Of the two choices, I vote for the 30-30. It's all one needs to get started and it doesn't really limit his opportunities much since the majority of all shots are made within its useful range, and a lever action is an excellent hunting rifle. As he progresses in hunting he can get a bolt action later chambered for something better than a .243. If a bolt action were the choice, I agree with the idea of a 7mm-08 or a .308 Win. Or for that matter a 7x57, .25-06 or .270 Win.
