What caliber would you choose?

[mountainman]

Both daughters in their younger years killed coyote, deer, and bear with their matching model 7's in 7-08. More smack then the 243 (also a good choice) and less recoil then the 308 (another good choice)

[jasnt]

I would go( if you don't reload) 243 cause it's so available, you can find 243 ammo in just about every ammo supply shop in the US. It's light on recoil, an inhertently accurate cartrage that is capable of putting down any game animal in the lower 48 with proper placement and circumstances. 7/08 is great but not quite as available. 308 is great but a little heavier on recoil. If you do reload than any of those will be fine

[257 Wby Mag]

I'm a big boy and still slick up bulls and bucks with a 243...  !They're magical..

[257 Wby Mag]

Fear thy Boolit , not the headstamp...

[Biggerhammer]

Some are a little slow to understand the fact that bullet selection matters far more than the headstamp. Then again some slept through their basic math classes and believe Barnes bullets are the top choice no matter the case.

[huntnphool]

Another 7mm-08 fan right here!

[huntnphool]

The 308, 7mm-08, (243) and 260 use the same case.

Everything being equal the 308 family of cartriges will have less recoil.

You forgot the 243, and recoil is dependent on load, let's not twist it to intentionally support our own preference!

[mountainman]

The 308, 7mm-08, (243) and 260 use the same case.

Everything being equal the 308 family of cartriges will have less recoil.

Also, don't forget the. 358 Winchester!

You forgot the 243, and recoil is dependent on load, let's not twist it to intentionally support our own preference!

Good luck with that with some of this crew on Hunt-Wa! 

[Taco280AI]

A 243 in an 8+lb rifle. Even with heavier bullets should be mild on recoil

[Bigshooter]

The first thing that I would worry about is finding a gun that fits him properly and he feels comfortable with.  Then I would chose a caliber.  But I will vote .243.

[Jim the Plumber]

I am wondering what caliber would be best for a small framed 10 year old but big enough for elk at 100 yards. Recoil needs to be mild. Thanks for your input.

6.5 Creedmoor or 260 Remington.
Both answer all your questions perfectly. Less recoil than the 7's and 30's, more energy than the 24's.

[fastdam]

This will be my sons first year hunting. He's 11. He is going to be shooting a single shot H&R break action 30-30. Its a small gun that fits him, it has light recoil and it will kill elk at 100the yards. I dont see why it wouldnt at 200 yards.

[b23]

6.5 Creedmoor or 260 Remington.
Both answer all your questions perfectly. Less recoil than the 7's and 30's, more energy than the 24's.

X2!!!  I'm a big fan of just about anything 6.5  The 6.5x55 is also an excellent choice but availability, compared to these other two 6.5's, is considerably less.  Also, and I don't care what it is, put a good quality brake on it.

[Boss .300 winmag]

Well, I'd say you both have every right to be proud.  Sounds like your nine-year-old daughter could relieve me of my lunch money anytime she wanted. 
But I tend to agree with your first suggestion on the .308 as a more suitable round given the OP's criteria.

She is 21 now so who knows. 

Also the .243 works well, the one guy on here daughter shot her elk last year with one at a little over 200 yds I believe.

[mountainman]

243 is a fine starter caliber. Mild recoil allows for accurate placement, which will trump headstamp   AND bullet type every time! I know folk who post pics of 1/2" groups at 300 yards from a bench, but have a hard time hitting mulie 's at 30 yards..