Originally Posted by Topgun 3006

***Not really out at 200 if you look at the 30-30 ballistics. Four of the best bullets out there are the 170 grain Winchester Silvertip, the 160 grain Hornady FTX, the 150 grain Sierra FNSP and the 170 grain Sierra FNSP. Handloading these as close to max as possible and still being safe only leaves 846, 1078, 961, and 1009 ft/lbs., respectively out at 200 yards and with 0 at 100 yards those loads will be slowing down so badly that they will be anywhere from 4.8 to 7.5 inches low at 200 yards. This is with handloads and it would be impossible to buy any factory loads that would replicate close to those levels. That's why I stated that the boy needs to stay close to the 100 yard range to better his chances of a humane kill on an elk with that gun. The OP stated the boy can shoot the 30-06 and it's available, so that's really what he should use off of a good rest like the OP mentioned and he should get plenty of practice doing that under actual field conditions to lessen the possibilities of a booboo. Actually, IMHO everyone of any age should do that type of practice and be using a good rest of some sort, be it a bi or tripod, shooting sticks, etc.