If recoil is an issue, the .243 would be easier shooting than the .25-06. If recoil is not an issue, why not just get the girl a .30-06 and have done with it? The .243 is good for varmints, pronghorn antelope, whitetail deer, and mule deer. But don't get me wrong . . . the .25-06 is a great cartridge and I love mine very dearly.