As far as the caliber goes,you can't go wrong on either one.I lean towards the 7-08 because the recoil is less and the versatility is better. The main thing is making sure the rifle fits!!My first deer rifle was a 30-30 also.However i'm 64 years old,the 7-08 wasn't availible then.My advise is not to get wraped up in tradition and ignore what's best for the youngster.