It has been some time since I read Thomas's writing on this, was simply quoting this previous post
G.T.Garwood's article arose from a controversy in the 1960 when Eley-Kynoch started loading their Grand Prix game cartridge, intended for 2 1/2" chambered guns, in a 2 3/4" case with a crimp closure. There was a lot of correspondence generated in the sporting press at the time as to the possible risks of such a practice.
I do very distinctly though remember in reading Thomas he stated " Burrard Should Have Said" that the load played a part as well as just chamber length. Now that is exactly what Burrard did say. Thomas simply took parts of Burrard which were written when no 2½" loads were put up in a 2 3/4" case & it is just as true today as it was some 75 yrs ago when Burrard first wrote it, A 2 3/4" case loaded to a higher level than the gun was designed for "SHOULD NOT BE FIRED IN A 2½" CHAMBERED GUN".
If you go back & read Bell's article you will see he stated that neither Burrard nor Thomas came to a definitive conclusion, both left doubts as to whether firing a longer case with proper load, in a shorter chamber was safe.
Larry I am not totally ignorant, I can read what people say. You know I stopped & put some gasoline in my vechicle today. In doing this I did not prove an internal combustion engine can burn gasoline, that was done well over 100 yrs ago. It was proved in the late thirties & early fourties that the proper load for a 2½" chambered gun could be put up in a fold crimp 2 3/4" case & fired with no discernable difference in either pressure or ballistics. Burrard did recommend "Against" firing any shell whose loaded length allowed it to extend into the cone. I might note in the loading manual of a major powder maker the statement was made that any pressure desired could be obtained by simply varying Crimp Pressure. If the loaded shell is crammed into the cone the force needed to open it is increased which can increase chamber pressure. I do not recall Thomas referencing this & know that Bell did not in the articles we have been referencing here. It is of paramont importance that the "Loaded Shell" have clearence between it & the cone & then that the load inside is proper for the gun it is to be fired in. If these conditions are met there need be no fear if the end of the case happens to lap into the cone upon opening. This was what was proved some 65 yrs ago, I have seen nothing of importance which has been proved since.
