Moly vs. Non Moly

[rtw3704]

I have tried to research this topic and all I have got is more questions. When it comes to rifle bullets, whats the verdict on Moly coated vs. non Moly coated bullets.
Concerning:
Barrel breakin
Barrel Life
Cleaning
Accuracy
If it matters the rifle is a M1A1 w/Kreiger Barrel
Any help would be appreciated.
Tom

[Gyrene]

I know people who use moly coated bullets, and swear by them; I also know people who have tried moly coated bullets, and they swear at them! I know more people who have stopped using the moly coated bullets, than people who are currently using moly coated bullets.

One of the biggest problems that the shooters, that swear at the moly coated bullets, have is that, for them, it works well only after getting a coating of moly in the barrel, which takes time and rounds down range. Then after shooting the moly coated bullets for a while, their accuracy goes out the window, and the moly coating in the barrel has to be removed. I don't know how they remove the moly coating from the barrel, as I have never been interested in using moly, and haven't bothered to listen to them describe their removal process.

After removing the moly coating in the barrel, they decide to either use moly coated bullets again and repeat the barrel coating process by shooting more moly coated bullets until their rifle gives them the accuracy they expect. And the cycle continues!

`

[Big Dog]

I have only one rifle I shoot the Moly-coated bullets in. It's my break-open single-shot BRNO ZBK-110 in .22 Hornet. I still have some excellent handloads I bought from a gunshow vendor - V-max 45 grain bullets with moly-coat.
Once getting used to the rather stiff and gritty trigger, I can put five rounds into 3/4 inch at one hundred yards.

Using Winchester softpoints, the group opens to about three inches, off to one side and low.

Moly coating? yes, I'm a believer!

[rtw3704]

Thanks for the information. I'm going with the non Moly. I know regular Match 168gr. HPBT's work and I have the concern's that Gyrene mentioned on cleaning the Moly out, especially in a gas gun. Big Dog is a Moly believer and I wish him continued sucess with his Moly .22 Hornets.
Thanks

[30Cal]

I shot moly for about 3 years in over the course matches (~4k rounds). It's got some ups and downs. The big up is that regular cleaning is easy. Some Kroil and a nylon brush and a couple strokes is all it takes. Every 300 rds or so, I've always read you should take the barrel back to bare metal (I used JB bore compound and I think that's pretty typical). It doesn't work it's way into the gas system.

Downsides are that if you shoot moly, you should shoot only moly. You have to start with a completely clean foul-free barrel. I got pits in my barrel, but I don't know if that's the fault of the moly or the saltwater aquarium I used to have that would burn off a gallon of water a day. Still, if you shoot moly, make sure you keep a good rust preventative in the barrel anytime you're not actively pulling the trigger.

I stopped using it about 3 months ago. No big benefits to offset the hassle of coating the bullets (I did it the cheap way). I see no difference in accuracy or velocity in Sierra 168MK and plain Sierra 168's.

Ty