I like to pre-bore also. Makes a painful slow operation go a little faster. I’m not sure my results are any better but I ain’t a pro. Best one I ever had was a Hart that was reamed with a finisher set up between centers. Shot a couple “oughts” in 100 yard BR. Oh yeah, I didn’t do the work. I question if a good quality barrel is going to be out enough in 2 inches to worry about. The barrel is so important and out of our control. Tony Boyer culls several new ones every year. Same smith, same process, same barrel manufacturer.

Fun stuff though. Those fake wood plaques get expensive