According to Bell, the reason that damascus barrels got the rep for blowing up was that the first smokeless powders closely mimicked black in volume, so guys could reload their shell with smokeless using the BP scoop/equipment. Smokeless, again from Bell, first came out in 1863!
Then someone invented something like Unique, and when loaded to equal volume as black, a shell so loaded produced 80,000 cup. BOOM! In short, damascus barrels have always been plenty strong. The Brits have been re-proofing them for years!
Now, should we go around trying to blow up a damascus barrel? Nope, your off hand goes with it and maybe a few were poorly made. But I don't hesitate to shoot my GH with standard shells. It is full and full so I shoot RST spreaders in one tube and a standard shell in the other. Viola! I've got a full and modified gun!
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