what caliber, smokeless or black, what lube, etc?

[PAT303]

mk111 303 mostly but also had a nagant carbine 7.62x54. both loaded with AR2207(4198) between 22 for the lee,25 for the nagant.The reason for the thread was I read an old article by Dean Grennell and he wrote up how it was a good sign all's well.The bores were very grey almost white. Pat

[PAT303]

Forgot to say lube was Felix and also alox.Bullets were CBE 225grain bore riding in the lee, Lyman 299 in the nagant. Pat

[44man]

I don't think you will get a lube star, the most important thing is the lack of, or very low leading and good accuracy. I would not even bother to look for one and if the gun shoots great I would be happy.

[PAT303]

I don't have many problems with leading until I push the speed around 2k,then there's a bit at the muzzle.

[versifier]

If it's at the muzzle, then you have reached (and exceeded a bit) the strength limit of your alloy. Lower the charge of that powder with that alloy, or experiment with either a harder alloy or a slower powder.

[montana_charlie]

Lube star?
I wanted to be a lube star...but I couldn't find out where to audition. (ta-dump!)
Thank you, thank you. You folks have been great! Remember, you are only as funny as you feel...and boy am I feeling funny after eating that soup my wife gave me. G'nite!

[sundog]

Well, I guess fellers like Lars45, Bullshop, and Felix are the real lube stars.

BUT! If you want to see a pic of a good one:


http://www.castpics.net/RandD/lube_star/lubestar_1.JPG

[44man]

I just checked my .475 revolver and there is grease at the muzzle but it is not black. Looks like it was put on new. It is only a 7-1/2" barrel so I would expect it because my boolits use a lot of lube.
A long barrel with a boolit that does not hold much lube but shoots good without leading might not show a thing at the muzzle as far as grease goes. There are a lot of variables and every gun and boolit will act different. It is something I would not worry about unless other problems are there.
Then you have to make sure you are seeing lube and not just carbon from burnt lube or powder. There will always be something on the muzzle but what is it?

[MT Chambers]

The lubestar talked about is only a factor and worth worrying about if you are using Blackpowder and cast bullets, where fouling is a concern.
"remember...once you've tried black, you'll never go back!"