Over a century before Sherman Bell and Armbrust performed their tests, the Birmingham Proof House had proven the issue. In 1891, they tested a host of Damascus, twist and fluid steel barrels to the point of failure with nitro loads. The barrels that stood the highest pressures? English Damascus came in Nos. 1, 2 & 3. Siemens-Martin fluid steel came in at No. 4. This is partially why composite barrels are NOT an issue in the UK as long as they pass proof.
But Bell and Armbrust put the proof infront of American shooters. My hat's off to them.
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