Yes, for several reasons.
1. Ammo is difficult to obtain (577-.450 Martini, 6mm pinfire)
2. Gun is awaiting restoration, or missing parts
3. Old gun which does not handle ruptured cases well. Gas from a ruptured case would be directed back to shooter's face, and since I have more than one 8mm, why shoot one that is less safe? (GEW 88)
4. Gun which has been modified until it is borderline unsafe (8mm Carcano conversion.)
In cases 3 & 4, I am aware that many people shoot these weapons regularly. I have other guns to shoot, so I choose not to shoot these. I don't believe that either of examples listed would blow-up on me. However, as a mechanical engineer, I prefer to fire weapons which have a larger safety factor.
I will probably eventually shoot these rifles with nice sedate cast bullet hand loads. At the moment I am too busy to work up appropriate loads.
1. Ammo is difficult to obtain (577-.450 Martini, 6mm pinfire)
2. Gun is awaiting restoration, or missing parts
3. Old gun which does not handle ruptured cases well. Gas from a ruptured case would be directed back to shooter's face, and since I have more than one 8mm, why shoot one that is less safe? (GEW 88)
4. Gun which has been modified until it is borderline unsafe (8mm Carcano conversion.)
In cases 3 & 4, I am aware that many people shoot these weapons regularly. I have other guns to shoot, so I choose not to shoot these. I don't believe that either of examples listed would blow-up on me. However, as a mechanical engineer, I prefer to fire weapons which have a larger safety factor.
I will probably eventually shoot these rifles with nice sedate cast bullet hand loads. At the moment I am too busy to work up appropriate loads.