All of you make good points and I agree with each. As I mentioned in an earlier post I want to set up a Handi rig dedicated strickly for range shooting up to 300yds. I would prefer an .30-06 with a 24" or 26" barrel. But that conbination isn't offered in a Handi, as we all know. So I believe the .280 is the logical choice for my purpose, given that it is so close to the .30-06 in performance and it is offered with the 26" bbl. But, frankly, I feel as though each of these calibers are capable of better accuracy out to 300yds than I am capable of shooting, so I guess its just a matter of perference.
But ... given that I seem to have been stricken with the fated Handi disease, I find it difficult to pass by a good deal regardless of the caliber. So, I can certainly see the possiblity of both the 7mm08 and .280 in my future as well as a 7X57, should I be fortunate enough to locate one.
Wow, this is fun. Life is good when we have such decisions to stew over. Thanks for the input, guys. I'm like a sponge with this stuff.
EVOC ONE