Quick question. Many cartridges are necked up or down from older "standards". What is the 7mm in a 30-06 case called? How does it compare to the .280 Remington? They are NOT the same, right?

Same. Used to be called 7mm express

It is the same cartridge. That is it is the 30-06 case necked down to 7mm or 284. There may however be some wildcat versions out there that have different shoulder angles or a slight veriation in case length. If one is not sure what he has then it would be wise to have a good gunsmith verify the exact measurement. The 280 has been called the 7mm-06, 7mm Express and 280. Regardless of what its called, it is one of the best long range big game cartridges out there.

Actually it was called the 280 Rem. first, then the 7 Express Rem., and now back to 280 Rem...

Drilling Man

Gunnersden.com/Rifles/280 Remington