"poor at keeping rust out of the bore. Its paraffin wax based." I've also heard that it's made from animal fat. There are several recipes on the I-Net that say it's 1-part bees wax and 4 or 5 parts Sweet Oil (Olive Oil) with a little bit of "Oil of Wintergreen" for a scent.
Personally, I like Bore Butter. I have not had any problems with rust. I was thinking about making my own. However, I looked at Water Pump Lubricant and Anti-Rust. The Anti-Rust ingredient is Borax! So, I'm thinking about adding it to my next batch.
BORE BUTTER RECIPE
Ingredients:
1 lb. Natural bees wax
Approx. 4 lbs. Olive oil
About 2 teaspoons yellow food color (varies)
1/2 oz. Wintergreen oil
Procedure:
1. melt the 1 lb. of bees wax in a thick pot (Double Boiler?) slowly in about 2 or 3 lbs. of oil. Remove from heat and let it get solid. I pour it into a microwaveable container.
2. Test poke with your finger. If your finger hurts, add oil.
3. Nuke for about 2 or 3 minutes or until it all melts, and stir. Let it get solid again. Go to #2 again until your finger doesn't hurt-- about 4 lbs. of olive oil.
4. Let it cool and pour into small 1/2 lb. containers. Makes about 5-6 lbs. depending on how thick (bullets) or thin (patches) you want it.
NOTES: I have used Oil of Orange, oil of lemon, oil of spearmint and Maple flavor. I have also used Red. Shooters like it best when it looks and smells like Wintergreen, Maple flavor doesn't work because it is water based. Must be oil based flavor to work well. (1# of olive oil = 16oz.)