Rodger,
I had luck here in Lancaster, PA in the winter, with a bucket of hot to warm water
I hung the barrel above the water and build a tee pee out of old sheets around the bucket and barrel, carefull not to touch the sheet to the barrel. It took a few days but it turned out nice.
Be sure to use baking soda solution to neutralize the LMF browning when your finished.
I warm my barrel when finished and run bees wax over it, then buff it out with a soft rag.
Gives it a nice finish and protects it from future rain etc.
Good luck
Jeff