The iron was a tapered aluminum rod heating element that was stepped to accept 12, 16, and 20 gauge shells. When plugged in and the iron hot, one would twist the empty shell over the iron where the heat would bring the wax out and make the paper shells like brand new.
You could get a lot more loadings out of shells using one.
We never messed with reloading paper shell - much -.
I never heard of 'ironing' in that context.
THNX Paladin.
I "have gun & will travel" !
