I noticed on the web where a 16" Heavy encore barrel in 280 is listed for sale. How do you guys think this round would perform in this barrel configuration? Would a 7-08 be better?

The 280 would perform quite well in that pistol. The 7-08 would be better in the sense that it would be the more efficient of the two. 16" in not enough barrel to take full advantage of the 280's capacity. The 7-08 having less powder capacity makes more sense in that length. You'll blow a lot less powder out the end of the barrel with a 7-08.

Based on the data so far at Specialty Pistols group, you will still see an increase in velocity from the longer case. Depending on bullet weight it maybe as little as 100fps up to several hundred. There is no data there YET on these calibers BUT judging from the 30 caliber data that is where it will be.....