how is it possible to overload sidelocks? barrel is 1/2 in thick! I reload for rifles and shotguns and steel much thinner. not sure about the differences in metalurgy and steel hardness etc but ya should be able to shoot a stick of dynamite in M/L - black powder vs smokeless (has much more pressure)! only limiting factor i can think of is nipple.
cant barrel take pressure of 200- 300 gr BP if ya wanted to?

1/2" thick barrel? Total thickness maybe but not 1/2" walls. 200-300 grains powder? Sounds like you have a death wish Stick to what your manual recommends as a maximum charge. a stick of dynomite is equal to 2lbs of blackpowder. Dont think that barrel could fit 2lbs of blackpowder in it

One reason you don't want to talk while loading.You either forget to put powder in or double Load.I've done both.Double Loading is the one thing I don't like.
If one blows it will be at the weakest place,Bolster or Nipple.Not good considering how close to the eyes or Hands these are.

I had a New Shotgun Blow up on me after 5 Shots,didn't like it then,don't care to have it happen again.

big rockpile

Well, the answer should be pretty simple but here goes...

Overloading could cause (in order of importance):
[ol][*]Death to you or someone else as a result of catastrophic component failure.[*]Injury to you or someone nearby as a result of catastrophic component failure.[*]Catastrophic component failure not resulting in injury.[*]Premature component fatigue, which could result in 1, 2 or 3.[/ol]
Most muzzleloading weapons (with exception to the Savage 10ML)are not proof tested to recognized US SAMMI standards as in the case of centerfire smokeless powder weapons. So you really don't know what they will do if overloaded beyond that which the manufacturer will stand behind. Or, if you elect to load smokeless powder.


The American Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (commonly abbreviated as SAAMI) is an association of American firearms and ammunition manufacturers. SAAMI publishes various industry standards related to the field, including fire code, ammunition and chamber specifications, and acceptable chamber pressure.


Lots of stories about the end result of overloading muzzleloading weapons. Most all of which end tragically.

Tahquamenon

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF MUZZLELOADING
1. Muzzleloading firearms are not toys. Treat them with the same respect due any firearm.
2. Use only BLACK POWDER or Pyrodex or equivelant, of the proper granulations, in your muzzleloading firearms. Such guns are not designed to withstand the higher pressures developed by modern smokeless powders.
3. NEVER fire a muzzleloader unless the ball or shot charge is firmly seated against the powder charge. An air apace between powder and projectile will cause the barrel to be ringed or bulged, thus ruined for accurate shooting, and in some cases may cause the barrel to rupture, with possible injury to the shooter and bystanders.
4. Do not exceed manufacturer's recommended maximum loads or attempt to load multiple projectile loads. When in doubt, secure information concerning proper loads from an authoritative source.
5. When loading your muzzleloading firearm, do not expose your body to the muzzle. Grasp the ramrod only a short distance above where it protrudes from the barrel, pushing it down in short strokes, rather than grasping it near the outer end, where, in the event the rod breaks, serious injury can happen to the shooter's armcoming into contact with the splintered end of the broken rod.
6. Always make sure that your downrange area is a safe impact area for your projectiles. Round balls may carry as far as 800 yards and elongated projectiles well beyond this distance.
7. NEVER smoke while loading, shooting or handling black powder.
8. NEVER drink alcoholic beverages while loading, shooting or handling black powder.
9. Do not load directly from powder horn or flask. Use a separate measure. A lingering spark in the barrel can ignite the incoming charge, causing the horn or flask to explode in your hand.
10. The halfcocked notch is not the safety notch on a muzzleloader.

The nature of a muzzleloading firearm requires that YOU, the shooter, exercise caution and skill in the care, loading, and use of such a firearm. Make certain that you are informed as to the proper steps in such care and use.

First of the differance between high carbon alloy steel and the stuff they use in muzzle loader barrels [which grades between a forging and mild low carbon is tremendous.
Second the breach plug is only held in by threads which will shear under the right amount of stress. It is call a form of polish cannon.
Third the threads on the nipple are down right tiny, anipple in the eye at 1500fps will not make your day. Lee

I guess i didnt pose quest correctly. I wonder why super thick barrel not capable of handling LOTS moreBP than 110 gr+ vs thin barrel of conventional shotgun and more potent smokeless powder. is limiting factor nipple? should be able to pour a pound of BP down bore and shoot a mi- I'm exagerating

Well actually as far as efficent shooting goes theres other things that enter into it to like the amount of powder you can burn before you completely lose accuracy. the speed of twist in relation to the length of bullet [look up Greenhil formula] and blowing the patch or sabot and barrel harmonics.
I have been present when one of these people who wont listen blew a nipple on the range and believe me it was not pleasent, I was also present when a new guy split the barrel on a CVA [I think that has prejudice me ] so take us serious when we try to keep you from being another statistic. Lee

Hey Lee, was there an apparant cause??

I usually keep my Loads well below Max.My Inline they say will handle 3/50gr. Pellets,but I only use 90gr. loose Pyrodex.

I have one Shotgun they say 110gr. Max loose Pyrodex I load it with 90gr. for Turkeys.

big rockpile