I've also found that, aside from being easy to shoot and kill things, the 30-06 is easy to load for. I've used powders from Unique to Magpro, and bullets from 110 to 245 grains. I keep collecting various weights and constructions of 30 cals, including 6 moulds. They all have shot from adequately to admirably in a 30-06.
In response to concern over recoil for the sensitive, it is a simple thing to load 125gr bullets to the low 2000's with a fast powder for a mild and lethal combo. Start the kid off with cast bullets and unique in the low teens and work them up, and Bob's your uncle.
