Hi Karl and welcome to the forum!
Here are a few answers and tips as per your questions.
Arrows: your factory arrows come with lighter weight aluminum tips and are made to be shot with 150gr points. You always shoot the same field point(practice point) weight as broadhead weight. Many of us have gone to Black Eagle Zombie Slayer arrows because of the quality, tight tolerances and very stiff of spine. Most also use heavier brass inserts up front weighing between 80 grains to 110 grains.
String: The factory string that comes on your bow is called an endless loop string. It's fine and works perfectly. But most of us have switched to Flemish Twist strings. The Flemish strings change the tone, vibration and feel of the shot and most switch to them. I also prefer them as they're nicer feeling and actually just look better. Considering where you're from, when you order a string I suggest ordering three or four. Danny Miller at Horizontal Archery makes all the Excalibur strings and you can order Flemish Twist strings from him or just go to the trading post section of this forum and visit any of the string builders. As mentioned, Boo is know for his great quality strings.
Others: Your bow will come with a cocking aid but you absolutely need a stringing aid as well. This will allow you to shorten your string as it stretches and you may have to do it right out of the box. You want a 1/4" gap between the two reds bumpers and the front of the string. That's your brace height.
Plier pullers will make your life much easier and you'll wish you had them sooner. Highly recommended.
Remove every fastener you can see (except for the limb bolts and limb strap screws of course), one at a time, and add a tiny amount of blue loktight to the thread and retighten. Wait 24 hours to set.
You can make your own bag target. My favorite is the Third Hand Archery 'Rag Bag Target'
I recommend calling Danny Miller at Horizontal Archery as you can get everything through him and he's a wealth of knowledge. Good luck.
Paul
You're only paranoid if everyone isn't out to get you.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
My enemy's friend is also my enemy.
