TAC-1 Lube Info Needed

[35 Whelen]

I used to buy the green TAC-1 lube from member "randyrat" but he hasn't been on the forum in over 2 years. I really, really like this lube. It's a fairly soft lube and I noticed when I fire bullets lubed with it, it leaves a very thin, sort of greasy film on the cylinder and frame of my revolvers, which I like.

Does anyone have any idea what his recipe for this lube might have been? I'd be more than happy to make my own.

Thanks.

[justindad]

FWFL leaves a thin greasy film on my revolvers. I have no idea what was in TAC-1, but a search on grok might find an answer (google is obsolete).

[35 Whelen]

FWFL leaves a thin greasy film on my revolvers. I have no idea what was in TAC-1, but a search on grok might find an answer (google is obsolete).

Sorry, what is FWFL?

[JosieGun]

GROK ...

What is the chemical composition of tac-1 bullet lube?

The exact chemical composition of TAC-1 bullet lube is not explicitly detailed in available sources, likely due to it being a proprietary commercial product. However, based on discussions from reloading forums and general knowledge about bullet lubricants, we can infer its likely components.
TAC-1 is a bullet lube designed for cast bullets, valued for reducing barrel leading and enhancing accuracy across various calibers. It is described as a softer lubricant that doesn’t require heating for application, suggesting a pliable, user-friendly consistency. A key detail from user discussions is that TAC-1 includes carnauba wax, which likely contributes to its performance by adding hardness or reducing tackiness.
Bullet lubes typically consist of a base material like beeswax, prized for its natural lubricating properties and ability to bind other ingredients, combined with an oil to adjust consistency and enhance lubrication. A homemade lube formula mentioned in reloading communities—three parts beeswax to one part synthetic 2-cycle engine oil, with carnauba wax added in some variations—bears similarity to TAC-1. This suggests that TAC-1 likely contains:
Beeswax: A common base in bullet lubes for lubrication and structure.

Oil: Possibly a synthetic type (e.g., 2-cycle engine oil), to maintain softness and ease of application.

Carnauba wax: Specifically noted in TAC-1, likely to refine texture or durability.

While the precise proportions and any additional additives remain undisclosed, it’s reasonable to conclude that TAC-1 bullet lube is primarily composed of beeswax, oil, and carnauba wax. Without a manufacturer’s specification or chemical analysis, this represents an informed estimate based on available evidence and standard bullet lube formulations.


"FWFL" stands for Felix's World Famous Lube, a homemade bullet lubricant widely recognized in reloading and bullet casting communities. Developed by Felix Robbins, a respected figure in these circles, FWFL is celebrated for its effectiveness in reducing barrel leading (the buildup of lead in a firearm's barrel) and improving accuracy with cast bullets. It’s a versatile lubricant, suitable for both smokeless and black powder applications, and works well across various calibers and shooting conditions.
Composition of FWFL
The recipe for FWFL is well-documented in reloading forums and typically includes the following ingredients:
Beeswax: Serves as the primary base, providing structure and lubrication.

Anhydrous Lanolin: Adds tackiness, helping the lube stick to bullets.

Castor Oil: Enhances lubrication; it’s often "cooked" or polymerized to improve its properties.

Mineral Oil: Adjusts the consistency and ensures stability across different temperatures.

Ivory Soap: Acts as a binder, emulsifying the mixture for a uniform texture.

To prepare FWFL, these components are carefully melted and mixed, with special attention to cooking the castor oil to achieve the desired viscosity and performance. Shooters sometimes tweak the proportions based on their specific needs, such as the local climate or the velocity of their loads.
Why It’s Popular
FWFL is praised for its:
Versatility: Effective for low-velocity pistol loads as well as higher-velocity rifle loads.

Performance: Compares favorably to commercial lubricants, often outperforming them in preventing lead buildup.

Community Support: Backed by detailed documentation and a strong following in the reloading community.

If you’re asking about "fwfl" in a different context, feel free to provide more details, and I’d be happy to refine the answer! However, based on its most notable use, Felix's World Famous Lube is likely what you’re looking for.

[JosieGun]

The ingredient proportions for FWFL (Felix's World Famous Lube) bullet lube, a popular homemade lubricant used by reloaders and bullet casters to reduce barrel leading and improve accuracy with cast bullets, are as follows:
Proportions by Percentage:
Beeswax: 40%

Anhydrous Lanolin: 20%

Castor Oil: 20%

Mineral Oil: 10%

Ivory Soap: 10%

Proportions by Parts (by Weight):
Alternatively, these can be expressed as a ratio of parts by weight, which is often more practical for mixing:
Beeswax: 4 parts

Anhydrous Lanolin: 2 parts

Castor Oil: 2 parts

Mineral Oil: 1 part

Ivory Soap: 1 part

Notes:
Beeswax serves as the base, providing structure and firmness to the lube.

Anhydrous Lanolin adds tackiness, helping the lube adhere to bullets.

Castor Oil enhances lubrication and is sometimes pre-heated (polymerized) to improve its properties.

Mineral Oil adjusts consistency and aids temperature stability.

Ivory Soap acts as a binder and emulsifier to ensure a uniform mixture.

This recipe reflects the standard formulation attributed to Felix Robbins, the creator of FWFL, and is widely recognized in the reloading community. Adjustments may be made based on specific needs (e.g., increasing beeswax for firmer lube in hot climates), but the above proportions represent the classic version.

[papaglenn]

I have used a lot of Randy's TAC lube in the past, both TAC and TAC-X. The base is beeswax. I really like the way it smells like honey when my barrel heats up.

I can only guess at the remaining ingredients. I still have several sticks. Good stuff.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

10 oz beeswax
2 oz AMSOIL SABER® Professional
½ tblsp Lanolin

[35 Whelen]

10 oz beeswax
2 oz AMSOIL SABER® Professional
½ tblsp Lanolin

Is that the actual recipe for TAC-1?? If so, I will definitely make my own.

Dumb question, the beeswax and Amsoil, is that by weight or volume?

Thanks!!

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

weight for both.
That is usually a universal thing with all beeswax based lubes, since it's nearly impossible to measure beeswax by volume.

[35 Whelen]

weight for both.
That is usually a universal thing with all beeswax based lubes, since it's nearly impossible to measure beeswax by volume.

OK, thanks so much for the clarification. More questions-

I have a slab of off-white beeswax. Will that work or should I order some of the pretty yellow stuff they offer on Amazon?

Thanks again, you just made my month!

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Is that the actual recipe for TAC-1??

Yes, BUT...
Randy would custom mix batches to tailor to customer requests, some would want added Carnauba for Rifle, some would want more oil for softer lube like Bullshop's speed green, a similar recipe, but he used 3:1 with other brand of oil and no Lanolin. Problem with going higher than 4:1 with the PAO based Amsoil, it is more slick than other type of 2 cycle oils and will throw lube purge fliers. I found 5:1 worked best.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

SNIP>>>

I have a slab of off-white beeswax. Will that work or should I order some of the pretty yellow stuff they offer on Amazon?

Beeswax never goes bad

[35 Whelen]

Beeswax never goes bad

OK. Man I REALLY appreciate you chiming in. I am down to two sticks of TAC-1 and have PM'ed and emailed "randyrat" with no response. All I need to do now is figure how to mix all this stuff together!

[LenH]

I bought a kit from Randy so long ago I can’t remember. But it is very simple.
I have an old double boiler to make said lube. I can’t remember the exact
Formula but what was said above is close enough. But the original had a bit of
Caranuba instead of Lanolin. I have the instructions at home. I have enough
Of that lube to do me for a few years

[gwpercle]

GROK ...

What is the chemical composition of tac-1 bullet lube?

The exact chemical composition of TAC-1 bullet lube is not explicitly detailed in available sources, likely due to it being a proprietary commercial product. However, based on discussions from reloading forums and general knowledge about bullet lubricants, we can infer its likely components.
TAC-1 is a bullet lube designed for cast bullets, valued for reducing barrel leading and enhancing accuracy across various calibers. It is described as a softer lubricant that doesn’t require heating for application, suggesting a pliable, user-friendly consistency. A key detail from user discussions is that TAC-1 includes carnauba wax, which likely contributes to its performance by adding hardness or reducing tackiness.
Bullet lubes typically consist of a base material like beeswax, prized for its natural lubricating properties and ability to bind other ingredients, combined with an oil to adjust consistency and enhance lubrication. A homemade lube formula mentioned in reloading communities—three parts beeswax to one part synthetic 2-cycle engine oil, with carnauba wax added in some variations—bears similarity to TAC-1. This suggests that TAC-1 likely contains:
Beeswax: A common base in bullet lubes for lubrication and structure.

Oil: Possibly a synthetic type (e.g., 2-cycle engine oil), to maintain softness and ease of application.

Carnauba wax: Specifically noted in TAC-1, likely to refine texture or durability.

While the precise proportions and any additional additives remain undisclosed, it’s reasonable to conclude that TAC-1 bullet lube is primarily composed of beeswax, oil, and carnauba wax. Without a manufacturer’s specification or chemical analysis, this represents an informed estimate based on available evidence and standard bullet lube formulations.


"FWFL" stands for Felix's World Famous Lube, a homemade bullet lubricant widely recognized in reloading and bullet casting communities. Developed by Felix Robbins, a respected figure in these circles, FWFL is celebrated for its effectiveness in reducing barrel leading (the buildup of lead in a firearm's barrel) and improving accuracy with cast bullets. It’s a versatile lubricant, suitable for both smokeless and black powder applications, and works well across various calibers and shooting conditions.
Composition of FWFL
The recipe for FWFL is well-documented in reloading forums and typically includes the following ingredients:
Beeswax: Serves as the primary base, providing structure and lubrication.

Anhydrous Lanolin: Adds tackiness, helping the lube stick to bullets.

Castor Oil: Enhances lubrication; it’s often "cooked" or polymerized to improve its properties.

Mineral Oil: Adjusts the consistency and ensures stability across different temperatures.

Ivory Soap: Acts as a binder, emulsifying the mixture for a uniform texture.

To prepare FWFL, these components are carefully melted and mixed, with special attention to cooking the castor oil to achieve the desired viscosity and performance. Shooters sometimes tweak the proportions based on their specific needs, such as the local climate or the velocity of their loads.
Why It’s Popular
FWFL is praised for its:
Versatility: Effective for low-velocity pistol loads as well as higher-velocity rifle loads.

Performance: Compares favorably to commercial lubricants, often outperforming them in preventing lead buildup.

Community Support: Backed by detailed documentation and a strong following in the reloading community.

If you’re asking about "fwfl" in a different context, feel free to provide more details, and I’d be happy to refine the answer! However, based on its most notable use, Felix's World Famous Lube is likely what you’re looking for.

Does this sound like an ... AI generated answer ... or what

Geeze Louweeze !

I would have said to try :
1 part Lithum Grease - 3 parts Beeswax .
Parts are by weight , grease doesn't melt , heat all in a double boiler or old crock pot and blend with a whisk .
Heat and blend , let cool ...three times will ensure a well blended mix .
might be what you are looking for .
Gary

[justindad]

Does this sound like an ... AI generated answer ... or what

Geeze Louweeze !

I would have said to try :
1 part Lithum Grease - 3 parts Beeswax .
Parts are by weight , grease doesn't melt , heat all in a double boiler or old crock pot and blend with a whisk .
Heat and blend , let cool ...three times will ensure a well blended mix .
might be what you are looking for .
Gary

Grok is the AI platform he used. That’s why “GROK” was the first word of his response.

[gwpercle]

Grok is the AI platform he used. That’s why “GROK” was the first word of his response.

Thanks JustindadI ... old dog learned new word today !
I Had no knowledge of ... "GROK "
Now I know .
Appreciate the information .
Gary

[Eddie Southgate]

Have you tried Ben's Red ? Its easy to make . Does not require heat in your sizer .

5 cups beeswax
3 cups Lucas Red & Tacky
8.5 oz Trewax or Ludmark carnauba paste wax
1/2 cup of Dexron II or III
1/2 cup of STP

Melt was and everything but the grease keeping temp below the point of smoking , I used a meat thermometer and kept it at 160 or slightly less. Get everything stirred together and melted together then add the Lucas and stir till it is all mixed . Ben says about 30 minutes . If you do it right that's about right . If you do it like I did and make a double batch by dumping everything into a 4 1/2 Qt pot all at one time it might take three hours for the wax to melt and everything to get blended. End result is the same either way.

I will try the recipe Jon B listed above next .