Pete and Piper,

Thanks for the info. These are the bits of info that I was looking for. I understand the unique problems that not just damascus barrels, but also fluid steel and wood that is 100 years old provide. I am also going on the assumption that the barrels, and the gun for that matter, are given a clean bill of health. I am the type of person that likes to see and/or read the proof behind the reasons and not just the answers. I have no problem shooting loads that develop pressures similar to what was available when these guns were made as long as I can see what those pressures likley were. I don't want to settle for "X" psi, without knowing how that number was come about.