There are two basic types of "proof." "Provisional" proof that applies generally to barrels in the early stages of manufacture to prevent the maker from continuing work on defective tubes.
Definitive proof applies to all arms and is effected "in the white" or in the finished state.Inspection of many Traditions and CVA guns will clearly show the Eibar definitive black powder proof mark as shown by #2 above. Likely you will also see #9, the ammunition inspection proof mark as well. This will be followed by a pressure stamped on the barrel-- typically 700KP/CM2. That pressure is expressed in "kiloponds / cm2." The equivalent in PSI is approx. 9957 PSI.
It is well-documented that 150 grain Pyrodex pellet loads pushing 250 to 300 grain saboted projectiles can exceed 2.5 X that pressure, often upwards of 25,000 - 27,000 PSI. These are common loads, not "unusual" loads.
There is no evidence to show that these barrels are tested stateside in any way, and there is evidence to show that they are
not as in imported muzzleloaders coming here a day or so after clearing customs.
If there is further testing beyond what is clearly stamped on the barrels, it is unknown - - - and not reflected on the original substandard proof embossed on those barrels, nor is there any supplementary proof to indicate that this is being done.
The simple question, posed again and again, is have those guns been proofed or tested to 20,000 PSI, 25,000 PSI, 30,000 PSI? If so, who is doing the testing, and what guns are being tested? Why are there no marks to indicate a "tested" barrel from an untested one? What specific loads ARE they tested with? Are they tested with pellets at all? What metal IS used in these soft, extruded barrels? How do I know that MY gun has been tested beyond the internationally respected house of Eibar stamp?
WHAT reasonable assurances can be provided to a customer so he knows HIS individual gun has been tested?
Somehow, a terse phone call from a manufacturer that says these proofs are "not really proof marks" or "just a manufacturing mark" or "minimum pressures" or "it is ALL hogwash-- just follow the manual" seems ill-prepared, clumsy, and insufficient. Traditions and CVA / BPI have been aware of these questions for some time. They have been unable to answer or fully address them. (Unless you think that Traditions calling me "anti Second Amendment" or CVA starting a "Randy, you are out of your mind" thread on their forum should be construed as an answer to these questions.)
I don't know what testing there is, with what, by who, and why the Eibar Proof marks remain far, far too low. If anybody has an answer, I'm here to learn.
The public response from Traditions and CVA / BPI has been non-existent. If they can address these issues fully, and put the matter to rest, why haven't they?
The educated consumer can decide for themselves what chances they MAY OR MAY NOT be taking. As to if they are tested or safe with "their loads," I cannot possibly say either way. I WISH I could say that I believe these guns to be well-tested and proven safe. The best I can offer remains "I don't know." 
