As you probably already know, the .223 is surprisingly effective on game in the 120 - 150 lb class, particularly with the heavier all-copper expanding bullets.
If, on the other hand, you want him to have a rifle he can us on game up through elk and still be using when he is 80, consider the 6.5 Grendel in a TC Encore ProHunter. Mine has an 18" barrel and, in a sporter barrel, should work for him. The rifle is really short, much like a AR carbine with 14" barrel because the break-action single shot doesn't need the several inches usually taken by a repeating action.
I got it from Bullberry Barrel Works (www.bullberry.com). They guarantee minute of angle 5-shot groups with factory ammunition. Mine is at least that accurate because I got 0.95 moa with a 10-shot group using handloads lifted directly for the manual.
The Encore is modular enough that you could start him with a short-pull stock and get longer one as he grows. Alternatively, there might be an adjustable stock that would not only grow with him but can be shortened whenever he needs to hunt while wearing winter clothing in the north.
The same could be done with the Savage. The resulting rifle will be longer and a bit heavier but still very functional.
There is an excellent reference for hunting load data and bullet selections for the Grendel in the 6.5 Grendel reloading Handbook.
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