Why is it dangerous to use modern smokeless powder in an antique firearm with a Damascus barrel?

Using modern smokeless powder in an antique firearm with a Damascus barrel poses a danger primarily because these barrels were not designed to withstand the higher pressures generated by smokeless powders. Antique firearms, particularly those with Damascus barrels, were typically designed for black powder, which operates at significantly lower pressures than smokeless powder.

The unique construction of Damascus barrels, which involves twisting strips of steel, creates a barrel that may appear strong but can actually be quite brittle and susceptible to failure under high pressure. When modern smokeless powder is used, it can produce pressures that exceed the safe operating limits of these vintage firearms, leading to catastrophic failure, which might cause the barrel to bulge or even burst. This risk highlights the importance of matching ammunition to the specifications of the firearm to ensure safety while shooting.