I realize I'm in one of those "using a sledge when a hammer will do" scenario's. The rifle kinda found me, I didn't find it. I was looking for a flat shooting rifle at a gunshow a few years ago, and had pretty much picked the place apart. I've had good luck with 7-mags, and was leaning that way, but also was looking hard at the new .270 short mag. I decided to think about it close to the front door while I watched what merchandise was being walked in. A LEO walked by with the .300 draped over his shoulder. I guess he didn't feel like carrying it around all day, because I got it for less than half of it's book value, plus it had a POS Simmons scope and Leupold base and rings on it. The Simmons quickly sold on e-bay for $40. So after a trigger job I was still into this rifle for under $450.
I'm thinking just an FMJ might at least provide a "pencil hole" vs destroying the animal... of course with ample backstop (don't ever take shots where that's in question). Of course this could be just the excuse I need to get my son his first rifle
I'm thinking he needs a 6.5 swede or a 7mm-08.