You shouldn't use it forward of the seal either although I do use it on the rear of the seal where it makes contact with the seat on the piston. No lubes should be used or introduced in front of the seal with the exception of the little bit that will be carried down the chamber as it is being initially assembled and the piston being pushed into the compression chamber. That little bit should burn off in just a few firing cycles usually .DO NOT USE SILICONE AS A LUBE FOR THE COMPRESSION CHAMBER or outside piston walls. The silicone is used on the outer rim/edge of the seal only as well as the seal mounting surfaces and then very sparingly. Also, aerosol or spray silicone is useless, can even be harmful and should not be used.