Difference in lubes and smokiness...

[BigDog[RE]]

Finally got a chance to go to the range today and try out three different lubes to see which was the least smokey.

The loads were as follows:
45ACP
206gr Lyman 452630 cast from range scrap, sized to .451
6.0 gr Unique
Win LP Primer

The lubes tested were:

Lars Red
Lars BAC a beeswax, alox, carnuba blend, pink in color
Lyman Alox, soft lube, light brown in color

Using the extremely precise scientific method of my wife watching and telling me which was the smokiest, I found that Lars Red, followed closely by Lars BAC were the smokiest, and the Lyman Alox was significantly less smokey. I was surprised at the results, so I had her shoot, and there really is a big difference between the Lars lubes and the Lyman alox in terms of smokiness. As for leading I've tried all three lubes in the past and never noticed any difference, I get little to no leading with the bullets sized at .451.

Now I need to find a cheap source for the Lyman or learn how to duplicate it myself.

[Tailgunner]

IIRC the Lyman is your basic, standard, boring, NRA Alox and Beeswax blend. Just about everyone has the same/similar lube. I know LEE does, or you could simply mix your own (Google "Alox beeswax lube")

[fredj338]

Or try Lars 50/50.

[BigDog[RE]]

Thanks, I'm going to pick up some 50/50 from Lars, and maybe a couple sticks of Jakes 50/50 to try. Next time I try this, I'm bringing a camera to document the differences.

[AdamN]

How are you testing?? A shot should leave coating in the barrel, (of lube) I would think any smoke can be as much of a by product of the previous rounds as the one being fired.

It can also vary with the powder, Im wondering if it may be a powder/lube combination that may or may not go well together.

I use Lars red and get very little smoke but Im not using Unique...

If 50/50 and Unique works for you I would sure use it as well.

[BigDog[RE]]

How are you testing?? A shot should leave coating in the barrel, (of lube) I would think any smoke can be as much of a by product of the previous rounds as the one being fired.

It can also vary with the powder, Im wondering if it may be a powder/lube combination that may or may not go well together.

I use Lars red and get very little smoke but Im not using Unique...

If 50/50 and Unique works for you I would sure use it as well.


I used the scientific method of loading up 4 rounds of each and firing them off while my wife watched from behind. I did not clean the gun in between shots, I didn't even let it cool down. I tried the Lyman last,a nd then repeated and shot it first.

I agree that the powder/lube combo is more important than just the lube. However, in my case, I just bought another 8lbs of Unique, so I'm not about to go out and experiment with different powders! ;-)