Turning a barrel down after it's already been bored allows some internal expansion towards the muzzle end where the steel is thinnest unless it's been stress relieved. So I've been told.
By who???
Someone that has never turned several barrels down from a blank?
I've turned/machined so many from a blank I lost count. Never EVER a problem with accuracy. Had to do the first barreling project at gunsmithing school in Trinidad back in '89 from a blank. The only student that had problems with the barrel getting squirrely was using a Shaw barrel. It kept warping. Teacher spent several episodes out back beating it against a tree to straighten it. When it was finally done, it was still a reasonably accurate hunting rifle. I would guess that Shaw has changed it's procedures since way back then.
Had a Bauska barrel in the shop some years back and the muzzle was larger than breech by .001". It was pre turned from the factory. My guess is that was buttoned AFTER turning. Sent it back to the client without working on it.
Back in school we got a photo copied article concerning internal stress in barrels. Wish I could find it. They recommended to never turn down a hammer forged barrel as the stresses could cause it to expand at the muzzle. The profile is beat into shape and there is very little removed in the finishing/polishing process.
How does everyone think barrels arrive at their finished profile? Acid covered trained termites?
If you want a relatively stress free barrel then buy a cut rifled barrel.
Don't understand why there are "gunsmiths" that get the vapors considering turning a barrel from a blank. Clients should however understand that it is MUCH more economical to have the barrel manufacturer profile it than the local smith. Kind of like a "stockmaker" that can't stock a rifle from a blank. Cheaper to buy a drop in and spend a little time with some glass and sandpaper then make something out of nothing.