I just have to add my 2 cents...the only real world difference is ammo availability, and selection, you can get a 7mm Mag with a 175 grain bullet from winchester, and I don't know of any manufacturer that puts that bullet in a 280, also the 7mm Mag is easier to find at your local Wally World, most of them have never heard of a 280.

Ballistically there isn't much of a difference. Winchester for example lists the 140 grain ballistic Silvertip @ 3040 fps from the 280, and 3100 fps from the 7mm Mag. (the fastest 7mm Mag load the list @ 3150 w/150 gr. bullets, vs. 3050 for the 280 w/140 gr. bullets), and this just isn't a whole lot of difference.

Given all of that I prefer the 280, it generates lower pressure, and doesn't seem to have the muzzle blast and as sharp a recoil as the 7mm Mag. Just my opinion.

Gordon

Edited by - GordonGekko on 01/08/2002 10:22:47