Blow up of ML?

[Runner]

That was the most interesting of the info returned from the Green River test. That barrel had everything you can immagine done to it as far as assembly holes, cuts, slots, and stuff you would not even dream of doing to a barrel so that weak spots were created. It had screws put in holes they did not fit sticking up. Imagine a frankenstien's torture chamber for muzzleloaders victim, and that is what they started the test with. Most of us would not have dared a 100 grain load in that barrel. Their test started low using that same barrel for each level. If the early loads created weak areas in the metal, then the heavier following loads would have shown them. I don't know what the pressure is with a 300 grain load behind 6 patched balls, but I feel very safe shooting 100 grain loads out of barrels that can take that kind of pressure.
Other than a short start situation where the bullet is not on the powder, it is hard to imagine a barrel cutting loose after reading a that test.

 

[Todd Rickard]

Maybe hard to blow a barrel, but I have personaly blown the nipple drum out of an Italian Kentucky rifle back in the '80's. I was using a standard load with too tight of ball/patch combo. Third shot. I still don't hear well in one ear.
Believe me, if you fool around with loads you WILL blow something.
How does the saying go? Play with fire....?

 

[PreglerD]

...get burnt ! Also valid in GE.

I think in most cases the barrel is the last thing to blow up. But there are other things which can't stand much less pressure.