Tap water has worked for me for about 15 years now. I think the after rust problem is more related to how you dry the barrel afterward than the mixture. After several dry patches I let the AZ sun heat the barrel for a few minutes to drive off the remaining water and then, depending upon how long the rifle is to be stored, wipe the bore with either straight Ballistol(short term) or BreakFree CLP for long term. But sometimes the Ballistol is in there for a year without problems. The Ballistol and Water mix is what I use for patch lube at the range. I use a grease lube for hunting. I wouldn't expect the Ballistol/water mix to be useful for bore protection if that is what you are asking.
Last edited by Jerry V Lape; 10/09/13 11:22 PM.
