If you're going to make the decision to move to a LA, I'd seriously consider the 280AI, I've seen brass available over the last few months. I had a 7 SAUM built last year and have patiently been able to put together all of the components to start loading. I was fortunate that my builder did...
I have pretty much the same exact setup except on an Anti action, 22-in with 1:8. Mine shoots the 175EH lights out, as soon as I get a little more time I'm going to try some 160gr Accubonds.
The stock is a standard with molded in color, I wouldn't have been able to do edge fill in that color.
I'll have to get a weight and get back to you, one of the things that got lost in the shuffle with getting it in during hunting season.
Thanks and good point, I could have saved some more weight on the scope and actually the stock also had I'd gone CF. I guess the best answer is I saved ounces where I could to get more of what I wanted in other places and still keep it within my target range. I hadn't shot a 7 SAUM before this...
Here's my latest addition to the lineup, a Snowy Mountain Rifles 7mm SAUM. Here's the particulars:
McMillan Game Warden in Desert Ambush
Defiance Anti SA
Proof 22-in Sendero Contour
SMR Titanium Brake
SMR Titanium Action Screws
SMR Al Bottom Metal
Triggertech Special
Hawkins Precision Long Range...
The 7 SAUM will allow you to move up to rats with a little more HP if you choose to do so. I have both and love my 7-08, my SAUM is built on a SA with a 22-in barrel, same as my 7-08 but I'm pushing 175 gr Elite Hunters at 2858 fps.