Talked to Birmingham Proof House today.
They were far more forthcoming and told me the following:
The Birmingham Proof House has for some time loaded the proof loads used by London and they continue to do so.
Their proof loads have been consistent for 10 years and independently tested for consistency.
Proof charges for various guns are loaded according to CIP tables (which can be purchased on CD from the Birmingham Proof House for around £20).
They have been subjecting guns to two proof charges for at least five years.
Failure rates for guns submitted to proof in Birmingham are 3% - that is guns which pass View but fail Proof.
Steel shot proof requires three proof loads, not two.
The Birmingham Proof House is adamant that their practices and their proof loads have not changed.
So, the question "Why are new guns blowing up in London?" has thrown up some interesting information but has yet to be answered.
Last edited by Small Bore; 05/01/08 12:19 PM.
