I think oldelkhunter has the right idea.

I' ve owned & used the 243,25-06 & 7mm-08 extensively & i' ll tell you that the 7mm-08 with bullets in the 100 to 130 grain range will do anything that the 25-06 will do & it will do more with heavier bullets & the 243 is not far behind the 25-06.

Dont get me wrong,I think the 25-06 is a great cartridge,I just dont think its as suitable as the short action cartridges for young people to start off with.