David, for the money, the Savage is about as good as they come and you also did well with the choice of caliber. The 308 offers low recoil, great accuracy and truckload of factory and handloads. I don't shoot the Savage, but I have that caliber in two Encore barrels(pistol and rifle) and have taken a deer at over 200yds with the pistol. As for getting the best accuracy out of your rifle, you need to do some research. All rifles have their own "personalities" and will shoot some ammo/loads better than others. So, if you don't handload, go out and buy several different loads and see which one gives you the best results. Good shooting and congrats on your new toy.