Hi, I did not notice a significant velocity loss with the CEBs when compared to the Woodleigh softs. In fact, I use the same amount of powder, 100grains for both. With the Hornadys I have to drop to 98gr however, but my rifle definitively likes the DGXs best. I had another range session today with the CEBs and with that 100gr load, 2" groups@50 is about as good as I can get them and that is plenty good for me. More importantly, that first shot out of the right barrel is dead on. As far as barrel strain, I'm just not going to worry about it and carry on with DGXs, Woodleigh softs and CEB solids. Working on a 2013 hunt to the Selous that I hope to book at the next DSC convention. jorge