i got my 280ai built and also got into handloading at the same time. great round to learn with and no brass to trim is awesome in my eyes
that being said if I was going to buy a rifle with zero intention of handloading of your choices I would go 280, but also go to the local stores and see how much 280 ammo is on the shelf as others have said the 30-06 or 7mm-08 may be just as practical possibly even more practical depending upon ammo price/availability and what he plans to hunt.
