Stick,
I am thinking The Fire needs a "Comedy" topic for you to rant on. You missed your calling. You crack me up! By any chance do you have the complete collection of all of the Moe, Larry, and Curley episodes of the Three Stooges? Just asking.
Also, what other topics are you as learned on as you are rifles, ammo, rifle components, optics, shooting technique, ballistics, hunting, bullet performance , etc.
Have you ever given any consideration to opening up a counciling business. With your "never at a loss for words" attribute you would be an instant success.
BTW a good way to "have to" replace a barrel (if a guy doesn't like it and just wants a good excuse to get rid of it) is to find a load about 2 grains over what's in anyone's manual and spend at afternoon at the range with said barrel and never let it get too cooled off. You can tell when this procedure is successful when you clean it and the bore brush feels like it's running over a bead blasted area about 4" in front of the chamber.
Screw her off and get another one.
Dave
Oh and I cannot wait for your response
