First off, I think the reputation it has as a barrel burner is alittle overated. We have one that I know gets about 100 rounds through it a year, for the last 8 years and still shoot 1" groups. I would say it's no harder on barrels then the 7mm Rem mag., as their velocitys are equal with the same weight bullets. Both can run a 120 gr. bullet at 3400 fps and both can run 160's at 3000!
Like fizzellr touched on, factory loads (and rifles) are slim pickings and you really need to handload to get the most out of it. Bullets range from some in the 80's and go up to 165 gr. I could see someone burning up a barrel if they were shooting alot of the lighter loads that really scream out of this thing. Just stick with the 120's-165's and you will be fine. In my eye's it is more versitle and shoots flatter than the 270, can do anything the 7mm Rem Mag. can do on deer, elk, and moose, and is a great gun for just about anything (not great bears) in North America.

I just have to say I really do like the 270, it's a great round. So be nice you 270 fans!