I started this discussion regarding a customer's H&H, but I'd like to get broader input on the subject.
For years I have been using a guide from an old gunsmith on barrel wall thickness at the end of the chamber as follows (all in inches of course):
Gauge Chamber End Dia. Min Wall Thickness
12 0.800 0.085
16 0.732 0.075
20 0.610 0.070
Is this sufficiently conservative for chamber end wall thickness?
Since the British measure bore diameter 9 inches from the breech, is there a consensus on minimum wall thickness for that point?
Would most people agree to a minimum thickness 9 inches from the muzzle at 0.023 to 0.024?
I realize that bore diameter affects the hoop strength of the cylinder, but I am primarily talking about standard bore diameters of 0.729, 0.662 and 0.615 inches, respectively, for 12, 16 and 20 gauge guns. What is the consensus on overbored guns, for example, 12 gauges approaching 0.740 bore diameter?
Allan
