For hogs, I'd use something a little bigger than a 25-06, even though that would work. But, you want a bigger bullet to go through the thick armor cartlidge of a hog.

Last November I shot a 250lb boar with a .243, using a 100gr. SP bullet. One shot knocked it over and unconcious. After about 5 minutes, the boar woke up and started kicking. I think the .243 is a little light for a pig over 200lbs., but it WILL work.

To me and my son, a better option is the Remington Model 7, in .308 with a muzzle break. The model 7 has the famous "model 700" action, yet the gun is lighter and the stock slightly shorter. It works great for youths.

With a muzzle break on the gun, it has kick somewhere in between a .223 and a .243. It's a really pleasant gun to shot. My nefew who is 12, used it on a pig without any problems. Plus the .308 hits a pig much better than a .243 does.

JMHO.