I'll probably dribble out information as available, because I NEED YOUR HELP and you are very likely to think of something that should be done, that I did not.
Received the barrel with the empty shells in the chamber, the fragment, the empty shells that had been used, and 4 reloads.
1. I now know what a loose rib 'clunk' sounds like
2. The empties will be examined for missing components/parts
3. The reloads will be opened and the powder weighed.
4. Taking quality pics is very difficult, and I'll try again in the morning when the sun is not as intense.
First impressions
1. The rust shown on the previous pictures is clearly new
2. The chambers have not been messed with; 2 5/8" with a short forcing cone and only the expected tool marks. Wall measurements to follow but they appear adequate
3. The shell in the left chamber came out easily using a long dowel. I don't think the primer shows increase pressure and looked like the other
BUT extractor indentations were present in the steel case head. I may need pro help to get an adequate image, but look at line toward the bottom
4. The fragment was bent almost 90 degrees by the force
the crolle pattern is visible on the inside of the bore BUT NOT ON THE SHELL CASE as previously thought
Chamber and forcing cone inferiorly, barrel bore superiorly
In the morning I'll start measuring every bit of wall that I can get to, check for evidence of a bulge, and try for some more pics. Stay tuned.
I am meeting with the metallurgist at METL next Monday.