The rifles you buy when you're young and stupid

[MarkL]

Are you familiar with the .270? The .280 is the same except the bullet is .007 inches larger (ooooh, aaaaah). I think the SAAMI pressure spec is lower, but I should double-check that.

.270 = .277
.280 = .284 (true 7mm)

If you reload for your 7STW, any bullets you have would probably be usable in a .280.

I think most folks would recommend something a little heavier for elk, such as a 30-06.