Chap, just to clarify the bolt release issue. To remove the bolt and service the breech plug via the supplied breech tool one must release the rear action screw far enough to freely slide the bolt out. Obviously this can cause some torque/alignment issues after servicing, some have reported POI shifts not a big deal if on the range but could be a problem in the field.

Solutions:
1) Ez-Tool RV allows you to remove the breech without releasing the bolt or rear action screw. (cost $40.00)
Link:http://www.modernmuzzleloader.com/website/Pocampo/eztool.html

2) Add 3rd pillar/bed (In essence become the rear action screw via the front trigger screw location.The rear action screw will continuebeing your bolt stopbut will no longereffect mating of the action, etc. (cost subject to gunsmith)

3) Torque to the same specs with inch/lb gunsmith driver. (cost$50) BTW I torque mine to 35 "/lbs front and 25 "/lbs rear.

4) Don't worry about it, just make sure to verify and adjust POI prior to hunt. If smokeless powder is the propellant no worry about leaving it till after season. I left mine from end of Sept till Dec without doing anything but normal weather maint. The last day of the 06' Ml season i took my deer in -20's (celsuis) temperatures and hit him right where I expected too.

As far as loads I found IMR 4759SR to be a great propellant for 250 & 300 class bullets in my rifle(actually it seems to be the case in many 10II's). 42-45grs but I settled on 43.5gr IMR4759, 209W primer &250gr SST with MMP HPH24 sabot, it would shoot sub MOA all day long. I also had 1" groups using same components and VVN110 powder 43-45grs, my best was 43gr where it would consistently print 1" area. 58-60gr of VVN120 showed promise with 300 grain bullets. RL7 was accurate, fastbut dirty, pours poor and recoil is pretty healthy at 70ish gr under 250gr bullet. I plan to play more with 300 class bullets this year and as result will be working with H4198 as well. My hopes is to find a similar shooting load around 2300fps thatI can use for elk rifle season this fall if I don't get during archery.

Here is a link to a goodsource of savage info, check it out
http://dougva.proboards34.com/index.cgi

Hope it helps, enjoy!!!