Had a great conversation with Tom Rowe who is about to publish his two volume set of books on Pope. Turns out this is barrel 622, made as a 30-06 for a Mauser. He had a record of 621 and 623 which were also 30-06's for Mausers, but 622 was missing - now found. How cool is that.
I asked him about the barrel steel used at that time and he said "Soft". What do others have in the way of input on shooting their Pope barrels? Do you use jacketed bullets in your 03's? Do you avoid shooting them at all? Do you shoot them frequently?
Thanks for everyone's help.
I would only ask you Ryan one question, do you want to preserve it? If the answer is yes then shoot light loads with lead bullets. Why test fate? No matter what jacketed will wear it more and once worn it is worn. No going back! You get to chose. I know how I would choose. I have lots of other things to shoot.
