Mudstud, sorry about the slow reply. The rifle in question was likely manufactured in the 90's. Moreover, I am unaware of the improvements you describe. I hope they work. I'm not sure how the gas and metal particles found their way to my brothers face and right eye, but they certainly did. The cause of the accident has never been determined. The ammo was factory stuff. The rifle was put together by a nationally know gun builder who has a fine reputation. The rifle at his request was sent to him for inspection, but he could not come up with a definite cause. The rifle is a 300WM. I'm thinking it was a plugged bore because we were hunting mud and snow, but who knows.
