Lyn, I wish I had a super fantastic technical answer for you but I don't.. All I know is it works, accuracy from 4 different 45 caliber rifles, and the 525 and 535 gr money bullets from BACO, using 7/8 width patch is getting hard to argue with, and leading hasn't been a problem. I use Napa water soluble oil and water for the wiping solution. I know a couple of folks that were using some sort of antifreeze diluted, with longer patches and ended up knocking a ton of lead out of their barrels..