Jim, I think the concern "out where your fingers are" stems from two factors:
1. Where your fingers are is where your fingers are most vulnerable; and
2. While the pressure has dropped at the point you locate your leading hand, it's still relatively high (compared to what it is at the muzzle). And if you combine that relatively high pressure with a thin area in the barrel wall, maybe the result of honing or something of that nature, it can be a problem. If that thin spot is 3-4" back from the muzzle, not only is the pressure reduced, but your hand is some distance back.
Phillip, the issues you'll want to track down are Winter 01 (Long Shells in Short Chambers) and Summer 02 (Smokeless vs Black).
Last edited by L. Brown; 02/27/10 11:29 AM.
