A quick update. I've just come away from a small experimental session with a fine steel pick, lubricated with a coating of common 3-in-one oil. The result? The rust is, it turns out, much softer than the steel (not surprisingly), meaning it can be picked out - it will take an awfully long time to do the entire barrel, but it can be done. The picture illustrates the difference; the circled area has clearly enjoyed a sort of topographical reversal, with the rust (formerly proud of the barrel's surface) now diminished sufficiently to be at least level with the walls of the pits it has made in the metal.
The second thing that I've determined is that this will take, almost literally, forever. But, if I'm careful, I should be able to avoid damaging sound metal. I think this might be the (extremely slow, painfully laborious) way forward, coupled perhaps with gentle use of 0000 steel wool and yet more lubrication. (Yes, I take the blame for rising fuel prices.)
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