Shoot 175 Elite Hunters out of my 280 AI. Reloader 23 is pure magic in that cartridge. Should work well in a straight 280. And the Classic Hunter is very easy to tune. Not like a VLD at all. You can pretty much seat them at magazine length and then go from there. The 168s should do 2750 and be excellent on deer. My 175s are 2938 avg and they pass right through elk. No issues with hitting shoulder scapula or anything.Anyone used this combo on deer? I have never used the Classic Hunter yet. What powder do u use? I have used the VLD Hunting bullets only. Out of my 280 rem and 7mm mag.