I'm not questioning the high level of performance or the high pressures in the barrel. My question is just how important is action strength in a modern muzzleloader (from a safety standpoint)?
My concern is safety. What level of action strength is needed? One datum might the the condition of fired 209 primers. Are the primers being flattened like you would see in a cartridge gun? Do the primers flatten progressively as the propellent charges and/or bullet weights are increased? Maybe we need regulations that require high pressure muzzleloaders to be built on regulated actions?
I for sure don't know the answers to the above, but appreciate any insight you might have.
Thx, Roger D.
Reading 209 primers means little in most muzzleloaders, as they are not used as designed-- which is in a case, surrounded by metal or brass. As the primer is not contained, it cannot give a pressure indication as in cartridges. 209 shotshell primers vary in size, and are only affected by their own, unsupported discharge-- and whateve comes back through the breechplug orifice of .030" - .043". That orifice erodes as well over time, even with black powder, so the lack of standards rears its ugly head again.
Muzzleloading needs standards, badly. It does not seem likely to happen soon. Many muzzleloading companies have no testing facilities, and are nothing more than importers. As Triple 7 data and the latest sabot pressure data is not available to the consumer, you are often left to whatever the manufacturer guesses. Reasonable testing is the only way to assure a quality product.
Savage, Knight, Thompson, White Rifles have all been tested to withstand over 2X the pressure of any recommended or allowed load. Austin & Halleck deserves special mention for their own testing, and independent testing by Browning's ballistic labs.
For most of the rest-- it is a just a guess. :eek:
