Grease or oil for bolt lubrication?

[daved20319]

Rifle is a new 12FV short action, will be used exclusively as a bench gun, and is far more likely to see hot temps (90+) vs. anything at or near freezing. BTW, not asking what brand or type to use, not looking to open a major can of worms here, and I feel I've got it pretty well covered. The owners manual doesn't really cover this, and I haven't found a specific recommendation one way or the other elsewhere. Thanks.

Dave

[J.Baker]

Just a light coat of oil, wipe off the excess.

[darkker]

Agreed. I've done just about every possible thing, including some not great ideas. Light oil coating has been the best as far as reliability and results.

[Stumpkiller]

Lightly oil. In fact, I wipe most off but make sure there is a tiny amount on the lugs. Savage has the nice split bolt-head so enough stays in the gap on it's own.

[m12lrs]

i recommend a dab of grease on the back of the bolt lugs. you should reapply periodically

i use very little oil on the outside of the rifle. A light wipedown couldn't hurt.

[RustyShackle]

I’m a grease guy, at least on some points and parts. Otherwise I very lightly oil

[waynef]

Grizzly Grease

[VAFISH]

Q: Grease or Oil?

A: Yes

Either will work fine. I find grease tends to hang around longer, but if you are shooting often and cleaning your gun after each use a light coat of oil is easier to clean up.

[Deadshot2]

If using Oil on bolt lugs the best is Gear Oil. It's loaded with Extreme Pressure additives and will do a great job in preventing any galling on lugs, expecially in stainless actions. Also a little tackier than regular oil.

If you're a "Grease Guy", wheel bearing grease, pretty much for the same reasons.

You can pay more for firearm specific lubes but they don't work any better than what you may already have in the garage. Don't have any gear oil? Get a small dispenser bottle and visit your local Quick Lube. They'll probably fill it for free from their dispenser.

[JeepsAndGuns]

I put a dab of grease on the bolt cam/cocking piece and oil on everything else.

[penna shooter]

CLP here

[Zero333]

I use bolt grease on new actions to help wear the bolt in.

Now I only use oil in the winter. I use nothing above freezing temps.

[daved20319]

Thanks, guys, appreciate all the suggestions. Since there doesn't seem to be a strong consensus either way, I guess I'll start with the same Slip 2000 EWL30 I use for my AR. Works really well in that, with the added benefit of making the rifle run cleaner. If I don't like the results, I also have their grease. Later.

Dave

[Ratbuster]

I use Lucas Oil assembly lube on the back of lugs. Nothing more tenacious or more protective.

[Mb1500]

I've got 1/2 a bottle of that laying around somewhere, I'll have to give it a try.

[m12lrs]

here is a link for bolt cleaning and lubricating

http://www.accurateshooter.com/technical-articles/bolt-maintenance-methods-materials/

[RandyB]

Mobil 1 grease on all sliding friction surfaces. Dry oil spray (Hornady) on everything else.

[Evlshnngns]

Found some expensive gun grease, 12.36$ per oz...
"Here is a answer directly from them: "Teflon is DuPont's brand name and design for a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particle. TW-25B® is based on proprietary PTFE-based technology. Mil-Comm's particle is smaller and spherical in shape. And that's just one of the chemical ingredients that makes the TW-25B® formula like no other material in the world, giving it exceptional performance properties." see less (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002T1ZW2E/?tag=accuratescom-20#)
By DA on May 21, 2016 " from amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002T1ZW2E/?tag=accuratescom-20#customerReviews

[Stockrex]

TSI 321

oil, I am sold, I use it in everything, guns, fishing reels etc.

[PaddyD]

If you have to apply so much force to close the bolt over a case to think you're needing high pressure grease on the lugs to prevent galling or wear, you're not sizing the cases short enough. IF you size properly, which in my opinion would be about .001-.002" shoulder set back after fire forming, you should be able to close that bolt with no effort at all and not be grinding away at those camming surfaces on the action lugs. So, to answer your question, a light coat of oil and then wipe it off with a rag. Grease will only hold abrasive material and wear on your rifle like lapping compound, eventually doing more harm than good. Just try getting that grease out from the front of the lugs in your action once there.... To do it you'll probably have to unscrew the barrel.