When all these guys are saying more less the same thing, it's time to listen.
If someone's gotta ask, they probably need a 308Win.
I think the question has been answered and all here have given great input.
Long range hunting is in "vogue" these days having been popularized by tv shows and equipment manufacturers pioneering a new market to find a new venue to increase sales. It's great and the American way, but it also has created some problems as have been addressed in the thread.
Long range shooting/hunting isn't "rocket science". Any intelligent person can learn to do it pretty quickly either by himself or with instruction, but the cumulative learning of handloading long and range shooting experience takes time.
My advice would be for your friend to get a .260 or 6.5 Creedmoor. The light recoil will help him develop good shooting technique and habits. I also recommend a ton of long range TARGET shooting well before he attempts big game at long range. Varmints are great too.
Above all else, practice practice practice!
And that right there is the crux of why he would be far better off with a .260 or similar rifle, rather than a .300Mag...
