I'm in a similar situation right now. I bought a Tikka Compact in 308. The shorter stock is hopefully perfect for my 8 year old grandson and others along the way. I chose the 308 because I have data to load the 308 from lighter than a 30-30 to full house 308 loads. My son, who is 37 years old now killed his first few deer with a stainless model Seven chambered in 308 and loaded like a 30-30 with 30-30 Remington round nosed bullets. I have data from DuPont published in 1990 for several different cartridges which I use as a guide.
Good Luck,
Rick