You have to be pretty concerned about recoil to prefer a .280 to a 28 Nosler. At short range it doesn't make much difference, but for the western hunter it sure does.............
I guess I don't see the recoil of any smallbore magnum as worth talking about for adult male shooters. You never even notice it when shooting in the field. Of the 3 or 4 rifles I might shoot an elk with, the 28 Nosler (in a "normal" weight rifle) is the lowest recoil and most reach. The others offer more stopping rifle capability for bears and/or heavy timber use.
If the 28 Nosler is too much, short actions like the 7mmWSM start looking good.
So a .280 AI is not a good choice for a western hunter? Do tell.
As far as adult male shooters and recoil, go to a long range match and see how many of the adult males there are using magnums or 28 Nosler chamberings. Then tell 'em all they're pu**ies for not using magnums. Shouild be a fun time.
