I purchased a dozen 280 conibears for trapping. My thoughts were they'd be larger (the max legal size for a land conibear in Iowa) so the bobcats would feel more comfortable walking into them in our cubby sets. And we also could use them for beaver later in the year. How would these 280s work for coon? I realize this may be a dumb question but I wondered if bigger isn't better in this case or are we good to go using these traps for coon? Thanks

If you do not have to worry about domestic pets; my primary concern would be getting the triggers set so you are not catching them too far back. I was thinking of using 160's to increase my "behind the ears" catches. Just the thoughts from someone without much coon experience.

i know a 220 will ruin a coons day bit not sure on a 280.

I'd leave em alone. Bad things happen with big coni's on land. Yeah they'll work....

That was my main concern is getting them behind the ears still. I'm not too worried about running into troubles where we'll be running these traps, no body lives on this stretch of gravel road for about a mile and a half, in all directions. And we'll be trapping back off the road, in the timbers. This is all our own land as well, good point though. It could be trouble if used in the wrong setting.

They'll work but don't use them. You will do fine with 160 for coon.
You want to avoid anything bad happening with that size of trap on land. It's just bad publicity. Next thing you know you lost a good thing and no more use of it the way things are now a days with accidents that can be pointed to some specific cause.
Don't use it!