i like the 308...my sons first deer rifle (if i ever have a son) is going to be a ruger #1 in 308 or a TC in 308...you cant go wrong with the 308...its a great caliber and its never too small for about all deer..and generally its recoil is pretty mild...if the shooter can take it thats a pretty good round...not something they will grow out of...i mean sure u can take deer all the time with a 243...but with a hit a hair off you have some tracking...you put it a hair off and a 308 still might do the trick...most of the shots ive heard of with 243s no matter what go about 70+yds...all the ones with a 308 drop or dont make it 50...but if hte shooter cant take it and i know some kids cant the 243 will be a great little gun...and let them grow and get a bigger gun when they are ready..it all depends on the kid..some kids would cry over a 308...