I have found a "mid-weight" rifle to be much more effective in mountain hunting, as it settles much more quickly for me than an ultralight one does.
A .270 Win./.280Rem. class of CRF piece at about 7.5 lbs seems to work best for me and my lightest .338WM Dakota 76 at 8.5ish, depending on scope choice is ideal.
Where, I DO really like my custom light .308Win and lighter 7/08 is in bush hunting for mostly Whitetails and Blacktails, where one must carry "hot" at "port arms" to get a decent shot.
I ilke my .30-06 rifles at no more, or much less than 8lbs and my FN-.308Norma, in it's Bansner, goes about 8.25 and is so well balanced it feels lighter.
YMMV, but, I DO strongly concur with getting a smaller waist, not easy at my age with a genetic disposition to a "beer barrel" physique! Well, WTF, just do your best and enjoy it, eh!
