I wouldnt get the ammo. I havnt herd anything good about it yet. Id get him the 270 and never look back. I was 12 and got m my 30-06 and still use it. It has been a great gun even though the model is not. Im looking to trade it in and get a 25-06 or a 270 this summer. I just realized i dont need that much power for deer where i live. If i need more power i have a 300 Ultra Mag i won this winter that will do the job very well. Get the 270 and stick with standard loads.