Hi Dan, The Hern barrel is cast around a proper steel liner with a welded plug. There is 2.25" of barrel on each side of the bore. They do not have a powder chamber and function well without one. I have talked with them extensively regarding the powder chamber issue (or non issue) in their mortars and howitzers- they feel that they cannot do this due to cost constraints. Having used mine extensively with zinc, lead, and can projectiles I'll have to say it doesn't seem necessary in these reduced bore sizes.