More info needed. Which model 70 and what other rifles do you already own? Some Winchesters are heavy pigs to lug around. Even the model 70 Featherweight is heavier than most any standard rifle made by current manufacturers. A Winchester Featherweight is hard to keep under 8 lbs scoped, a Winchester sporter closer to 9 lbs. You could go with a short action Kimber and keep it under 6 lbs scoped. A Tikka scoped can be just a hair over 7 lbs.
I tend to hunt in some steep rugged terrain and when you throw in high altitude and low oxygen levels it's even worse. It's not rifle weight as much as balance. You don't notice 1-2 more pounds in your pack nearly as much as 1/4 lb in a rifle carried in your hands. Especially if that 1/4lb effects how it's balanced.
The 280 is a fine cartridge but it has never been as popular as the 270 or 30-06 which do the same things. And the 30-06 and 270 are fading fast. Most people today who are into the 7mm's are going to 7-08 or one of the 7mm magnums.
I'm seeing the same with 30-06. It's dying off and people are finding 308 gives about 97% of the muzzle velocity while burning a lot less powder, less recoil and better accuracy. If more power is needed people are now skipping 30-06 in favor of one of the 30 caliber magnums.
I tend to hunt in some steep rugged terrain and when you throw in high altitude and low oxygen levels it's even worse. It's not rifle weight as much as balance. You don't notice 1-2 more pounds in your pack nearly as much as 1/4 lb in a rifle carried in your hands. Especially if that 1/4lb effects how it's balanced.
The 280 is a fine cartridge but it has never been as popular as the 270 or 30-06 which do the same things. And the 30-06 and 270 are fading fast. Most people today who are into the 7mm's are going to 7-08 or one of the 7mm magnums.
I'm seeing the same with 30-06. It's dying off and people are finding 308 gives about 97% of the muzzle velocity while burning a lot less powder, less recoil and better accuracy. If more power is needed people are now skipping 30-06 in favor of one of the 30 caliber magnums.