Cleaning wax? from inside of cases

[Catpop]

I bought and was also gifted some old 38 WCF reloads. Upon breaking many of them down for components, I found there was a heavy wax? sealer between the boolit and the powder. Once through this sealer the powder could be extracted, But the wax seal still remains stuck to the inside of the case.
What would be the best way to clean the remaining wax sticking to the inside of these cases?
Any experience here would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Rule3]

If they still have live primers in them you are limited?

De Prime and you have options.

 

[Catpop]

I do deprime prior to cleaning so I can save primers! “A primer saved is a primer earned”
Deprimed, what are my options please?

 

[Docendo Discimus]

I bought and was also gifted some old 38 WCF reloads. Upon breaking many of them down for components, I found there was a heavy wax? sealer between the boolit and the powder. Once through this sealer the powder could be extracted, But the wax seal still remains stuck to the inside of the case.
What would be the best way to clean the remaining wax sticking to the inside of these cases?
Any experience here would be greatly appreciated.

If you boil them the wax will melt and float to the top of the water. It can be skimmed off then. Stay away from the wife's good pots.

 

[Catpop]

Great idea!!!!
Thanks!!!

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Was the powder 3F?

 

[Slamfire]

I bought and was also gifted some old 38 WCF reloads. Upon breaking many of them down for components, I found there was a heavy wax? sealer between the boolit and the powder. Once through this sealer the powder could be extracted, But the wax seal still remains stuck to the inside of the case.
What would be the best way to clean the remaining wax sticking to the inside of these cases?
Any experience here would be greatly appreciated.

US military ammunition uses/used a tar sealant between the bullet and case. Made the round more waterproof and helped keep the bullet in place. I have pulled the old 174FMJBT bullets on 308 LC and replaced them with 168 SMK. Never bothered dumping the powder or removing the tar. The ammunition would hold the X ring, if I could.

After firing, the tar would magically disappear!

 

[Catpop]

Was the powder 3F?

Mostly triple 7, some Pyrodex, some Black powder

 

[mdi]

If the "wax" is a sealant rather than wax, try an acetone soak and/or use a 38 cal bore brush on a drill to get the stubborn stuff out...

 

[LiveLife]

US military ammunition uses/used a tar sealant ... Never bothered ... removing the tar. The ammunition would hold the X ring, if I could.

After firing, the tar would magically disappear!

I am thinking tar sealant would improve neck tension ...

 

[Catpop]

If the "wax" is a sealant rather than wax, try an acetone soak and/or use a 38 cal bore brush on a drill to get the stubborn stuff out...

No it’s a wax at least 1/4” thick
My guess was to keep powder next to primer

 

[Catpop]

I’ll try it in different solvents and boiling water tonight and report findings back to you
Thanks to all

 

[MonkTx]

I am thinking tar sealant would improve neck tension ...

Ever pulled an old military round? Sealant only on one side of the bullet, in random globs or hardened after 40+ years of storage is not doing anyone any favors.

 

[LiveLife]

Ever pulled an old military round? Sealant only on one side of the bullet, in random globs or hardened after 40+ years of storage is not doing anyone any favors.

But but, Slamfire said tar sealant "magically disappear" upon firing ... (Yes, I know about military/surplus sealant not just on bullets but on primers too, not to mention dang crimped primer pockets I have to swage!)

After firing, the tar would magically disappear!

 

[ballman6711]

Ever pulled an old military round? Sealant only on one side of the bullet, in random globs or hardened after 40+ years of storage is not doing anyone any favors.

Yes, I have. And no, it didn't do me any favors.

chris

 

[mdi]

No it’s a wax at least 1/4” thick
My guess was to keep powder next to primer

Like a wax plug? Full case ID?

 

[BigBlue 94]

Laquer thinner, denatured or rubbing alcohol, or acetone/fingernail polish remover.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Mostly triple 7, some Pyrodex, some Black powder

In that case could it possibly be bear grease or Crisco? I’m thinking boiling in water with just a dash of Dawn will work wonders.