Rusty,

Why not have a try with the very comfortable neoprene Buttler Creek sling
neoprene sling from Cabelas.
I cannot do without it when I have to walk more than 10 km bearing my 10 pounds 375. The swivels are removed, instead I tie a leather cordon into the studs so as not to be detected by the clicking of the swivels. Sure the rifle is prone to jolt a bit along and it’s getting a bloody nuisance should you have to carry a cape or anything as NitroX said.
Usually I am keeping myself as far as possible from leather. In hunting conditions, leather is either soaked or dessicated and so looses most of it’s qualities.