Never owned a M70, so can't really comment. Most of my favorite bolt guns are older M700s or M98-based DIYs. One with the original 8x57 barrel (chopped to 20") and one in 25-06 w/Douglass SS barrel.

Same guy bought a slightly-used M70XTR some years ago, in 7mm Rem. magnum that wouldn't group worth a rat's ass with anything, factory ammo or reloads.

I floated the barrel (several pressure points in the walnut stock), cleaned it thoroughly (bore and bolt innards were crusty), lightened the trigger a wee bit and got it to around an inch at 100 yards, rested, with his "best" reloads.

He was going to have it bedded, but put a Bell & Carlson synthetic (POS foam-filled thing) on it, instead. Killed an elk and a coupla muledeer with it and I don't believe he's used it since?

Only "good" rifle he owns, is a M700SS/syn. variant in 300 Weatherby.

If three or more people think you're a dimwit, chances are at least one of them is right.