Mac- funny but I think I jumped directly from your weatherby thread to this very one - spooky. Every year or so another cartridge seems to rise in popularity (at least from what I read) and lately I hear all about the 280. Until recently I heard little about this cartridge but now everyone seems to love them. Guess because they are less standard (so cooler) than a 270, shoot 7mm bullets (of which there are millions to choose from) and NOT a magnum of any sort. More than enough oomph for anything you referenced and still pleasurable to shoot. I am not sure how different it is from a 7x57 - just more American I suppose, a little more modern and quicker. It is a 270 with an ever so slightly fatter bullet. Just so you know, I am sure someone will tell me who, but the 7x57 was used to even kill elephants by somebody. I agree with Gray Beard - use Hornady ammo, Light Mag or regular and I bet you will love it. I think if you had bought the Weatherby the sheer beauty of the CDL would have haunted your decision. Set your mind at ease. Let us know how she shoots -congrats.