500Nitro,

I certainly prefer a Woodleigh solid to a Hornady, and to the old style Kynoch, etc, which is why I use them. The reason that this is so in relation to original steel jacketed solids is of course due to the thicker steel insert (or liner or cup, or jacket, take your pick of terminology), as you are well aware. Yes, I am aware of the reduced bearing surface length, and taper before the radius of the ogive starts. Certainly this reduces pressure, all else being equal. This is the reason that I prefer the Woodleigh to the old steel jacketed Hornadyor the new homogenous jacket Hornady. This is all stating the obvious, and is Double Rifle 101 to serious collectors such as yourself. I know you have worked with more doubles than I ever will, and I respect your opinion.

My theoretical example involves a tight bore of normal groove diameter, and is not likely to be a problem even so. HOWEVER, the POSSIBILITY exists that even the old style, mild steel, thin jacketed solids increase stress on the rifling compared to softs. Certainly, the thicker the barrel, assuming good quality steel, the lower the PROBABILITY this will ever be a problem, but with old barrel steel of dubious origin how can you ever be 100% certain. Remember, this is just an exercise in possibilities, not probabilities

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There is no need to convince me of the good attributes of the Woodleigh, I'm already a member of the choir

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Jim