Bonney, et. al.- I mentioned using modern 2-3/4" Fiocchi loads in my damascus gun. As per Sherman Bell (double Gun Journal series on "Finding out for myself"), I have long forcing cones in my Francotte. That, according to Bell, who has pressure tested various nitro loads, is a recommended practice for shooting 2-3/4" shells in damascus. The Bell series of articles began in about 1999 and had at least eight editions. Required reading for old gun users.

Bell did a destructive test comparing steel to damascus barrels in I believe, Parker guns of similar vintage and good condition. The damascus gun blew it's first barrel with a load of about 29,000 PSI. For what it is worth.