Not the first time I've seen this very error from this exact same Lyman handbook edition cause a catastrophe with a 32-40, and there are other errors in other Lyman editions. I remember loading my S&W 44 Special back in the '60s with 19.0/2400/429244 and then being concerned that the considerable recoil cracked the grips!
The mechanism of the blowup can easily be traced: the pressure first expanded & then cracked the barrel in the 6:00 area and then went on to expand & crack the ring & blow the barrel out the front. The extreme pressure of the overload combined with the soft & weak 19th-century barrel steel was too much for the old rifle. This is the first time I've seen or even heard of this sort of high wall breakage, even with an older weaker barrel.
Thanks for showing the spinal rigidity and testicular mass to tell such an enlightening albeit awkward & just plain sad story!
Regards, Joe
