First of all, welcome to the forum. I believe you will find a wealth of information here that can be used to your benefit. Thanks for giving us a try.
I think we need to know a little more about you and what you will really use this rifle for if we are to provide you with any kind of educated opinions. (I can give you my ignorant opinion, but it probably won't really help you in the long run.)
Here are some thoughts to consider:
Pausing (a full minute or two or three) between shots can keep the barrel cool. It can also be boring (which is why sometimes I bring along a .22 to shoot at the range while i am waiting between shots.)
If you are shooting more formal competitions, pausing between shots may not be possible because you have a time limit to get off a certain number of shots for record.
It takes longer for a heavy barrel to heat up because there is more metal to "absorb" the heat. So a heavy barrel is better with respect to heat.
However, a heavy barrel may not be ideal for some types of hunting because it can be a lot to lug around depending on where and how you hunt.
Here's a link to a barrel weight calculator. I've never used it, but it may come in handy.
Compared to some non-magnum chamberings, magnums tend to burn more powder and generate more heat. Do you "need" the magnum for what you do? (Only you can decide the answer to that question, although there are many who will chime in with very strong opinions one way or another.)
There are some other non-magnum chamberings that are very good long distance accuracy rounds. Some are good for hunting as well, but again it depends on what distance you are target shooting and the distances/types of animals you will be hunting. Converting to and from magnum calibers to non-magnum calibers is usually not too difficult with a Savage rifle.
So, if you are willing, please provide us some additional details on what your goals/projected uses really are, and you will have forum members lining up to give you their respective opinions on everything.
Bookmarks