Michael,
No offense taken.
Here are the BC's I've measured for these two bullets:
7mm 180 VLD: G7 BC = .337 (G1 BC = .659)
.30 cal 208 Amax: G7 BC = .324 (G1 BC = .633)
Your observations indicate a slightly higher BC for the 208 Amax than the 7mm 180 VLD. Without getting into a debate, let's just say for now that the two bullets probably have similar BC's.
Assuming 2800 fps at the muzzle for both bullets, the 7mm would generate 3130 ft-lb, and the 208 would generate 3617 ft-lb. A clear advantage in favor of the .30 cal.
According to my measured BC's, at 1000 yards, the 7mm retains 1586 fps and 1004 ft-lb. The .30 cal retains 1544 fps and 1100 ft-lb. So even using my BC's, you're right that the .30 cal carries more energy past 1000 yards. It's not a lot, but my hunch was that the greater velocity retention of the 7mm would result in more retained energy by ~600 yards. Thanks for pointing that out and giving me a chance to correct the analysis.
The 208 Amax is probably the best ballistic performer currently available for .30 cal. The Berger, JLK and Sierra 210's are close. The higher BC bullets are much heavier, and suffer much reduced MV.
Even using the best bullet for the caliber, the 30-284 still only reaches relative parity with the straight 284 in every category except energy, which it will have an advantage in. Barrel life will probably be better, but barrel life isn't really bad for the 284 (~2000 rounds). Recoil will be greater.
I guess what I'm saying is that from 6.5-284 to straight 284 there is a decisive advantage because the bullets are noticeably better in 7mm. However, going from straight 284 to 30-284, you don't get as big of a jump in performance because the bullets are not much better than the 7mm bullets.
-Bryan