RE: What cal. should I buy for my wife to hunt with?
All above mentioned are good i.e. .243, 25/06, .257 Roberts, .260, 7mm/08, 7 x 57, 30-30, and the .308 will all do............
But If you're looking for the least recoil with a solid reputaion don't overlook the 6.5 X 55. Of the ones above I'd go with the 7mm/08 or the 7 x 57. If you get her a 7 x 57 then all she'll need is a box of 140's and a box of 170 round nose and a little practice......she'll be set for a whole bunch of hunting.