Another possibility since the tire blew around the valve is that after you inflated it you either pulled the valve up or to one side, OR you tightened the big nut that snugs the valve to the rim too tight. Any of these things will pull the valve where it meets the rubber of the tube and pull it against the sharp edge of the rim hole. Be gentle with valves- don't tilt them or pull at them with the pump head and don't over tighten that bolt that holds the valve to the rim.

I'm another one who always inflates to about 10 pounds LESS than the maximum stated on the tire. I think it gives me a smoother ride and less stress on the tubes.