Well done. I would be curious as to the differences in velocity that you saw between the 280 and the 7x57.
With respect, love of the 7x57 is not about velocity. It's about a wholly adequate hunting cartridge. It's about a cartridge with a longer [successful] history than most. It's about low recoil. It's about balance, versatility, and performance. It's about perfection.
Many calibers tout higher velocity.
None are "better" than the 7x57.
Timberline, congratulations on your success, and your new rifle. Welcome to the ranks of 7x57 lovers. You are going to like the way it works.
My utility load in 7x57 shoots a 175 grain Hornady spire point at something like 2400 fps. This load will put a fist-sized hole through any deer, from any angle, every time. No questions, no bullet blow-up, no excuses, no worries, just solid predictable performance. All I have to do is put the bullet in the right place, and the deer is mine.
