I've had a few barrels which have lasted for years, were hard to ream according to my gunsmith and have lasted for 1000s of rounds, but I end up never using them in big comps, the "hard" barrels often seem more finicky. I would rather a "soft" barrel which is nice and constant for 1000 rounds before a rechamber, than a barrel which is just not quite right for 3000 rounds. But then again, my last few Bartlein 7mm short mags have been going well in big comps for longer than most people recommend so no issues with barrel life there. I wonder if there is a direct correlation between barrel life and "hardness"?My Krieger is hard , Bartlein softer to machine, Krieger says ( solvent wont hurt them ) both shot well but I prefer
Krieger