I have spent plenty of time backpacking a custom 30-06 that weighs 7.8lbs. I would not want a lighter rifle. The weight of the rifle makes it easier for me to hold steady. I find that ultra lightweight rifles are difficult to shoot at long ranges.
The 30-06 will kill the snot out of anything that walks the earth in North America. Mine with handloaded 168TTSX have taken 4 anamals this fall; Dall Sheep, Caribou, AK/Yukon Moose, & Mule Deer.
