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Thread: Carnauba Red Lube and Black Powder?

  1. #1
    Boolit Buddy
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    Carnauba Red Lube and Black Powder?

    I just got a box of 215 grain RNFP .430" bullets in from Matt's, to be used in loading .44-40 on top of Unique or Universal. They are lubed with Carnauba Red. I've been really pleased with the bullets I bought previously from Matt which were lubed with CR, but always loaded on top of smokeless.

    I was wondering if anyone's tried CR when using black powder as the propellent, and if so how it worked out.

    FWIW, I also cast bullets for .44-40 using an Accurate Molds 43-215C and lube with 50/50 beeswax mutton tallow for BP loads. So I'm just wondering if the CR-lubed bullets could be substituted if I run out of my home made bullets.

    Thanks.

  2. #2
    Boolit Master Jim22's Avatar
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    I would think Carnauba Red lube would be too hard for the .44-40 loads. The lube manufacturer says it is designed for high velocities - over about 2,000 fps. I doubt you will generate that speed with a sane load on the .44-40. Also, because it is hard Carnauba red takes a heater to get it to flow in my lube sizer. An unnecessary PITA with lower velocity loads. I would concentrate on lubes that are softer and not designed for high velocity use. Any of the RCBS green, Lyman orange or black, or maybe SPG. I think your idea of yhinning te lube with tallow is probably a good idea.

    Just my two cents worth.

    Jim

  3. #3
    Boolit Grand Master

    gwpercle's Avatar
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    Modern hard lubes are usually not great in black powder ... but only one real way to tell .
    Load up a batch and as Troy Landry often says ...Choot 'Em !
    Let us know how it works .
    Gary
    Certified Cajun
    Proud Member of The Basket of Deplorables
    " Let's Go Brandon !"

  4. #4
    Boolit Buddy
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    I think I'll just load some up and see what happens. The stuff on the bullets is pretty soft. Maybe it's already been thinned with something.

  5. #5
    Boolit Grand Master

    gwpercle's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by DaveM View Post
    I think I'll just load some up and see what happens. The stuff on the bullets is pretty soft. Maybe it's already been thinned with something.
    Sounds like a good plan ...
    you just never can tell how well something will work until you give it a go .
    Gary
    Certified Cajun
    Proud Member of The Basket of Deplorables
    " Let's Go Brandon !"

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check