My son shoots a model 700 youth in 243. he took four deer with it this year. he started off shooting my model seven in 6mm rem and took two with it. oh yeah he took one last year with the 700 also.

Now he has shot my seven in 308 and my 700 in 270. oh and my 700 in 25-06 . he' ll shoot anything if i let him. BUT he shoots the 700 in 243 VERY well!!
He can shoot a better group than most men i know. and i am talking out to 250 yards.
Now next year he' ll be thirteen and he' s starting to think of himself as a seasoned hunter and he' s talking about wanting to move up. so i will probably get him used to the 270. nothing like letting your son use your favorite rifle.

i really think you need to let them start off with something a little light on the recoil. it will be easier to get them to shoot great cause they won' t fear or anticipate the recoil as bad. then as they mature as shooters move them up.
he hadnt taken my 7mm stw yet!