I've been in contact with the gun's owner and, with his permission, hope to post more definitive information next week. The point is not to criticize anyone, but to learn what happen so similar events can be avoided.
The critical information we need:
1. Exact chamber length
2. Exact chamber dimensions (for evidence of previous honing). The entrance to the chambers of c. 1900 12g U.S. doubles is usually .809” -.812”, tapering to .795” - .798”.
3. Exact bore dimensions (for evidence of previous honing)
4. Minimal wall thickness at the end of the chamber
5. Minimal wall thickness at the forcing cone
6. Minimal wall thickness around the burst edges
7. Does the burst barrel appear to have a “ring bulge”?
8. Was the load confirmed to be factory? Which Remington Nitro load? If not, what was the reload recipe and the expertise of the reloader?
9. Is there visual evidence of over-pressure on the remains of the shell? Extractor imprint on the brass? Cratered primer?
10. Did the shooter notice anything abnormal the
previous shot through the burst barrel? Sound? Recoil?
