When my youngest son turned 12, I set up with a 243 AI and he killed a two bears and at least 3 hefty mule deer bucks with that rifle and 85 grain TSX's over his first few years hunting. All died with one shot and quickly at he hands of a novice hunter. No drama with any kills and nothing over 240 yards. I'd feel real safe with anything in the 243 range and game tough bullets.
