Should I get a lighter rifle?

[MTBackroads]

Carry a Kimber Montana on a hunt and you will want one. Or 5, no judgement.

My 280AI all up is 7lbs 10oz with SWFA 3-9, sling and 9 rounds.

You don't want to put 30 rounds downrange from the bench, but that isn't its purpose.

The .223 at 7lb 5oz with a rail and athlon 2-12 does that in spades, shoot it all day.

 

[Ross]

If your hunts include 2-3k elevation gain on most days you will enjoy a much lighter rifle. If not, and just miles maybe not so much. I went from 9.5 down to 7.6 in 2003 and never looked back on a 7mm. I will never pack anything over mid 7lbs again.

 

[Thegman]

I'd suggest taking the rifle you have since you're already happy with it and how it performs.

If you start doing lots of hunts where you decide it would a good idea to have lighter gear, including rifle, then start looking into a lighter rifle.

IOW, make any changes based on personal experience, I wouldn't change anything just because some others do.

OTOH, like @Ross and @MTBackroads said, once you start carrying a lighter rifle around the mountains, it's not too likely you'll go back to a heavier rifle.