I had the big Magnum craze as bad as it could get. Those days are gone and I have settled back to reality. For those who think they must shoot past 400 yards, I quess the magnums make a little sense. However as you stated most shooters would be blind lucky to be able to judge the range and hit an animal at that range. Even then to make a good hit with the variables involved at those ranges is tough to say the least. I learned this while shooting steel silhouettes at ranges we knew where no quess work was needed. There is no substitute for shot placement and practice more than power is the key. I rely on the old 45-70 for really big game. If I had a real need for more power and long range ability then I would look at a Magnum again. Until then the 280 will fill all my needs. I also love my 7600 30-06. With that gun I feel pretty well armed for all North American game. Good hunting.