ORIGINAL: cayugad

I would guess the great majority of the forum members are aware of Randy Wakeman's articles reference unsafe muzzleloaders. To totally dismiss Mr. Wakeman's comments would be wrong. Everyone who shoots a muzzleloader needs to always remember that these rifles are technically dangerous. No matter who manufactured the barrel. A good example was the post just a short time ago, that showed someone who loaded smokeless powder into a T/C Renegade and blew that rifle up. So while we are not going to be loading smokeless powder in the majority of the rifles, we are loading a charge that has potential danger if done wrong.

The proof marks found on the BPI/CVA, New Frontier, Traditions, and some other rifles is the minimum proof testing of a barrel,that is required in Spain where the barrels are made, in order to be shipped out of country. Does that mean the barrel can take more pressure? Well we really do not know do we, as their is no conclusive official tests to indicate these facts. Would you consider the fact that thousands of people shoot these brand rifles with loads the far exceed the proof marks on the barrel as evidence that the rifle barrel can take more pressure? Judge for yourself.

Use common sense when you load your rifle. If the manufacturer says the maximum load is 100 grains, then do not exceed that. If the rifle worries you, then I guess you should sell it and purchase something that does not. There are ways to test these barrels of course, but none that we as general consumers would be able to do, because of limited funds, limited testing facilities, and just limited knowledge by many.