dway87

I use a .243 and a 30-30. They are both great calibers that I will always stick too. Last year I used a Rossi .223 and shot a 8 pointer at 100 yds. That was a pretty nice accurate little gun. Any of these calibers will be great for your son.

TUK101

They dont allow you to use a .223 in the state that I live in. If they did I would probably use it since it kicks so little and I shoot pretty accurately with it.

IndyHunter83

I'd go with a 243. Its pretty good out to 200yds and maybe alittle further. Does the job without the kick

dway87

They don't allow the .223 in Washington? I didn't know that.

firstshot

In the price range your talking, get him a Savage with the accutrigger in 7mm-08 and some Nosler custom ammo loaded with 120 Grn Nosler Ballistic Tips. http://www.nosler.com/index.php?p=11&b=3/&s=131

Then you won't have to move up in caliber as he gets older.

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!

TUK101

They dont allow you to hunt large game with one anyways. I have a .223 Rossi matched pair and I love shooting that gun. I wish that I could use it for deer hunting just because it is so easy to shoot.

Chantecler111

If you could find a good 6.5x55 Swede, that would be a really good gun for your son, otherwise, a good Savage 7mm-08 will be good, I think.

switchbackXT

WOW. I had to sign up to join this conversation.
I have two sons who started at 10 hunting whitetails. They have both killed 5 or 6 so far. They have used .243's since day one. I originally bought a H&R single shot in the youth model. Great shooting little gun that you can scope and have ready for under 300. They not shoot the ruger M77 compact in stainless synthetic.
I am an overkill gun hunter myself, using 7mm Mag, 300 WSM and occasionally the 300 Rem Ultra Mag. The 243s have killed as well as any caliber I use. Hardly ever chase one they shoot.
I would put a little thought into bullet selection though. We have tried several. The least impressive being the ballistic tip. Gun is to fast and bullet usually explodes, doing plenty of damage, but not exiting. Which does not leave a good blood trail if you do have to track. We are now using a 100gr soft point by federal. it does a great job.
I think the key will be getting him comfortable with what he shoots. Teach him to take his time and make a good shot. Most of all knowing what is around him and behind the deer. I remind my sons everytime we go out. Safety is the most important thing, then have fun!!

cuda67

I just went thru the same thing that you are. My kids are 11 and 13. My first thoughts were to go with the .243. But a few years agoI bought my oldest son a youth shotgun. Now he has outgrown it and I wish I would of gotten a full size one. For whats it worth, heres what I did. I bought them a .270 and they shoot Remingtons Managed Recoil loads in them. The recoil loads kick less than the .243. this way as they get older and want or need to shoot a bigger shell. They can without buying a different gun. Hope this helps and good luck on your decision.

pintailhomes

You know what I really think? age makes no difference. If a .243 kills a deer and is plenty of gun for a 11-12 yr old. I think at age 55 that same .243 is going to kill a deer just the same. There is most likely always a place in the gun rack for a .243.

All I'm saying is dont buy a .243 for a beginner rifle, just buy a .243 for what it is...a great standard caliber.