OK, this is mostly an issue for me and my .22 semi-auto.  As you know, .22s are pretty dirty compared to centerfire rifles.

I usually clean out all the crud from the chamber as best I can and then lightly lubricate the bolt with automatic transmission fluid.  Unfortunately, even this light lubrication seems to pick up lots of crud and makes it stick in there.

In general, should semi-auto bolts be kept "dry?"  And does a thin lubricant like gun oil/transmission fluid really do that much?  It seems to me that with the violent action of cycling the bolt, most of the oil would be flung out of there after a few shots.  Maybe a heavier lube like wheel bearing grease?  Or no lube at all?

What do you say?

-Nick Viejo.

on my ruger 10/22.
no lube at all.

just enough oil to keep it from rusting

First of all, drop the entire tranny lube thing. You put tranny oil in your tranny, NOT on your guns.

A good light coat of oil is best on a .22, centerfire semis need a good slathering, IMO.

There's some dry lubes available but I don't use them as I don't live in the desert.

When I had a 10/22, I'd clean the receiver out about every 1000 rounds or so.  It did get pretty gunky in there.  Just strip out the receiver, and clean it out using q-tips.  I'd use a Q-tip to swab the chamber.  DON'T TOUCH THE BORE.  Lightly oil the bolt.  Voila.