First, building your rifle from the ammunition up is a very bad idea. Most of us settle on the rifle and then find the load (factory or otherwise) that works best in it.

Second, you mention the .243, your 10-year-old, deer, and moving up to a .300 WSM later on yourself. Yet, because of something Chuck Hawks has opined, you've committed yourself to a .25-06? Ever consider the 7mm-08? Or, since you mentioned it, the .243? There's a reason .25-06 ammo isn't plentiful on most dealers' shelves - it's not as effective as the .270, and it's nowhere near as versatile and forgiving as is the .243.

Third, you've ruled out the Vanguard because of things you're buddy tells you about his rifle (or is it his shooting)? Really? I bought a Vanguard at Wal-Mart years ago for less than $300 brand-new with low expectations and found it shoots every bit as well as rifles I own that set me back three times that much coin. It's easily a sub-MOA rifle, on some days sub-1/2 MOA providing I do my part. Trigger is a little stiff, but that can be overcome or replaced. This might come as a surprise, but Vanguards are made by ... (drum roll please) ..... Howa.

There's so much information available out there on the internet that it's really a challenge sorting out what's useful from what's opinion or junk. People want you to read and revere what they pontificate about (heck, why else do we post here?). Really though, I'd much rather you be satisfied with a rifle and a caliber that'll see some use. I suggest you reconsider some of your positions and look at some chamberings beyond the .25-06. I'd handle as many rifles as you can and OBJECTIVELY consider what's being told to you here about them. Dispense with the idea of selecting a premium factory load and building everything around it (you may not realize how much you're limiting yourself).

I'm a few years from buying a rifle for my daughter, but if something already in the safe won't do and based upon my past experiences, I'll be putting her behind a Vanguard or a Remington SPS (on sale, hopefully) in .243 or 7mm-08 topped by a Leupold VX-2 3-9.