All this pontificating is pretty much pointless. Yes, the .280 AI will be faster than the .270 just because it has a slightly larger powder capacity. Yes, the .280 AI will have the better bullets simply because it is a 7mm. Yes, on paper the .280 AI is the better round because of all the above.
However, in real life the .280 AI and the .270 are essentially twins. Powder capacities are nearly identical, so the same powders that make the .280 shine will do so in the .270. Truth is the .280 AI will only beat the .270 Win by 100 fps or less in most cases with the same weight bullet. So even with the BC deficit the .270 has you'll not see any real difference until you're well beyond the normal hunting ranges most game is shot. Let's face it neither is a target round because there are way better choices.
It really boils down to what the hunter wants. For me I've been there done that, and I'll stick to the .270 Win. It does everything I need within reason and is available by every rifle manufacturer out there. The same simply can't be said for the .280 AI, but it doesn't change the fact that they are both good cartridges in their own rights.
However, in real life the .280 AI and the .270 are essentially twins. Powder capacities are nearly identical, so the same powders that make the .280 shine will do so in the .270. Truth is the .280 AI will only beat the .270 Win by 100 fps or less in most cases with the same weight bullet. So even with the BC deficit the .270 has you'll not see any real difference until you're well beyond the normal hunting ranges most game is shot. Let's face it neither is a target round because there are way better choices.
It really boils down to what the hunter wants. For me I've been there done that, and I'll stick to the .270 Win. It does everything I need within reason and is available by every rifle manufacturer out there. The same simply can't be said for the .280 AI, but it doesn't change the fact that they are both good cartridges in their own rights.