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Lubricant For Enfield Minnie Balls

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  • #1

    Lubricant For Enfield Minnie Balls

    I am wondering what type of lubricant I should use to coat Minnie Balls for live Firing, if any at all? and if I could use old tire weights as bullets,(I would melt them down and mold them into Minnie balls of course). The mane reason for wanting to fire my Musket/Rifle live is to be able to take it Deer hunting. I also would Like to know how many grains of powder I should use to fire it Live, and is there any instructions for making cartridges. any help would Be Greatly appreciated
    thanks in advance

    Ken Balos
    Ken Balos
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  • #2
    Re: Lubricant For Enfield Minnie Balls

    For minie balls, 'most all agree near pure lead is basic to proper skirt expansion and performance. That rules out wheel weights. All sorts of ideas on lube out there, and lubricate your bullets you must. Bee's wax mixed w/ Crisco is an old favourite. I use commerical lube intended for black powder cartridge weapons.
    Last edited by JimKindred; 11-21-2008, 09:31 AM. Reason: Non period reference.
    David Fox

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    • #3
      Re: Lubricant For Enfield Minnie Balls

      Too bad the Brits didn't ask that question in the 1850's!
      Tom Scoufalos
      [IMG]http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=268&pictureid=2165[/IMG]

      "If you don't play with your toys, someone else will after you die." - Michael Schaffner, Chris Daley, and probably other people too...

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      • #4
        Re: Lubricant For Enfield Minnie Balls

        Since Crisco was not produced until 1911 let's try to stay a bit more Civil War period to our recommendations. What works well at the local muzzleloader club may not fall into the purposes of this forum.
        Jim Kindred

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        • #5
          Re: Lubricant For Enfield Minnie Balls

          While I don't have the source at hand, I believe this topic has been discussed on the forum before...the period mixture being a combination of beeswax and beef tallow (NOT LARD).

          Tallow is easily rendered by boiling and straining down beef fat...this process will generally take a few days (be careful not to boil out all the water). What your'e looking for is the thick, white clumps that form as you boil/strain out the impurities (meat/fat/etc.).

          Paul B.
          Paul B. Boulden Jr.


          RAH VA MIL '04
          (Loblolly Mess)
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          • #6
            Re: Lubricant For Enfield Minnie Balls

            Paul,

            That is a good suggestion and a method I have used myself with flintlocks.

            Since this is not a deer hunting forum and I consider the question answered I am closing the thread.
            Jim Kindred

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