I am firmly convinced that most of the guns I have seen with cracks in the wood in the head of the stock and just beyond were damaged by heavy loads in short chambers. Most were 16 ga. Some that were drillings were 9x72 as measured, but 9.3x72 as labeled for some reason, and then cracks were certain over time. I don't worry about exploding an action, but do about the woodwork, and the action going loose due to higher pressures. I suspect the higher pressures set up a different vibration pattern, barrel whip and the whole nine yards. Have I shot them that way--I've done every bad practice you can imagine back in the day, but I either didn't know any better, or listened to bad advice. Would I abuse a gun knowing, now? No possible way! Just my 2 cents. Steve
