Drew;
That Elsie bbl surly resembles an obstruction to me. Look at the bulging present, including the lower rib, just behind the forend hanger. Then the raised up flap has a distinct bulge to it. All signs of an obstruction, rahter than a metal flaw.
Joe;
If I am following you correctly then there were 12 firings with the Whitworth bbls (3 bbls X 4 proofs each) then they averaged 352¼ grains per firing or 12.88 drams. Is it safe to assume this was done in the manner of a provisional proof using a rough tube fitted with breech plug, thus loaded as a muzzle loader. I haven't really checked, but seriously doubt that size powder charge would fit in a shell casing.
5 + 4 + 3 firings for the laminated also totals 12 firings. What accounts for the extra 21 grains of powder? Did each firing use a slightly heavier load?
