It should be 'cock on closing', which would make it a bit tougher when you close the bolt. If you think something is dragging or binding, use some machinists blue on the bolt lug flats and the bolt body to see if you get any scrape marks. If not, the added resistance you feel is the firing pin spring being compressed as you close the bolt.
Check and see if the bolt feels the same when you are chambering a round (you may wish to make up a dummy round for this purpose) and if there is no difference then that's the way she is.
It's not really 'tough', just more resistance, right?
I just checked my Model 70, made in 1969. The bolt will not cycle open if the safety is engaged. If the safety lever is in the center it is still as smooth as it is when the safety is not engaged. Again, is it more resistance or is it drag??