RC - which of the Brit guns were experiencing frame cracks or burst barrels? I'm aware of the debate, but not of any actual events behind it. Can you refer me to the Thomas data? Is it in one of his books?

B French - I'd agree that as the chamber pressure approaches the working pressure of the gun design, hull match to chamber length and hull thickness become increasingly important. However, when the pressure is kept significantly lower, then these are not big factors. Anyone remember if Bell tested paper cases?