For deer I load the 120 grain Sierra Pro-Hunter to about 28500-2900 fps. Drops deer like a sack of rocks. I took a big mule deer last fall at about 200 yards. It went through the near shoulder and exited behind the opposite shoulder. It went down in its tracks. The 280 I have has a 26 inch barrel. I have loaded the Nosler Ballistic tip in 140 grains as well. It shoots good group wise but I have not shot at any game with them yet. For deer I would not want to push the 120 bullet any faster than 2900. It may be a little fragil at higher speeds. The 270 and 280 are pretty close in performance and both are about perfect for deer and elk hunting.