how much more power does a 7mm have than a 30-06

hard question to answer specifically. Depends on which 7mm (there are quite a few) Secondly "power" is a vague term. If you mean kinetic energy, it would still depend upon which bullet weight and what range the target is at.

In general, though, I would say that the answer to you question would be that the 7MM Remington Magnum (assuming that is the 7mm you were asking about) has slightly more "power" and a slightly flatter trajectory. But you could probally hunt the rest of your life and not tell the difference in the field.

x2

Also speed can make up for bullet weight up to certian point.

Not sure which 7MM you are talking about, but you can find great ballistics charts at both the Federal and Remington websites. You can see the drop of bullets at different ranges, as well as foot pounds of each bullet at different distances.

I have both. 7mm has better trajectory. Energy IMO is irrelevant both 30-06 and 7mm Mag will put a deer face in the dirt at ranges farther than i care to shoot.

All of this is true. Honestly, for the gain in velocity you get with 7mm Rem. Mag., the '06 is a more "efficient" cartridge as far as energy yielded vs. powder used. This difference is so small, that in my opinion you really aren't going to see much difference in the field on game.

Take for instance, a standard .30-'06 150 grain load vs. a standard 7mm Rem. Mag. 150 grain load-

'06 muzzle vel./energy (ft-lbs) - 2910 fps/2820
7mm muzzle vel./energy (ft-lbs) - 3110 fps/3221

Trajectory at 100/300 yds. (200 yd. zero)

.30-'06 - +1.7"/-7.6"
7mm R.M.- +1.7"/-7.0"

(All average velocities out of a 24" barrel)

Though not as close as the difference between a .308 Win. and .30-'06, the difference in the speed and energy between the rounds probably won't be noticed at average hunting ranges (under 200 yards). The performance of both cartridges can signifigantly be improved by careful handloading and component choice, though I think .30-'06 has more potential for performance gain percentage wise. I have both, and if you can't tell..I'm a big -'06 fan.

the good thing about the 06 is that it's a 30 cailiber compared to a 7mm's .284 which means if you have to you can stick a heavier bullet up to 220 grains. The 200 grain nosler partition is superb! On almost anything in North America, and even then it is used on big bears in Alaska, which would then make it for anything inthis country. with the newer powders we have now reloading and premium factory ammo you can almost duplicate the 7mm's ballistic. this is if you were talking about the remington magnum or weatherby's. when you go to ultra or stw then those will hit alot harder, but then again lighter bullets.

How about a 280.......and 7mm

Both .284" and surprisingly similar as far as trajectory goes when using 140 grain bullets.

280's are awesome! i would rather shoot a 280 than a 7 rem mag. a little cheaper to shoot and a little less recoil.

I would too. Actually, with 140 grain bullets it's really close to .30-'06 with 150 grn. bullets. Better penetration than a .270 Win. shooting 130 grainers too. I'm kinda looking at the .280 as a long 7mm-08 Rem. Interesting round.

.280 and 7mm-08 not much difference. your only gain would be with big bullets, if a any. your only getting 300 500 fps then the mag. its really not worth the big bang. not with the smaller calibers anyway.

7mm-08 over 06 any day 42. grains w748 160 speer hot core is smoke'n out to 200 yards, 140s. are the norm. at 2750/2800 its truly a very effective killer. I pefer it over the .270 the deer dont run as far. Varget is another powder/rl-19 for the 145 and up

Ohh YES!! the .280 is the gun!