Thanks. I am definitely a sponge for learning. The 60 rounds was a total. 39 rounds yesterday (1 round would not chamber well and after two attempts I decided it wasn't worth the risk, so I put it in the misfire bucket). 20 rounds several weeks ago on my first sight-in attempt when I had a Simmons 8-point scope mounted (nothing wrong with that scope I just needed to blame my erratic pattern on something in order to justify getting a new scope).
But in terms of overheating the barrel, it did get warm yesterday with the 39 rounds in 90 min at the indoor 100 yr range (Poway). I haven't cleaned the Savage Axis yet. I'm prepared to do that but I'd like to keep things exactly as they are until after deer season (1 or 2 more rounds at most). Then I'll clean it and have it ready for next year's preparations.
I do think that I'm ready this year. A lot different from my Benelli Nova with slugs last year (but I do wish they would allow shotguns with slugs for muzzle loader season - different topic).