Pair of Ross rifles from NZ

[NORTHOF60]

I also read that some ammunition was waxed to aid extraction - is that incorrect?

This is off topic to the issues relating to the Ross rifle. A quick search answered my own question concerning waxed cartridges:

http://https://www.thefirearmblog.co...ation-process/

http://https://patents.google.com/patent/US2972947A/en

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSnwsSlu7Sk

Finally located the reference to lubricating pads in magazines: the Thompson Automatic Rifle, not the 1918 BAR:

https://patents.google.com/patent/US1322271

RIA: Thompson Model 1923 Autorifle Forgotten Weapons

response No. 7:

http://https://www.thehighroad.org/i...uality.750367/