Most of the people that have replied to this post have far more experience then me when new high end rifles are involved. I read there posts and I learn quite a bit. When it comes to old rifles that have seen better days, I have worked on my share. The farmer on the end of the road where I grew up had a 1950s vintage Sako .222 that spent a lot of time outside. When he passed I know how long the line was to get hands on that rifle.
It's bore was nasty, it was a tool for controlling varmints and it was used as such. It was a solid moa rifle, but more importantly it never changed zero. It shot factory 55 gr flat bases very well, and very consistently. I think Remington made a Power-Lokt HP at one time that older rifles liked. +1 on the crown, a rifle left muzzle down in a pick up truck can get a nasty looking crown.
I have reloaded for several Savage 340 222 rifles over the years, bores look less than perfect but they shot great with 55 gr flat bases. In my experience, less than perfect bores like flat bases. Helping people get 1903 Springfields shooting again I have found the same thing.
If you want a 1/2 inch rifle you should probably buy a new barrel and have it bedded. If you want a nice old walking varminter, try some flat bases at less than max velocity. Whatever you do, take it out and have fun with it.