Back in the late 70's, I used a .280 and 139 Hornady for my "first" LR kill...276 long steps down a pipeline, East, Texas. Took me 20yrs to get that, up until then, my longest was 90 steps...with a 30-30! I later got a 7MM Mag, but was never able to get good accuracy with the 160 NP past 2950! So figure, with todays newer factory ammo and powder, the 280AI is pretty impressive. If you are like me, hunt the way I do, a regular 280 would work just fine. I have had many 7mms, now I am wringing out a 24" .270. Good luck to you Pard!