Yes, I know the 7 mm R. M. would be a better choice with lots of brass available but that’s boring and I had one for years and now want something different. I just like something about the 280 AI without the belted case and Magnum name. After all , I don’t need a magnum for our midget deer around here...
If you want something really exciting and shoots to actual factory velocity and load manual velocity buy a 7 WSM or even better find a 7 SAUM. That works exceptional well for those midget Canadian whitetails.