Not to start another thread but I guess I have too.
I have a .243 already but it's a vaminter and is just to damn big and heavy for my 9 year old. It weighs like 14lbs fully rigged. It is not very practical even for me. I will never buy a bull barrell again.
I am thinking about the NEF Ultra hunter for him. I dont really want another .243, the only other caliber the Ultra comes in that moves me is the 25-06, I wish it came in the 7-08 but it doesnt. What is the .25's recoil like in the small NEF, it weighs 7 lbs. Never owned a 25-06
Does anyone own the Ultra in the .25, whats your opinion on it

I shot a friend's 25-06 and it has very manageable recoil. I have studied the ballistics and read Chuck Hawks articles and believe it is a grat caliber. My friend absolutely loved this gun.

Isn't Chuck Hawks the guy that says things like "The 7mm can only be effectivley used on moose within 10 yards."?

My son shoots a Remington model seven in a 25-06, and it works great. nice little caliber for woods hunting.

My son has a Youth Model 7 .243. After shooting it, I liked it so much I got a Model 700 .243 for myself. Makes the logistics easier... We only have to grab one box of shells when we head out to the lease. Don't rule out a .243 for him just because you already have one. It's anice cartridge. Recoil is quite a bit less than the 25-06 and that seems like it would be a significant factor if you're getting a rifle for a 9 year old.