Chris,picking a light rifle so you can use the scope you want without having a 10 pound package is a valid school of thought.As long as it balances and handles to your expectations,it doesn't matter what anyone thinks but you.

Personally,I am finding that my 7 lb all up rifle is easier to shoot well than my 6 lb all up rifle.I just haven't yet decided if weight is the deciding factor or not.The heavier rifle fits me better and has a heavier barrel which won't heat up so quick.

So only had time to shoot two of the four rounds I'd bought today. Tried the Nosler 165 Partitions first. Pretty consistent 1.25-1.5" groups. Somewhat dissapointing, but not near as much as the 2 FTE's in 14 rounds. Moved on to the Federal 180 Partitions and to my surprise got it easily down to under 1", probably around .85"ish. They also ejected "vigorously" as noted by both me and my buddy shooting with me. They consistently flew 4-5 ft to the side whereas the Noslers that ejected went a foot or so. Pleased with that for now I pulled out the chrono and averaged 2531 FPS over 3 shots, not bad when Federal claimed 2570 out of a 24" barrel. Overall very pleased. Very little kick and the noise isn't even as much as my 338WM without a brake. I'm still going to give the other two partition factory loads a chance but it may be a few weeks.

Try some Nosler custom loaded with Accubonds if you are going to shoot factory ammo.