500nitro-

I know that the woodleigh "solids" (steel jacketed bullets) are tapered. I've seen sectioned samples of them next to sectioned samples of cordite era (original Kynoch) steel jacketed "solid" bullets with the similar tapered shape. The Woodleigh jackets are thicker.
Might not be a big deal, I've heard what seem to be countless accounts of those bullets working fine in old brit guns.
When something goes freakin haywire like what seems to have happened here, it's good to account for everything, even the sacred woodliegh steel jackets.

That Hornady bullet is not .458 for it's full length eigher, for what it's worth. Just like it's Woodleigh associate, the full diameter starts at the cannelure groove.

And--
I appreciate your advice on the use of the Woodleighs on dangerous game. When/if I get out and hunt such game I'll want my solid projectile ammo to be reliable and consistent.
Thanks for those notes.

So, what do you think happened to this scrapped double rifle?
Do you think it was ammo?
Do you think it was the barrel steel?
Do you suspect that the new owner shot the thing with oily chambers and overcharged loads?
T'hell with how great the Woodleighs are, how do you think this rifle got it's pooch screwed?

--Tinker