Thanks for the input 500nitro, it's all useful.

I am amazed at how cheap the Merkel's are... at only $A9,009RRP +gst for a 140A "African" in the big cartridges seems very cheap for what you get. Oddly that seems to be cheaper than in the USA. Surely they are built to a price? And you'd have to think Baikal have some standards, I'd hope that they sacrifice quality but retain safety to meet their price point. If I find some facts that suggest otherwise then they'll be off the list.

Of course, by rechambering a Baikal I'd be reducing pressures and thereby increasing safety, if I stick with .45-70 velocities. So that would reduce the risk to my face and hands, not increase it.