Don Fischer

I have killed a few deer with the 243 but I am not a fan of it for big game. I have a 6.5x55 on a Mod 70 featherweight and it's about perfect, if you hand load. If ya don't, I'd take a look at the 260 Rem. Only draw back on it may be finding ammo. For some reason it didn't take off like I hoped it would. I've never shot a 7-08 but have had several 7x57's. What I hear the 7-08 is easy on the recoil. Must be as it's a bit smaller than the 7x57 and that is great to shoot.

Another that is fairly easy shooting is the 308 Win. I've had two and have killed a lot of deer with them and a few elk.

zaboo

you dont want those crazy calibers. go with a 243 308 or 25-06.
in my opionon you are better off buying him a 308 3006 or 270 those are great but if he is recoil sensitive the first three i mentioned

RWK

243-6mm rem-260 rem-7-08 Take, your pick there all pretty mild recoil. Good luck

mrnateman89

what do you mean one of my friends took a 600 lbs black bear with a .243

ipscshooter

Good grief, people. There are little buttons on your keyboards that produce commas, and periods, and semi-colons... USE THEM! The last three posts make no sense. It's no wonder that the non-shooting public has a stereotypical view of hunters/gun-owners as a bunch of illiterate rednecks.

Big Bullets

Amen! Often wondered if people take the time to proof read. You cannot type the way you talk. Not being a snob. Just like to understand the posts you have taken the time to write.

abolt913

I purchased a browning x bolt in a 7-08 this spring for my daughter she is 16 I shot the gun at the range and what a pleasure to shot very controled recoil just really alot of fun to shot and has more than enough to shoot big game animals , I even know of people who have even hunted Elk with the 7-08

Reva4Jay

He just turned twelve a

CarpetBaggerDan

My own first was a 30.06, so I have a special affinity for it, but I honestly don't think you could go wrong with .243, considering the trajectory performance, low recoil, economy, and availability. Not to mention the fact that it'll be much easier to find a good used rifle in .243, since it's a popular choice for first time hunters anyway.

I've heard a few people complaining about it's performance at long range, but compare it to the heavier rounds in this chart and you'll see it's not really an issue http://tinyurl.com/ammo-ballistics-chart

At any rate, I hope you find the one that's right for you and your's! Good luck!

North Wind

270 with a muzzle break, try a savage, and make sure he has ear plugs!