i would go for a .270. it has relatively light recoil, only like 17 foot pounds. it will shoot 200-300 yards effetively, as long as:

a. your sope is powerful enough to see that far (4x or 5x)

b. the kid knows how to shoot that far.

it doesnt take much to teach someone to shoot 200-300 yards. i learned in 2 or 3 monthes.

if you dont like the .270, and dont mind a little more kick, go with a 30-.06 it kicks a little more, and it will do the same job. it just goes a little farther.


the .308 is also a great caliber. it shoots flat, at relatively high speeds, and you can get the bullets CHEAP, like 7 bucks a box.

for the action, i would get a bolt or a single shot. they hold the tightest groups, and they usually are heavier, reducing the recoil. the pumps, levers, and semi-autos, they may shoot fast, but they dont shoot as accurately.