Just my rambling thoughts.

I am not a big bore or big recoil advocate for anyone. That being said, while the 223 may in fact be adequate for deer, as others have said it is generally considered a marginal round. I take that to mean that everything has to be perfect including shot placement and animal position. I'm not sure that a young hunter, even if they are with an experienced hunter, has the emotional control (read buck fever) to do everything exactly right. I think the animal deserves it.

I guess my other thought is if the person really isn't ready to use what would generally be considered a more standard caliber (243, 250, 257, 30-30)I really wonder if that person is really ready to hunt those animals. Its a big responsibility.

Just my 2 cents.