First of all some one needs to take a chill pill. Secondly I have sold more firearms than you can fit into a small warehouse. I would say at a rate of about 100 to 1, that is 30-06 to 280. I have not even heard you address the inability of the 284 to handle a large bullet. I have not heard you address the cost or availabilty of ammo. All I have heard you do is babble a bunch of statistics out of a book that anyone can read. If you want testimonials about 30 cal performance against 284 caliber performance, just ask an elk guide. He will tell you that if he had to choose between a 280 and a 30-06, he would take the 30-06 every time. And as far as resale value, ask a gun dealer if he would rather have a shelf full of used 30-06's or full of 280's. I know he will choose the 30-06. I have dealt with independent gunshops for years, and I know first hand what they prefer. I worked in sales for the largest distributor of firearms in the world for quite a few years, and you might be surprised how popular the 30-06 is. Alot of people do not like it because it is their father's and grandfather's rifle, but without it there would be no 280. And if you think bullet diameter is not an issue, and if you think only energy and velocity rules, just ask our fine soldiers if they want the faster 9 mm or the old slow 45 ACP, or do you feel the need to drag out another chart?

I understand your point about dead is dead. You are right there. I was merely pointing out that there are more things to consider when buying a rifle. And you are wrong about resale value, the 30-06 BDL will bring a higher price, and are more sought after than a BDL in 280. Tom.