Is Hickok45's Ballistol the Best? Ultima-Lube II by Wilson Combat 

I have been watching Hickok45 for years. Always seen him rave about Ballistol. When it was time to get my Own Firearms I ordered Ballistol too. I’ve currently got a SIG P320 X Five and a Desert Eagle, all I use is Ballistol. Spray them up crazy, let them sit for a bit, wipe or brush everything off very dry, then apply key dabs of Ballistol back on to directed points of the Firearms very lightly with a Cotton Tip, reassemble and that’s it. Zero Malfunctions at the Range from both Firearms with this method. 100% Endorsement.

I’ve been loyal to the brand since it was first introduced to me back in the early 1990s. It has been the only thing I’ve used on my pistols and rifles. (The first case I bought was from an HK parts dealer that told me that German shooters swear by the stuff.) Needless to say, I just ordered another case 12/08/2021 today…

Use whatever gets your gun clean and keeps your gun operating. For me, Ballistol does a great job and it's what I always use. I dig the smell too. On a side note, I love the way those Berettas look - they seem like solid firearms, need to get one!

Greatest advantage of Ballistol: absolutely safe for human health! Also, a fine skin medication. German surgeons treat diabetic ulcers with it.

Thanks for your review!

Ballistol is awesome for the out side of you firearms. Wood stocks, plastic stocks, leather straps,bluing ect . And its none toxic. But for all the internal parts. I use a good synthetic lubricant. I use my weapons often and they do get abused . But I do spend time cleaning and taking care of them. They are not cheep! And we do depend on them when we squeeze that trigger.

I use ballistol for surface cleaning and protection, clp for moving parts lubrication. Ballistol works way better for rust protection then breakfree clp in my experience. I think ballistol works really well for protecting blued steel or blued guns generally. brought a new shine out of my mossberg. I also agree ballistol stinks, but you kinda get used to it/grow to like it 🤣

There are so many quality cleaners and lubes on the market. I don't know if it makes that much difference. I like Ballistol. It's works well, and is safe for those guns that have wood stocks and grips.

Ballistol has proven record.

I was introduced to Ballistol when I started into cap and ball pistols and Black Powder. It has taken me awhile to sort out its best uses, but ultimately I use Ballistol to clean my guns, and use it liberally as a rust preventive and corrosion inhibitor on the Black powder guns. I use all Wilsons lubes to assemble my 1911's and semi automatics exclusively, and use the Wilsons grease on the center cylinder steel rod in my Black Powder pistols. Both have their place, and thought this was a great video! Thanks!

Thanks for the video. I’ve also used Ballistol for a long time. I love it’s cleaning abilities, and protective coating. also really enjoy how it seems to rejuvenate and darken, almost refresh, worn out, metal and plastic on my firearms. Similar to a vinyl/metal restorer or something. I’m also very interested in this new Wilson combat light oil that you’re using, I’m not a huge fan of the seepage and oil splatter everywhere as you are. what do you think about me continuing to use ballistol as my cleaner, thoroughly wiping down all components, then using the new light oil from Wilson combat as my lubricant. I’ve heard not to mix certain products. I love how the light oil stays where you apply it. Thanks for any feedback

When the ballistol runs/leaks I usually just use that excess to shine up the gun lol.

btw you can buy Ballistol in a form that lets you apply small drops of oil. Its called "Punktöler" or "Ölstift".

I believe Ballistol has it's uses in gun cleaning. I usually blast the entire gun with it, then use a cleaning brush , then completely wipe it dry, then apply the Wilson ( or whatever) lube , and call it clean and ready. Ballistol does not harm plastic or wood or leather either.

Slip 2000 EWL 30 is nice and thick and also doesn’t run or leak out anywhere. That’s what I’m using now.

I actually like that it creeps everywhere. Before I shoot, I blow the excess away with an air hose and wipe it off afterwards.. Thanks for the video.

Great video! But I wouldn't be too nervous about "over-cleaning". Larry Vickers did a great video called "the myth of over lubrication" here on RU-vid and demonstrated that it's far more likely for a gun to malfunction from being too dry rather than being too wet. The only part on my guns that's really ever dry is the barrel/chamber. I have never had any malfunctions because of it.

I've been using ballistol for years as a cleaner, great for knives as well...have always used hoppes oil for lubricant but might give this a try

I’m certain there are better lubricants, but most of them are highly toxic. I use Ballistol on everything now, including my knives, my home can opener, my shoes, my belt, and on my hands when they get dry. Best thing is, I don’t have to worry about my cat dying if he inadvertently licks some, and I, myself, don’t have to worry about getting cancer, or becoming a mutant.

When ballistol dries it leave a layer behind to protect and preserve.Your actually supposed to wipe it dry when you are done applying it. Same as any gun lube. Don’t just leave a dab of oil on there.It’ll just collect dust and unburnt powder. Just using pure mineral oil from a local drugstore works well also or synthetic motor oil.Modern gun metals and alloys are made very well and will not wear out if you just regularly clean and very light lube.

Guys i can vouch for Ballistol. I tried it because i saw it on the shelf. Keeps my guns from rusting better than anything i’ve tried lo’ these many many years. As far as the cleaning schedule i keep my guns like new clean because is easy and fun mostly. No biggy really why not when you’re watching Hickok45 and any other of the popular gun channels.

I run my guns wet (I have 7 Wilson Combat’s) and their oil is excellent however, I use Ballistol for everything and as long as there’s lube, your gun is protected. On range days when I am firing hundreds of rounds, simply spay a little down the rails when I’m reloading and you will never have a problem no matter what you use.

I really like Ballistol a whole lot, but I was shocked that it did so poorly in terms of lubricity when tested by ProjectFarm

Wilson's Ultima lube was one of the first gun oils I bought in the late 90's after buying my first handgun. I still have the original oil and still use it occasionally. I may have to get some of the newer stuff to try out.

Use the ballistol oil instead of the aerosol. It's a different experience.

I used to use Ballistol. I recently bought a couple of plastic bottles with needle applicators. I put Mobil 1 in one and Ballistol in the other. If the applicator sits for any length of time, the Ballistol needle would be plugged. The Mobil 1 needle never dried and plugged. Mobil 1 will not leave a dried sticky mess under the grips.

Ballistol, Rem oil & 3in1 oil ate my faves

You can soak your parts in a Ballistol solution (from the non aerosol version) of 2 parts Ballistol and 8 parts water if you like to take apart your gun once in a while to do a full deep clean… that thing works wonders.

I use Ballistol for cleaning and lubricate with 5W motorcycle fork oil. I have a stable of motorcycles so always have a large stash of fork oil. Seems to work very much like Wilson gun oil (which I've used in the past). Motorcycle fork oil is formulated for sliding metal parts and is also formulated to be gentle on rubber seals. $20.00 will buy a liter of fork oil.

I use brake clean on all my gun parts and used motor oil as lubricant, never had an issue

Quick background, I shoot a lot of suppressed 5.56 with a DI gun for work. Typically, I have to reapply lube at least once, usually twice a day when at the range, primarily using BreakFree CLP. So a couple weeks ago I tried using Ballistol for the first time while the rest of my mates stuck with the CLP. Needless to say, like clockwork, when everyone’s weapons starting gumming up and experiencing malfunctions, my weapon was still running slick and relatively clean….I am a huge believer in Ballistol now.

Heres the deal, some people like chocolate some like Vanella, with cleaners for firearm's same thing some use this some use that, bottom line have fun shooting your firearms and clean them when your done just that simple, myself been using Ballistol for years, don't matter because I clean my firearms EVERY time I use them!

Been using shooter lube for a couple years now I like it alot just spray wipe oil done and it dont smell so I can clean my guns in my room relaxed and comfortable and not get yelled at for fumes

helpful info, thanks

I know it is quite expensive but I use ALG Defense Go Juice for my guns. I use a tiny amount of breakthrough clean battle born HP for my magazines springs.

But does Wilson’s emulsify with water or displace it? 5% ballistol and 95% water still lubricates.

I use Ballistol for cleaing guns that have been shot with corrosive primed ammunition. I mix it with water at 10:1, then place the solution in a spray bottle, then douse the bore and firing mechanism to flush the salts. I then procede to clean the gun as normal. I acually like the smell. For general cleaning of guns, I use Ed's Red, and then lube the gun with unused engine oil.

You spray the Ballistol on a paper plate or bench or whatever, then use a q-tip or the straw sprayer to pick up some Ballistol and apply it to your firearm. Also, Ballistol penetrates and protects the metal. After years of use, my firearm barrels and contact points are as slick as can be - even when apparently dry. Petroleum products can’t do that. Finally, oil is the worst dirt magnet there is. You like cleaning your firearms, so you don’t mind the nasty oil and dirt build up. With Ballistol, I can wipe the dirt clean with a rag and couple of bursts and my guns are clean.

I use G96 Liquid gun Grease for Lube and G96 Gun Treatment spray for cleaning . I also use Breakthrough MIL GRADE solvent for filthy guns .

I somewhat switched from Hoppes No9 to Balistol as a cleaner and protectant but I use Corrosion X as my lubricant after I use either Balistol or Hoppes

Haha, what a coincidence! Same thing here with me. Beretta 92 Ballistol, then WC lubricant. I use the universal though.

I'm using Ballistol as a cleaner rather than an oil / lube, and it is doing better than my Napier cleaner. Still looking and still learning!

Does anyone here know how to get as close to Cajun gun works ss lube with Molly in it or similar product?

Ballistol is still more available than Wilson combat, that says something

SOLGW Spec76 dedicated lubricant. The BEST without question. Runs perfectly fine low temp and actually re-lubricates in high heat/friction while firing. Protects metal on metal better than any other, lasts longer and wipes right off. I used to be a huge fan of mil-comm grease. At the time it was the current best but then Mike released spec 76.

I can buy Ballistol at my local shop, Wilson I can’t. Could I buy it online? Sure. However, I buy at the small mom and pop stores most of the time, and I hate waiting for my orders to arrive.

I have been using Ballistol for 17 years without any flaw. It has track record since WW 1.

I use Free-All penetrating lube spray to remove carbon from the moving parts and to clean the barrel from carbon, lead and copper fouling. I mix Lucas red and tacky grease, Rem oil and Ballistol together to make a light grease for the moving parts

Ballistol is great for cleaning but seems to fade quickly under heat from shooting…… thoughts? I still use it

Best lubricant I have tried is Weapon Shield, it's also non-toxic.

I don't usually use any kind of CLPs. The C and the L are opposite of each other. First use a designated C, then a designated L.

I realize this is an older video.But I wanted to make the comment of why I used ballistol. It's nice to have a product that can be on any firearm that you have instead of multiple cleaners for individual firearms. Along with modern smokeless firearms, I also shoot black powder cartridge and percussion and flintlocks. Petroleum based cleaners don't work well with black powder residue. It will turn into a hard black tar like substance and gum up all moving parts that the black powder gets into and can be a real pain in the a_s to clean. Also, if shooting surplus corrosive ammo modern Petroleum cleaners don't break down the corrosive salts left behind after cleaning, water does. (The oil used for the M1 Garand was water-based) And a mixture of ballistol and water is perfect for that purpose. I will use more modern cleaners for removing copper fouling (old #9), but that is it.

cleaning is hoppes. lubes are either try flow or a dry moly . same things i use on my boilers and chillers. oil gathers dust and other debris . a dry lube will not do that or care about tempiture

The only drawback to ballistol is the smell. Can’t stand it in closed rooms. Once I started using it in my garage, problem solved.

Ballistol is an OKAY lube, but it’s hands down the best preservative

After watching a test video on a different RU-vid channel it showed that Ballistol isn't good with a anti wear protection and in the test for that the two best for anti wear was clenzoil and extreme force so that is what I've been using for awhile plus it had a good rust protection but the test never showed the Wilson combat so it could be better then those two brands

I've noticed at the competitions I go to that most guys who shoot a lot are using motor oil. I wonder if we are overthinking and overpaying for these wonder gun lubes.

M pro 7 cleaner (because I just always have). But for lube, I use Lucas for pistol because it's thick and doesn't run out into my holster or on my body while carrying, and slip 2000 for rifle because it has no odor, isn't sticky, and doesn't seem to attract dust at all and I never need to reapply between cleanings. I used to literally only use 3 in 1 oil because it's one of the best things that God has ever invented. But you soon realize how much odor it has when you start firing an AR-15 full of it lol

Great intro to video and objective. I have and will always have Ballistol for certain applications. If I was forced to only have one gun cleaning/lube/protect product I'd go with Ballistol. If in military would go with BreakFree if only one. But I use a couple of things personally usually. I'd bet the Wilson lube is very good but Im not trading it for Ballistol based on video.

Use Ballistol because it's not expensive here and it works. I didn't like the smell and the taste is disgusting but I used it on wounds and it works there too, so it's OK for me.....

I’ve used nothing but balistoll for years 25+

Ballistol is a great cleaner I love it as a cleaner and I use it. It is NOT a good lubricant. I was experiencing excessive internal wear on my AR's and couldn't figure out what the hell was going on. A friend gave me his Lucas CLP and the wear stopped. I have also used Riptide Armory CLP and it's a great lubricant and cleaner. I feel Ballistol ruined two of my guns because I was stupid and thought is was good at everything. After I clean, whether with Ballistol or Hoppe's or whatever, my final run is with Lucas or Riptide.

I am a big fan of food grade mineral oil for my guns for rust prevention.

The non-aerosol liquid Ballistol seems less runny

Frog lube is my favorite it's skin safe and I've never had an issue with it.

I use motor oil to lubricate firearms . Amsoil 10w30 synthetic and a quart will last for so many years. Its personal preference what to use.

I like the breakthrough solvent and grease….. the solvent cleans and dries up, the grease stays put and doesn’t migrate. Plus both products have very little smell.

The ballistol smell has grown on me. I really like the stuff, admittedly, I don’t know a lot about fire arms. I just know I enjoy using ballistol then every other product iv ever used. Maybe it’s the nontoxic aspect of it. I wipe down my guns entirely with it. I feel it protects them well. I’d like to see some scientific tests how well it protects from wear.

I like Wilson Combat!

You refer to lube only properties and using up your last can of ballistol so what exactly are you using for cleaning purposes?? So why not clean with ballistol and have that coat of protection to prevent rust, and then use the other lube to lube the moving parts? It still has to be cleaned. That's my point.

I use Hoppes only cuz I’ve been using it since late 70’s with no issues. Why stop now?

I use so many different lubes and cleaners. I would definitely check this stuff out. Also check out this stuff called Owl Sh*t gun butter. Love it. I do use ballistol as cleaner usually, especially on my WWII Mauser. They used to use the stuff back then, so I guess I give it something familiar, but I also have a butt load of it. So might as well use it. I also agree, ballistol is stinky!! Lol.

Ballistol gets gummy in the safe.

Just because your gun goes dry when shooting doesn't mean that it won't continue to shoot lol. Just keep shooting unless it jams, then spray it some more

I love ballistol I buy it by the case!

I use Ballistol as my "WD-40" for knives, hinges, chains, leather, wood and other uses. I'll still always have a can of Ballistol as generic oil, but I think there are better alternatives for just guns. I think Slip2000 is a better gun lube and rust preventative, but costs twice as much. Supposedly Clenzoil is the new hawtness despite being around since after WW2 but is now just getting wide exposure.

Probably splitting hairs deciding which lube is the best. As long as you are maintaining your firearm with regular cleanings and lube the appropriate parts, it will be a mostly irrelevant which product you choose. Assuming its a product designed for this purpose of course.

Good Points

I put 10W-40 motor oil on a q-tip than clean my guns never jams and keeps from carbon build up, it’s not the best thing but at the end of the day use what ever lubricant you have cause in the real world in a real fire fight I’d rather have WD40 that a bone dry bolt anyday.

I have been using Weapon Shield

I like ballistol as a cleaner and use Lucas gun oil as lube

Iv seen this stuff i think ill clean with ballistol and lube with Wilson

Wilson Combat liquid grease is the best for AR and AKs. It stays in place and is slick as snot. There oils are great on pistols. There just not in your big box stores.

Nice gun

I use ballistol specifically for a cleaner and preservative. For semi autos full autos I use other stuff. Ballistol has served my family well for going on 4 generations. I have the firearms in my safe to prove it.

Ballistol is average in cleaning, lubrication and protection, but it is food proof and will not damage your skin or health whatsoever. If i really want to clean a firearm i dont use clp, i use Ballistols Robla Solo Mil, basically Ammonia based cleaning agent, very good at removing copper and brass from the rifling of a barrel. For lubrication either a thick oil (some use engine oil which does work) or a grease with ceramic additives works best, for protection you want grease, not oil.

Mobil 1 20w-50 V twin for me. It stays on the metal for quite awhile before gravity overcomes it.

i`m using ballistol for cleaning and Wilson oil gor lubing

The fragrance of Ballistol is the best part.

You can’t over clean a gun. It’s either clean or it’s not. If you use a nylon brush and clp you can clean it as much as you want. Just once every six months (assuming you shoot over 100rd a month) use a bronze bore brush with hoppes or copper solvent, good degreaser (powder blast or even dawn dish detergent will work) Edit: also dawn was used to clean the oil off of ducks during an oil spill. Spend more time with your wives!

Good video 👍. But what does Ballistol "penetrate"? Not steel, since steel is comprised of compressed crystals, not pores. Here's something that will blow minds...I served as a certified Chief Weapons Armorer at my law enforcement agency before I retired. Been to many Armorer's courses. I CLEAN all of my guns with Hoppe's #9. Oil or lube? Haven't used "lube" on any gun in nearly 20 years now. I've put over 7,500 rounds thru my EDC. It's never had a single malfunction of any kind, no parts replaced, no dimensional changes (wear) in any component, and I've never put a drop of oil or lube on it at all. I simply keep it clean, that's all.

You want the oil to creep and run. It Carries away the debris.

I'll stick with my Ballistol but that's just preference. Stuff hasn't been around over 100 years on accident and this is one thing the Germans got right. Lol

oh, and I still love and use Ballistol.

Corrosion X is the greatest gun cleaner ever imo

I use ballistol on my hk usp every time i go to range day.

I brush the firearm then use wd40 to get rid of any moisture and dilute and solvents then wipe it off. Then I oil up and wipe it down and oil up again

Y’all clean and lube your guns?

Ballistic is good for wood and leather but if going to use. Your plastic it doesn't matter what you use

Düüüüde. A German here, hi :D Ballistol is not „a lubricant“ it is a universal oil, meant for cleaning, light rust protection and it will lubricate enough, if you find yourself „in the field“ without your gun grease. And a big point why ballistol is so big in germany and all over the world is that it is absolutly nun toxic. No Problems with cleaning your gun and holding the stock into your face or using it on your carbon steal knife you cut your food with. It is even meant to be used on wounds to desinfect them. Ballistol GunCer would be more of their lubricant line. It is a petrol based ceramik oil.