American proofing is common practice here as well.
I tend to proof with three shots out of each barrel with a 50% increased load. tied securely to tyres. Obviously can't make any promises but non of mine have blown.
Its hard to get an idea of depth of the pits are that you are looking at. Many muzzle loaders in the uk still in regular use are well pitted though the length of the barrels and are shot without any problems. The worst barrel set of mine is not particularly great pitted throughout the length and it does fine but they are a meaty barrel set.
Speaking to an old collector friend of mine who has seen all kinds of guns being shot he tells that the worst guns he has seen regularly shot have holes rusted clean through the bore through a combination of internal and external pitting and non concentric boring apparently if its in the last 6 inches of barrel you can get away with it.
I know of another individual who removed the ribs of a gun to fine little holes between the barrels who promptly patched these up with his welder and he certainly shot that.
Proofing will satisfy your curiosity either way, so its always worth it. Be safe.
Another thing i have always been told by the old boys is 50:50 volume loads, Same volume of shot to powder. Use properly fitting wads and even light loads can be effective on game ( lightest shot charge i use is 26grams and the heaviest 30 )
Last edited by Demonwolf444; 02/15/15 08:40 PM.
