Long action vs short action in the rem 700 amounts to about 3 oz. so the short action is lighter argument doesn't fly with me.
Worry aboutthe ounces and the pounds take care of themselves. Along with less weight with the shorterreceiver a short action cartridge doesn't require as long of a barrel, the ammo doesn't weigh as much, then use light weight rings and bases, with a compact scope and you save a pound or two.
If I were hunting on jagged rocks at 12,000 feet in elevation I know I would be worrying about every single ounce.
I may not even take it on my goat hunt. But, I'm definately leaning toward the 300 RUM 26 inch tube and all. Scoped the gun should weigh in about 7.5-8 lbs, just about right.
Sounds to me that you are wanting two completely different rifles for two completely different purposes.