I always go for a slightly heavier rifle for hunting. It is more important to me to have the steadier hold from a heavy rifle than a pound less weight to carry. But, I guess being used to carrying long barrel muzzle loaders kinda taints my view of things. Hunted one year with an M1 Garand :) That felt heavier than most other rifles I've carried.

I kinda average 40-50rnd per hour, but, most are shot in strings of 4-12 before a cool down. 4 shots in a minute or two and the barrel is warm. 12 shots in a few minutes and it is really warm. At the end of an hour and 50 shots it is hot. The heavy barrel on mine changes POI by about 1/4" at 100yds.

PS the heavy barrel also does not cool down as fast.