I started with a 7 mag many years ago. I went to a 280 after 4 years as I could shoot it much more accurately. I now also have 2 7X57's. One of these old Mexican Mausers may well end up as a 257 Roberts. Though they are a small ring Mauser, they have the '98 3 lug design, so they are strong actions. My vote would go for the 280 or the 7mm with 175 gr bullets "up Nawth".

I do reload, but I get good factory ammo for the 7X57 from the internet sources. The Norma load, while expensive, is worth every cent.

The weight of a rifle can get to be a drag if you hunt like I do. I put in a lot of miles on the ground during a typical day afield.