Got to remember the time frame in which Gramps is speaking of there were several .44 loads to include the Russian, S & W Special, Schofield, etc. these were black powder loads, originally, and were very weak loads, as BP and smokeless were, also. Who knows , now, what the ammo type was when the incident happened. The Ruger was a very strong and well made carbine. Most, not all chambered revolvers were of the BP era and not strong and the factory loads were well under operating pressures for the weakest of the guns still in use.
It would, in my opinion, take a fool to call someone a liar or an embellisher of the truth when one does not know the facts leave alone not there to witness the event. Where is the respect? Come on , we are better men not to do that.
Regards