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I don't recall the article, don't follow the magnums very closely, but just how did they say the flutes helped accuracy?
Fluting reduces weight: I saw a really radical set of flutes that took off 14 ounces. Most commercial flutes are maybe 4 ounces.
Fluting adds heat transfer: Theoretically yes, but if you are shooting a good quality rifle fast enough for it to matter like a Hotchkiss' or early Thompson's fins, you are shooting way to fast.
Fluting stiffens the barrel: No. A fluted barrel is stiffer than a straight barrel of the same weight, but is not as stiff as a straight barrel of the same diameter. You cannot increase stiffness by removing steel.
A mass produced barrel, especially if made by hammer forging, has internal stresses that I would be concerned about fluting releasing unevenly, IF deep enough to have real effect on weight or surface area. Most flutes I have seen were pretty small, mostly cosmetic.
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