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**Mike Irwin** · May 30, 2011, 09:27 PM

The big problem with blackpowder frame S&W guns and modern smokeless ammo isn't a catastrophic failure of the gun.

It's the fact that smokeless powder can stretch the ductile iron that was used in the frames of a lot of the black powder era guns.

Smokeless powder has a significantly different pressure curve, one that's just not compatible with the ductile iron frames.

May 30, 2011, 09:27 PM	#9
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	The big problem with blackpowder frame S&W guns and modern smokeless ammo isn't a catastrophic failure of the gun. It's the fact that smokeless powder can stretch the ductile iron that was used in the frames of a lot of the black powder era guns. Smokeless powder has a significantly different pressure curve, one that's just not compatible with the ductile iron frames. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.