I think the point is that you can't compare stick rods to wire. Each process, wire and rod has it's own unique characteristics. If you have different processes available, the job requirements dictate which process is best. GMAW, short circuit or spray, is not comparable to 7018. Different penetration characteristics, deposition rates, skills, etc. I'm not saying it not good, I'm saying its different, and it's a mistake to compare the two. Same with FCAW, either self or gas shielded. There aren't any welding rods that come close to the deposition rates of FCAW-G. FCAW-S is run on DC-. The polarity changes the penetration characteristics. Maybe, in some welding situations, you could compare it to 6013 on DC-, but not really and certainly not 6010. Just cause you buy a wire feed doesn't mean you should throw your stick rod machine away, all it does is give you more options. There are occasions where oxy-act welding or brazing still provide the best results. All the different processes are like tools. Choose the best one for the job your doing. Back to the question. Ed is filling holes in gun barrels and wants less build up. The job requires instant fusion with low deposit rates. Sounds more like stick than wire. Of course you could make wire feed work work. If he had a million of them to do, it might pay to rig up for GMAW spray, but it probably isn't worth the expense or trouble of switching gases. If he didn't have any stick experience, FCAW-S is easy, and running hot would get the job done, but you still get the cold starts and the wire is expensive. Ed's got the stick machine, is familiar with it, and it has the potential to provide the best results.