I hope everyone understands that I'm just seeking data. Well, and maybe trying to stimulate some activity on the forum! The TMA has great potential and yet seems to have difficulty generating activity on its most visible part, this forum. I note that the TMA Raffle seems to be in trouble this year. I don't know why, but it is and that's a bad sign.
Back to the subject at hand. Just like any pursuit, muzzleloading has its "truths" that "everybody knows" but for which there is little if any hard data. I enjoy challenging those sacred cows. If YOU didn't have it happen to YOU or if YOU didn't directly observe the event AND the elements contributing to it, then it's not hard data. It is, at best, a second-hand story. I mean no offense to anyone but that's the truth. A few decades ago a gent named Sam Fadala tried to blow up a muzzleloader barrel and published his findings. He had to really get extreme to accomplish his goal. If I remember correctly, blowing up a muzzleloader required multiple balls separated from the charge AND the use of smokeless powder. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I'm curious to learn if there's anyone with real evidence to the contrary.
Storm