The Double Gun Journal, several years ago ran an article where a guy bought up a truck load of damascus and twist barrel “wall hangers” (not top quality guns) and fired them (from a distance) using modern SAAMI proof loads (18,000 psi) and none blew up. Stocks cracked, forends popped off, and the actions opened, but no blowups.
Damascus barrels on high grade guns were available into the 20’s as an option, proofed for smokeless.
Still, as corrosion can weaken the barrels structure from the inside out, it’s best to avoid firing them.
In the late 90’s I came a hair away from buying a .50 Barrett with 1000 rounds of ammo on layaway for $3000 at a pawn shop. Been kicking myself for years for not doing it then.