In the lower 48 a 30.06 (Winchester pre '64 model 70) will take down anything on 2 legs and just about anything on 4 legs.
In the final analysis a rifle is only as good as the shooter and your ability to keep it supplied with ammo.
I think anywhere it’s damn-near the perfect all around rifle. Lever actions is faster than a bolt and less chance of failure due to it being a lever action.
If he wants just a nice long range, sniper, or hunting rifle I would go with a .308 or .30-06 bolt. I am merely just going from his desire for protection, hunting, reliability, toughness etc. Most likely just to eat his .22 will take care of eating but if he has to take on a boar, dogs etc. or zombies.
Ammo is not at a premium since it’s a 30-30 lever and not a gas powered gun but there is crap tons of it around.
I have one and tho I have ar’s, m4, ak, h&k 94, rem700, savage, and the list goes on ultimately the win94 30-30 is by far my favorite.