I have been reading a ton lately on the perfect deer rifle for a youth hunter. .243 and 7mm08 always come up huge in the reviews.

In the event someone on here is looking into it I will offer my experience.

I am so pleased with my Ruger American Ranch in 300 blackout. My 10 year old was ringing steel at 100 yard and building confidence like crazy this weekend. I have an AAC 762sdn6 on it. Gun is quiet, doesn't kick, and sends a .30 cal bullet down range to 100 yards with enough force to kill deer (using barnes black tips). My little guy (8 year old) shot my 300 blackout sbr with the same can. He was also ringing steel at 100 yards. Both will work great this year...so long as they don't get the shakes.

so, like any topic on caliber choice it's always up to the individual shooter.