The DGJ articles are an ongoing series written by Sherman Bell. Very good reading.

Would be appropriate to note that some damascus barrels were originally proofed for nitro loads but also that the majority, from GB anyway, were also 2.5" chambers. There are 2.5" low pressure shells on the market which may be suitable in a good quality well inspected damascus gun.
As noted above, a classic damascus double can make a sweet dove or quail gun or even a close range upland gun with these shells but would likely not be the all around waterfoul gun that modern shooters often expect their 12 ga magnums to be.