ruffedgrouse,
For what it is worth, my .300WM, Classic Stainless BOSS, Brown Precision Stock, Leupold 3.5-10x40, with sling, unloaded, weighs 8 lb. 12 oz.
I don't know if I would want it lighter, as I don't believe I have ever shot a lighter .300 WM to compare. Even if I did want it lighter, I don't know how much lighter I could get it anyway. If I didn't want to change the barrel or whittle on the action (neither of which I would consider), my available options are an even lighter stock, lighter scope, and lighter bottom metal. I'm pretty happy with it the way it is. It is a tad muzzle heavy, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Gun Doc