From experience and reading some what, it seems much of extending barrel life revolves around lowering working pressures and barrel temp. Keeping your barrel cool/er during range sessions, no doubt, has a positive effect on extending your barrel life. When George Gardner, GAP rifles, won last years Snipers Hide cup with his 6.5 SAUM, he had, IIRC, somewhat over 4 or 5k rounds down his barrel. His 6.5 SAUM load just doesn't need that much pressure to achieve the velocity he seeks.
Alan
Alan, he told me he didn't know what pressure he was running the 6.5 SAUM, if I was betting I would say a lot closer to 63K than 53K.
