Is it worth the cost of a barrel for this test? Lapua is the best brass available hands down. The test will determine what brass matches your chamber and dies. If you happen to use brand x dies and brand x dies and a reamer that happens to match them you will get the best results. The best case life will be greatly determined by the relationship between brass, die and reamer not necessarly what name is on them. I think there are too many variables to have a valid test....... not to discourage testing but I think you are using too many variables at one time to get consistant results! I go with..... select brass, get reamer to fit brass, neck size and anneal often with the big mags..... just my .00001 cent.