Titanic Steel Barrels

[Drew Hause]

Albert: you might review this document
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...A/edit?tab=t.0
There is a list of testing labs about 1/2 way down.
There are industrial NDT labs all over the country but very few do barrel proof testing.

Most modern makers use a combination of mag particle or ultrasound, then pressure testing, to SAAMI or CIP standards.
You could easily spend >$1000 on radiography, mag particle testing, ultrasound and proof testing.

Almost all of us who use vintage barrels, both pattern welded and fluid steel, do so after the bore has been examined for pits or defects using a bore scope, and the wall thickness, from breech it muzzle, is examined.
Then with shells that reproduce the ballistics of the loads the makers recommended, being cautious regarding recoil in light of the >100 year old wood.
Oz. of shot and fps are the primary factors to consider; not pressure.

[John Davis]

I shoot +/- 15,000 rounds a year at trap alone with my Parkers (SBT & SxS). I use mostly off the shelf Walmart 2 3/4 dram, 1145 fps and 3 dram, 1200 fps shells. I’ve had no issues. Have a trap friend whose modern CG blew up. Probably an obstruction. You have to be careful no matter what gun you are shooting.