I've never fired the 7mm-08 but it's supposed to be about the same as the .243 recoil wise. If all you are going t hunt is deer then the .243 is all you need.If you're thinking bear (black) then I'd go with the 7mm-08.

I've seen that argument before and I don't know where it came from get a .243 for the youth now and get him something larger when he's older ... if he .243 kills ( and it will) deer when he's 10 it will still when he's _______ ( you fill in the blank)