Free: Contests & Raffles.
My knee jerk resopnse is a 260 Rem, but there aren't a lot of options for ammo or guns. I've never owned a 270, but I'll bet that a 7mm-08 would have recoil similar to a 270. It shoots a heavier bullet, but burns a little less powder. The 25-06 would be a good option as well. Either caliber comes in in a Stevens model 200 for about $300 new. I actually have Stevens factory barrels in 243, 7mm-08, and 25-06 and they all shoot under MOA. So IMO the Stevens is a good platform at a good price.Andrew
Use the 308 with some downloaded 150 grain bullets, or the barnes 130 grains. Plenty enough for deer, and very little kick. The kid can then grow into it. I started with a 243 when I was ten (friends gun), and dad bought me a 308 when I was 11. Used 130 grain Speers in it for a couple years, then moved up to 165 grain partitions. Same gun killed a moose for my wife last year, with 180 grain bullets (see Other Big Game forum for pics). I'd also say the 7-08 is another good option, you could pick up 120 factory ammo for it, doesn't kick too bad.