Treating Bullets with Molybdenum Disulfide ( MoS2 )


The purpose of this page is to introduce the procedures for 'moly' coating bullets to those of you who have no experience with these processes, and to possibly pass on a few 'tips' and 'lessons learned' to those who are familiar with moly coating bullets. I say 'processes' because there are a few methods available and in wide use.


Moly Spray

'Ms Moly' : Marksman, Inc. / Moly Aerosol : Kano Labs

This method of MoS2 application uses 'moly' in an aerosol can. For about $37, you get (2) 11 oz. cans of 'Ms Moly', which they claim will coat over 3000+ bullets, and guides for setting up your bullets. I've heard that the moly spray from Kano Labs is much less expensive. I have learned (from Marksman and others) that heating the bullets with a blow dryer or heat gun both before AND after application gives better results. Be careful not to knock the bullets over with the wind blast - it can be very frustrating trying to set them standing back up again.

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Midway Powder

This method of MoS2 application uses powdered 'moly'. For about $20, you get a jar with an 8 oz. baggie of 'Moly Ultra-Coat' powder. The procedure is to add the powder to untreated corncob media and a handful of BBs. Tumble this for about 10 minutes to 'treat the media'. Add the powder a little at a time until the media is an even, pewter color. I have found that if you're treating hollowpoints, you can tumble the bullets with BBs only, and the results are also very good. In fact, now I mostly tumble with BBs only. However, if you use too much moly, they won't come out as 'clean' (the moly tends to clump a little on the bullets, but comes right off if lightly rubbed in a paper towel) as when you use treated media and BBs.

Most people clean their bullets by either tumbling them in untreated media or spraying them with either alcohol or brake cleaner. I don't clean new bullets, and have had very good results. However, I DO clean (old) tarnished bullets before I moly treat them. After the bullets are clean, add them to your treated media (or BBs) and tumble them for 1-2 hours. I have found that, like tumbling brass, the more you fill the container with media, the better your results. When using 'BBs only', the amount I fill the container has not mattered. I've coated close to 3000 bullets with Midway's powder so far, and haven't even made a dent in the bag. Get an old bucket and colander to separate your bullets from the media and/or BBs.

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For more information, 'Moly Coating' from ...


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I hope this information proves useful to you. Good shooting from the Spirit of '76 Gun Page!!


Last updated : 04 May 1999