One of my favorite calibers for sure. The difference between the 280 and 7mm-08 would be like the diference in the 308 and 30-06 since they are the parent case of these calibers. The 280, like the 30-06 may enjoy a slight advantage over the 308 and 7MM-08 with heavy bullets as it affords a little more powder space. The 7MM Mag offers a little advantage on paper but in the field both are suitable for the same kind of game. For the big bears the 7MM Mag would hold an edge because one would use the heaviest bullets for that task. For any other big game the 7MM-08 will do fine out to 250-300 yards with the proper bullet. And like already stated this is one gentle but efficient cartridge. Its only real competion in that department would be the 260/6.5x55. Maybe the 7x57 Mauser.