I think there are methods of non-destructive testing available now that never existed in the history of proofing. X-ray, magnetic and flourescent flaw detection, magnetic analysis, and I'm sure others. I don't know how much, if any, of the newer technology is employed by proof houses. Those techniques could physically measure the effects of an overcharge and provide meaningful results as to barrel quality - but are very likely far too costly to incorporate into typical firearms manufacture.

So, we are left with "Hold my beer and watch this!!" or pretty meaningless testing that says a particular barrel withstood a particular charge at least ONCE. Guess that leaves you still scratchin' your head, but I think it leaves the rest of us in the same boat. CVA and the like that use Spanish barrels put a proof stampon their rifles that is even less than useful in my opinion - it suggests their barrels are safe for handling loads far less than their own recommended loads generate. Some say it's a minimum required by Spanish law - well, that was never what proofing was about and should never be what proofing is about. If that is all it signifies, then why not a simple check mark or "passed" stamped on the barrel? A proof stamp on any other rifle would suggest something far more meaningful and an absolute stop sign pressure-wise.

But this reply isn't intended to be about Spanish barrels, just proofing in general. I guess Savage proofs every barrel that goes on a 10ML-II (I don't know that, just read that). The difference in quality between a soft-steel barrel and a quality American made barrel is fairly obvious even to my blurry eyes, proof stamp or no.

So, if it's a store bought barrel you can look for a quality make that has a great reputation - that's about the best you can do for now. As many muzzleloaders are sold nowadays it seems to me some industry standardization in this area would be of benefit to us all - even if it meant a few more dollars at the register. No need to go Ralph Nader, but some standardization in barrel dimensions and pressure testing sure wouldn't hurt my confidence level.