I have started F Class with my out-of-the-box model 12 vlp, (1 in 9 twist) shooting 69 grain Sierra TMK's out of Lapua brass with H 322 powder. The gun has close to 2500 rounds through it, and I am scoring in the low to mid 190's (6-8 X) out of 200 in my matches at 300 yards. Many competitors replace their barrels at lower shot counts and I was thinking along those lines. However, Savage says their barrels are good to 5000 rounds. So---should I go for a 1 in 7 twist and use heavier bullets? This seems to be the path other .223 shooters have taken. I figure I would like to shoot 197 consistently, but am not up to shelling out for a totally new rifle. Any suggestions appreciated.