Can't go wrong with a Tikka[sister Co. of Sako] Finns don't make garbage! If he wants a .338 I would suggest a muzzle brake of some sort [I have mine Magna -ported]and it is a lot more pleasant to shoot.If you have access toa 338 he can try beforehand go for it as he will grow into it eventually.When hunting in snow I wrap the brake with one layer of masking tape including the muzzle to keep crap out of the barrel.No difference on paper as it blows off when fired.Some guys use electrical tape but I think it's too thick and may not be best in the cold.If you handload get some H-4831 74gr/Hornady 225/Win brass and Fed mag primer.Shot lots of moose,deer.elk and bears[blacks and one griz]with this one.If you have a .270 and a 338 what can't you cleanly kill?....Harold