Mike,
Buy a Hosford or similar Barrel Wall Thickness Gauge and measure the minimum barrel wall thickness to include that reamining between a pit and the other side of the barrel.
Also invest in an Endoscope to look down the barrels. These are available via e-Bay for $30 and plug into a common computer. There was a thread about them within the last 3 weeks.
Collaborate with other shooters of these fine old guns. If in doubt take your gun to a qualified gunsmith who specializes in vintatge side by sides.
If you buy a quality gun such as Parker, LC Smith, Lefever, Baker or a few others their barrels in good condition with adaquate minimum wall thickness will be fine with appropriate loads. One MUST measure because bores that look perfect may hanve been reamed or honed to a point that they are too thin too safely shoot.
How much pressure is appropriate for you gun? I'd have to measure it before I would tell you what "I" would shoot in it.
This topic has been the subject of many heated debates on this forum. I suggest that you conduct a "search" for pressure.
Mark
__________________
Don't hunt with a gun that will embarrass your dog!
USMC Retired
USMC Distinguished Marksman
USMC Distinguished Pistol Shot
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