Is a stagger-feed or center-feed preferable or is either going to work well?

Anybody got any info on various barrel lengths? I'd like a 19 or 20 inch barrel but I don't want to loss a lot of velocity or get a big increase in muzzle blast.

What's a good total weight to shoot for? I've shot a Ruger #1 .375 H&H a little and think I'd like a little less recoil. Is an extra pound or two going to cut recoil enough to tell?

Will Leupold standard rings and bases hold up well on a .375?