Could not say it better than Vapodog. I find myself top heavy with the middle calibers now adays. I shoot a 257 Roberts, 250 Savage , a 260, 7mm-08 and a 280 is my big boy. Except for the 45-70. Opps, forgot about my A-Bolt hunter 308. If the deer are skidish and wild I break out the 280 NEF with the 26 inch barrel. That will reach as far as I can see.