Re: blasting smallish tunnels in hard rock

I had <okay - self-sensoring here> - a go - with a smoothbore
reproduction flintlock pistol.
Some kick - best 20 grains you ever got - and when the pall of smoke
cleared couldn't believe how close to the bullseye the shot had landed.
Oh yes - missed out staring through a purple haze of the pan flaring for
what seemed enough time to real Tolstoy's "War and Peace" before that
enormous bang and recoil.
In Britain you have to understand that this can only be licenced if it's
an absolutely serious sport and dedication.
No implication of fun and levity is implied or intended.