Some will say that barrel break in doesn't matter, but I think it does in my opinion. I followed a similar procedure as you did and I was pleased with the results. I think you got it right when you said, "the barrel getting more consistent". I noticed the same effect with mine.
I went a step further and used some "conditioning" bullets and ran those through my barrel.
I mentioned it here: http://www.700rifle.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=309#p309
You will see some other member tried it with some older rifles and were able to get good results with it.
I went a step further and used some "conditioning" bullets and ran those through my barrel.
I mentioned it here: http://www.700rifle.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=309#p309
You will see some other member tried it with some older rifles and were able to get good results with it.