Take it all with a grain of salt. The graph Drew posted is from the 1890's as is the wall thickness diagram that I posted. The DuPont info is from the 1930's. They were using lead crushers!
I have great respect for Bell's work. I am also aware his sample size is very small.
Modern barrel designers know the pressures at various points and choose the appropriate steels.
As Quail Hunter 101 points out, there are differences in the max pressures and the steels used over time. Chroming a barrel not will increase the pressures it will handle.
In the end, we are dealing with 100+ year old guns and trying to make informed decisions. Decisions regarding safety for the gun and ourselves. I regularly shoot damascus barrels, others refuse. Learn as much as you can and then make an informed decision.
Pete
