Wolfhound, I know you weren't advocating them and for the record, neither am I. I suspect that all of the max loads are extremely dangerous, in all the rifles,whenimproperly loadedas I described.

Yoeman, if that ramrod had space between it and the bullet, it may have made a difference in the outcome of that mistake. The physics are that the very heavy ramrod is capable of bringing the projectile momentarily to a stop. Which is why I suggested double balling with space between the projectiles (makes the mistake of double balling a much, much bigger mistake). They may, as you said, all survive, but I figure this kind a error stands about the best chance of bursting a barrel.

One other thing I've been considering. As a barrel expands in with elastic deformation, it allows breech gas to spill around (i suspect anyway to some degree) the PRB or all lead projectile. Add a plastic skirt (like a Powerbelt) or use a sabot, and it may allow more pressure to build as the plastic can easily expand with the barrel as the pressure increases.