Scope choice is purely a subjective matter. However, getting a short tubed 2.5-8x36mm leupold to fit in appropriate mounts would be my problem. You can easily do it with a redfield or leupold one piece, but then you also have the problem with the windage adjustable mounting system, which I've seen many failures with those. I personally like a 2 piece base and rings on my pre 64 model 70's and with the magnum action, good luck getting that 2.5-8 leupy to fit....The 3.5-10x40 is always the better choice when scoping these vintage rifles in proper rings and bases.. JMHO..
Many one piece Weaver/Picatinny bases are available for the M70, although some have so many slots as to look too "tactical" for my tastes. The old style Weaver bases and rings, while "pooh-phooed" by many, tend to work really well. Finn Aagaard did a lot of home gunsmithing to the previously mentioned .375, including fitting a Super Grade stock and putting real cross bolts into that stock. The rifle wore not only a Weaver scope, but Weaver rings, albeit I believe with two piece bases. (Finn wasn't working with a short tubed scope.) Given his ability, I suspect had Finn found either the scope or the mounting wanting, he had the skill to change either.
You may not like the looks, but those old Weaver designs work fine. They are light, strong, tend to line up well, and return to zero. You will find, however, that you might want to add a new cross slot or two to the Weaver one-piece base.
Having said all that, Leupold used to make a one piece QR base for the M70, and those had the rear ring far enough forward to mount most short tube scopes. I haven't looked for one lately, but I was able to find a few when I realized they went away.
BTW, my favorite scope for Pre '64's is Leupold 3-9 COMPACT. it is short, but the smaller diameter occular clears the bolt handle with even QR super low rings. However, one usually must file or mill some relief in the aforementioned one piece base to clear the turret "ring" when using super low rings.
Lots of choice with just a bit of fiddling. Much depends on where you like your scopes fore and aft as well how high you like them.
BSA is of course correct about "to each his own", but short tubes aren't that tough to work around.