If you hunt in the cold I would avoid small rifle primed brass, if it's in the 40s or hotter it should be fine. Peterson brass is very good, probably about as good as lapua. The sst will work fine but they do damage meat more then regular cup and core bullets. See what your gun shoots good and stick to that. If you never had a light rifle you need to shoot it a bit different from the bench, I'd recommend a softer rest and you need to hold tight into your shoulder, until you get used to a light gun don't be upset if your not getting the best group. The post 2017 kimbers all seem to shoot really good after they got there barrels straightened out, think they started using McGowan blanks but not sure what now.
Ya the gel remove hack is nice, you may need like a lag screw or something to put the gel out you will be surprised how heavy it is. Cut some light foam to fill the stock or some spray foam, the grip you may need to glue it back on there's some videos out there how to do it.
What hunter did you get, I like the look of that black dissolve or whatever it's called. Don't see any 7-08 anymore on there sight so probably get a 308 when I can get one. Talley lightweights would be good mounts for it there less then 3 oz for everything, what scope you thinking.