Sherman Bell's last two articles in DGJ were about shooting proof loads through Damascus barreled guns. He used 15 different guns, Remingtons, Parker, L.C. Smiths. His loads were Remington High Pressure 2 3/4" shells with 1 1/2 oz of #9 shot, wad is RP12 SAAMI loads. The velocities were taken with each gun and recorded, looks like it averaged a little over 1400 FPS and pressures were 18,000 psi. Each gun was held down in a Caldwell lead sled. Not one of the Damascus bareled guns received any damge to the barrels, one had the wood crack through the wrist.
He also stated that he does not approve of shooting modern high pressure shells through Damascus barreled guns, and that they should be checked out by a compatent gun smith.
Many articles and some great information on the 16 ga Reloaders Group on low pressure shells.
Most feel that on older guns with Damascus barrels and even steel barrels should have no more than 8,000 psi loads through them.
