Thanks much for the replies folks and apologies for not checking in yesterday. Work has been a bear lately.
I have not found any NFB proof marks, or nitro proof marks on the rifle, so maybe I will abandon the attempt on the woodlieghs.I have Graem Wright's book, and have been considering downloading the 500 BPE loads he's listed to fit with what seems with the factory loads from the No. 2 (1650 fps w/365's, 1650fps w/ 440's). I hadn't planned on hot loads or trying to turn it in to something it's not.
As I mentioned, the gun is from my father, so I'd rather treat it with kidd gloves rather than try and make it a NFB thumper.
The rifle does appear to have fluid steel rather than Damascus, but still, I do think that it's much softer steel than what would be produced even 30 years later.
Thanks also for the kind words about the rifle. It's a joy to shoot and I think of dad every time I pick it up.
