I have several rifles,,including a 280 and 7mm08 love them both,,if you get a model 7 in 7mm08 you will love it,,I have never used mine for bear,,but have2 buddies that have killed black bear with them. My 1st Canada deer was with a 7mm08 it weighed 350, once more it all comes down to bullet placement,,and if you have a large caliber you may flinch. Good luck hunting this year guys