Puff-Lon Lubricating Ballistic Filler reviewed

[Maven]

All, The current issue of "Handloader" (#235) has a "review" of Puff-Lon's filler that is interesting, to say the least. Writer Clair Rees tested 20 rounds of .308Win. and the same no. of .300 Wthby. (wi. jacketed bullets), but Puff-Lon "was used as a filler in half the loads." (p. 94) Guess what, his results essentially mirror the manufacturer's claims (Surprise, surprise!). Rees essentially wrote a puff-piece (pun intended) based on a very small sample. If the stuff wasn't so expensive ($23 for 500cc or $44 for 1,000cc + $4.00 S & H), I'd be tempted to try it myself, because "I'm from Missouri...."

[Oldfeller]

Puff-lon is pulped bran fiber with a teaspoon per cup of moly powder. You can make it in an old underutilzed blender (dedicated to that purpose from then on). You can try it all you like, it seems to work "as advertized". Aladin invented it, not puff-lon.

Oldfeller

[Maven]

Kelly, You're essentially correct about the composition of Puff-Lon. Here's what the manufacturer says about it (on p. 94 of "Handloader #235"), which Rees dutifully quotes:

"Puff-lon...is made with dry, lightweight powdered synthetic lubricants and molybdenum disulfide impregnated into a lightweight natural cellulose (about 1/8 the weight of your gunpowder [sic], 1cc = ~15 grains of gunpowder [sic] in volume) that is compressible and able to withstand temperatures of up to 750 degrees."

[Oldfeller]

Just remember, it is evil stuff. You use it and you won't be able to discuss the results or post the before and after groups because all your friends instantly won't believe you. It is cursed by the gods that-a-way.

Bad stuff, that Puff-lon.

Oldfeller

[Char-Gar]

Ok..You have me interested...Where do you buy this bran fiber and powdered moly. Any brand names, places to buy..suggestions. I have an old blender that can be dedicated.

[Bug]

IIRC, and that's dang seldom - according to my wife - that syuff is made in Groesbeck, Texas. That ain't too fer a piece from where I live. I might be able to pick up a quantity at a more reasonable price. I can call them & ask... Anyone interested in a group buy???....................Bug.

[trooperdan]

The retail price of that stuff is as much as powder! Just cramp my shorts to pay that much for cellulose. Isn't the GREX type poly stuff much cheaper and just as effective?

[sundog]

Yea, I just this morning saw that same article. Says I, "Hmmmm, gotta try some, maybe." Then I gets down to the bottom and sees the price and REAL quick change my mind. Hokey smokes Bullwinkle! A feller could wind up paying more per charge of that stuff than surp powder! sundog

[Bullshop]

For a cheap lubricating filler if neaded I use a material BS Mom gets at the craft store. She gets it for home school craft projects for the kids. It is granulated wax for candle makeing and as labled contains a releace agent. I have used it for realy hot loads that seam to run out of lube and leave a wash at the muzzle, especialy with boolits that dont carry enough lube otherwise. I dont know what the release agent is but it seems to help keep lead from sticking to the barrel to. The only name on the bag says Candle Sensations with a TM raised above the other letters. It comes in realy fine granuel size that work's through a powder measurer. Looks like a realy fine grain ball powder but comes in colors. So there you go,have fun!
BIC/BS

[leverfan]

Bullshop-

The release agent is stearin, a palm oil derivitive that causes the wax to shrink more during cooling, freeing it from the mould. It also changes the burning characteristics of candles, and to some extent, the color.