I tried my son out on the .06. He's not liking it. He's about to turn 12. Plus, although he's a big kid, the rifle is too long for him. Outstanding!! Why? Now I get to go buy another rifle. I was thinking about a Savage Model 11FYXP3 Youth in .243.We will be mostly huntinghogsfor the next year and a half. Then he will be old enough for deer also. I know the .243 is morethan adequate for deer, but what do you guys think about using it on hogs?Also, what do you think about this particular weapon? Any other suggestions with comparable price?

I have used the .243 on hogs up to and around 200 pounds and have found it adequate for the job, so long as you are using 100 grain bullets, as for a comparable rifle, the only thing that comes to mind is the remington model 710, comes with a scope, but unfortunately the lowest caliber is .270

I took a 320 lb boar with my win. m70 in .243. I shot it right between the ear and the eye and it dropped on the spot. I was using 100g remington core-lokts.

i'd think on a 30-30

A .243 will work fine though on a large boar you will want to make a head shot or neck shot because of the thick shield over their shoulders. We've shot boars with a shield up to 2" thick. At 50 yards with a .35 reminton 200 grain bullet it stopped the bullet on the far side and didn't penetrate completely. When we cleaned it we counted at least 6 other scars on it shield where it had been shot and not killed because the bullets didn't penetrate the shield.

I have a Win. mod 70 in .243 that I bought for my wife . Keep the boy away from that 06 for a while I am 230# and hate the recoil myself but my wife used the .243 and actually enjoys shooting it.
I use her gun for hog hunting since I really like the .243 for the minimal damage it does on the meat.

3006, 180 gr bronze tip,100 yards, In behind the right shoulder, hit no bone but lodged in the front of the left shoulder. Stoped cold fully intact.
44 automag 15yards 400+sow 4 shots did not stop never found her.
.243 75yards right behind the ear droped in its tracks.
Hogs its all in where you place it.

Thanks fellas. I think that answers my question.

Gallo, get him a Ruger6.5mmSwede, andale homey!!!

I agree. Get the 6.5x55.