Will be buying in near future, next couple months. Have some questions that hopefully will help me decide.
I will only be shooting at paper or steel targets, no hunting. My local range has 100, 300, and soon will have 500 meter targets. Honestly I don't see myself ever shooting any farther than that.

1 Is a heavy barrel more accurate, or better than standard?
2 Is there a best caliber for what I am wanting to do. THIS ONE WILL GET MANY DIFFERENT OPINIONS.
3 I will be hand loading.
4 Does Savage have a package that will do what I want, or would I need to purchase scope rings separate?

This rifle will be mostly for fun, and a sometimes match at local range.
Thanks in advance for your help.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!