August 22nd, 2008

Boron Nitride Sources and Application Procedures

Hexagonal Boron Nitride (HBN) is an advanced bullet-coating material. HBN, also known as ‘White Graphite’, has similar (hexagonal) crystal structure as graphite, though it is a much better lubricant. For those who prefer shooting coated bullets, HBN appears to have many advantages over molybdenum disulfide (moly). First, it is much more slippery, so it can reduce friction more effectively. Second, it goes on clear, and when applied correctly it doesn’t leave a dusty, chalky finish that can come off on your fingers. Most importantly, HBN will not react with moisture to leave potentially harmful chemicals in your barrel.

Hexagonal Boron Nitride Bullet Coating

Boron nitride-coated DTAC bullets are sold by Superior Shooting Sytems (David Tubb). Tubb’s company also offers HBN bullet-coating services for a fee (minimum quantity 1000). However, many shooters want to plate their own bullets with Boron Nitride. Lowerfriction.com sells hexagonal boron nitride dry lubricant powder in 1-lb and 10-lb quantities. The two particle sizes appropriate for bullet coating are 70 nm (MK-hBN-N70-Nano) and 0.50 micron (MKhBN-050). Some shooters prefer the smaller 70 nm version, while others say the larger 0.50 micron works fine. Lowerfriction.com sells 70 nm HBN for $90.00 per pound, and the 0.50 micron HBN for $79.00 per pound. CLICK HERE for order page.

Lowerfriction.com allows provides instructions for coating bullets with Tungsten Disulfide (WS2), but company technicians say the same procedure can be used with HBN:

Tumbling/Vibratory bowl coating
This method is ideal for bullets and other small parts. Speed and friction determine how effectively the material bonds to the part. The greater the speed and the pressure of application, the greater the bond. For best results use a power tool. A buffing wheel, Dremel tool or even a hone can be used.

Clean and degrease the part.
Take 5-6 small empty plastic bottles (empty aspirin bottles will do). Put few parts in the bottle and fill the bottle (up to 75%) with WS2 powder. Fill all bottles likewise.
Put the bottles in vibratory bowl/tumbler with sand or vibratory media.
Vibrate/Tumble for 4-5 hours.
Empty the bottles (you can reuse WS2) and wipe clean the parts with soft tissue/cloth.

Bullet Coating — Step by Step with Photos
A photo-illustrated Guide to Bullet Coating is available on the WrzWaldo website. This site is maintained by a Pacific NW shooter who retails 0.5 Micron Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) and will soon be offering Hexagonal Boron Nitride (HBN) as well. The website shows how to plate bullets using 0.177″ BBs in pill bottles, which are then agitated in a vibratory tumbler. This is a simple procedure that isolates the plating media from your tumbler, and covers the bullets very completely in 30-40 minutes. WrzWaldo says his method works equally well for both Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) and Boron Nitride (HBN). The photos below show bullets coated with WS2.

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