I got a 270 when I was 13 and still shoot it today. I am 23 now. A 243 will work fine for you as well. If you hang around this site to long, you are going to end up wanting a 7mm-08. Ive been convinced from reading about it here, so that is going to be the next gun I purchase. Good Luck.

Since a good number have been mentioned, I will say a couple missed 260 rem or 308. I started with a 308 when I was 12 and I handled it alright, it is good cart. as well.

My wife is very small(5 feet 3 inches and 100 lbs) and she has no trouble at all killing Missouri deer with her Rem model 7 in 243. If you are still worried about the effectiveness of a 243 step up a step to a 260. Nearly the same speed and range of a 270 but a slightly lighter bullet and much less recoil, also available in model 7. Small and lightweight gun but not so tiny that you cant use it for the rest of your life and be comfortable.

A 25-06 is a good round for a young' n. Along with a lot of others that have been mentioned. But, when I was younger, I liked the 25-06. Still use it too. Low recoil, and a flat shooter

I would try borrowing a 270 or 308 and try it out before buying one. Remember also that a semiautomatic tends to have less recoil than a bolt action in the same caliber. If the 270 seems a bit intimidating go for the 243 pump. Not as accurate as a bolt action but more accurate than a semi auto. Its good for the thick areas here in florida.

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If it were me,I would go for the Remington Model Seven in the 7mm-08 also...

thanks for all that replied- I think I will go for a 270 or a 7mm-08 not sure which model but it will most likley be a bolt - THANKS AGAIN!
-hotgunner

hotgunner, try and see if you can find some one with the type of gun you are looking for and fire theirs before you buy one, there is nothing worse than buying a gun and finding out you are not really comfortable with it.

All the calibers mentioned are good ones but my personel choice would be the 25.06.