Neatsfoot on piston seals

[pjbingham]

I have read in the recent past that Neatsfoot is ideal for leather piston washers and the like. I purchased some and have serviced various air rifles and pistols since then using it(where applicable). My concern is that I have since read that Neatsfoot as we know it today is not as pure as it once was and contains water. If this is the case do I have any concern in regards to internal rusting of the cylinder? Does the water evaporate off? I love a good tinker but I don't exactly relish trying to remember which of my collection I've rebuilt since purchasing it or infact the possibility of having to replace 'contaminated' washers.
Although I have a regular plink due to the number of air rifles and pistols I have some don't get touched for a while so the actions won't be being cycled if this makes any difference. Atb,Phil

[junglie]

I wouldn't worry about it,don't belive everything you read.I use hempseed oil from sainsburys,good oil brand.Easier to get hold of then neatsfoot & nice on salads too!

[clarky]

I wouldn't worry about it,don't belive everything you read.I use hempseed oil from sainsburys,good oil brand.Easier to get hold of then neatsfoot & nice on salads too!

Ive been using it....the real stuff but my own in depth experiments has halted its use.
I have noticed that it goes quite sticky during cold periods and can affect velocity and accuracy....marginally.
I have discovered that Bisley gun oil (green can low viscosity mineral oil) has had no detrimental effect on leather washers after around 2 years of use now.
I have found it to have none of the inconsistancy effects and does not seem to diesel in sub 10 ftlb stuff...pistols etc.

[pjbingham]

Thanks for your replies Gents. Clarky did you notice any signs of rusting when using neatsfoot do you recall? Atb Phil

[clarky]

Thanks for your replies Gents. Clarky did you notice any signs of rusting when using neatsfoot do you recall? Atb Phil

No problems in that regard ....just this thickening and slowing in cool temps.
My main worry was finding something that does not rot the valuable leather washers that are so hard to come by and new ones needing a lot of care to get them functioning correctly.
I believe i have managed this with the Bisley oil.
Interestingly Tony Wall had also recommended its use when i was over at his shop last year, apparently containing no additives or nasties.
You dont argue with Tony....nobody better at it.

[vizman]

How about a bit of Ballistol? Seems to keep my sling in nice condition.