the post before said 7mm-08, not 7mm rem mag.

The 7mm-08 is on par with the 243 as a great rifle with less recoil, often considered good rifles for young people or beginners. (and experienced hunters too)

The 270 and the 30-06 would be a step up from that, with a bit more energy, but also more recoil, thus being less forgiving to shoot.

I agree about starting (and staying) with a bolt action.