I am looking to purchase a new gun and hoping to get some help.
This gun will be used by me for preditor, and woodchuck hunting along with plinking and target shooting. But also as an occasional deer gun for my 12 year old daughter or wife. (both petite)

I understand that in this case shot placement will be the key, and why I am thinking 22-250 for a caliber. I figure if there is NO recoil, then I can get them both to practice often and enjoy shooting. (not to mention its an awsome wood chuck caliber)

Please give me opinions on both caliber and gun I am hoping to get the gun in the $500-$600 range.

Neither my wife or daughter would do much walking so weight isnt a huge concern as long as they can cofortably raise and hold the gun.

Thanks in advance for any help / sugestions.

.243......I shoota Ruger M77 SS Lam. Stock..My wife, my young nephews and nieces can shoot it all day long!

rebelhog gave you a good choice. Some people use a 22-250 for deer as well as the 223. but IMO it is too light, especially for a novice. The .243is a good choice for deer as well as groundhogs and predators. Too, if you don't reload, ammo is readily available. As for the rifle, I would suggest a Savage model 11 with a synthetic stock. This won't break your wallet and just about every one is a respectable shooter.

First I'd find out what caliber your state allows for deer hunting and go from there. Some may allow 22-250 I don't know. I agree with Rebel Hog on a 243, and you'll get alot of other advise from other members. If you want to do some plinking I don't think a center fire is the gun, buy a 22 for that. If you wife and daughter have limited experience with guns definatly start them out with a 22. Just my 2 cents

I used to reload, dont at this time.
Our state does allow 22-250 but do see your point for deer, I do think it would get used mostly for chucks never thought much about the .243 for that, is this a flat shooting round like the 22-250?
How about recoil, how does it compare to the 22-250?

Remington Model 7 .243. If your wife is fairly short, i.e. less than 5'6", consider getting the youth model. That's what I got for my son when he was 12.

The .243 does not have much kick to it--though the weight of the rifle can be a factor. My daughter was shooting one when she was 10. I expect .223 ammo would be less expensive than .22-250. Don't overlook the Savages for out of the box accuracy. If your not opposed to a single shot, the NEF Handirfles are nice youth rifles that are very accurate and you can get barrels in several rifle calibers, as well as shotgun and muzzleloader for the same action. Single shots don't always seem as attractive, but are a good choice for someone developing shooting skills and with practice one can get a second shot off with a single shot break action in no time. My dad could always put two ducks down with a break action, single shot, shotgun, and occasionally three.

Certainly, the .243/6mm will have more recoil than the .223 or the .22/250. However, they are much better for larger varmints like coyotes and wolves, and of course, deer. The .243 is very flat shooting, and with bullets in the 70-85 grain range, perhaps even a bit flatter shooting than the .22/250....

a good round would be a 243 but 22-250 is not bad at all. i love my 243. is use it for deer mainly. the 22-250 will do the job also.

IMO, a .22-250 would be good, just make sure you keep the shots within 200 yards for deer, and don't attempt a shoulder shot. The best shots for a .22-250 would be either vitals, or neck. When it comes to neck shots, make sure you don't shoot more than 100 yards.

I would not recommend head shots with the .22-250, you need a bigger cartridge for that.

There are all these people on this site that are going to brand you as unethical, and claim that there is no other shot than a broadside, right behind the shoulder.

That's crap, the key is, don't push yourself beyond your shooting ability, if you can hit deer in thehead from 300 yards away because you're that good, good for you, if not, don't try it.

So like I said, the .22-250 would be the best since you want to do lots of varmit hunting too.