I have been starting some of my grand daughters on the 260 rem. Its a great caliber for any lady. I reload all the ammo for my bunch of lady hunters and they get along great with the 260 rem. I use Barnes, Hornady and Nosler bullets, they all shoot great. Just remember get your ladies out to the rifle range as much as they have time for. In the long run they will enjoy hunting. This country needs more lady hunters. Don't forget they need to learn the art of field dressing too.

I've thought about this for my daughter and I'm leaning toward a .243. However, Jeff Cooper, who knew a hell of a lot more than I ever will, was a big proponent of the .308 and I know he wrote many times of his daughter hunting with one. I find it hard to argue with someone with his knowledge.

Not a lady, but I'd have to side on the .308 side. Low recoil, dead as a makrel results.
Good luc and good hunting to you and your daughter.
Oh, I'd still "build" her a rifle, but why be cheap(not saying you are) Do um' both! She'll enjoy them even more than one you just "buy".

Teuf...,

Take a look at the .260 Remington. I built my wife one on a short Remington action that she really loves. It provides a wide selection of bullet weights from varmint to a 160 grain round nose that will go through most anything. My wife's favorite loads are in the 120 to 130 grain range with the 120 grain Corelokt and the 130 grain Nosler Accubond getting the most use. Recoil is only slightly more than a .243, not too bad for the performance rendered.

I have started lots of kids with my 7-08. All were successful and none ever complained about anything. Obviously many brands and sizes of bullets are available so you can taylor the load to suit the need. As I have said before a local outfitter's wife uses this caliber exclusively for all of her big game shooting. The various 300 plus B & C bull elk mounts on her walls were all shot with that "little" rifle. Its hard to argue with success. I sometimes wonder why I don't use the rifle more myself instead of my magnums, yep its mostly a guy thing.

The 7mm-08 is a wonderful cartridge! Not as versitle as the .308 but real close. Much versitle than the .243.

The 260 Remington is really hard to beat. The 6.5 mm (.260 Rem bullet dia) is caliber often overlooked by American hunters. Another 6.5, the 6.5 Grendel is designed for the AR-15 platform with plenty of potential for short stroke bolts. This small cartridge has game harvesting potential similar to the .257 Roberts, .243 Winchester, and the 30-30. (see articles in http://shootersnotes.com/) The .260 Rem shoots the same bullets at a significantly higher velocity, hence will reach further at the expense of a little added recoil.

What does she want? Give her good advice but let the dream be hers. I can think of several good choices, a .260 Remington, and 25-06 .257 Roberts, .270, 7 X 57, 7MM-08 or .308 all would be fine. I assume when you said "build her a rifle" you were going to fit a stock etc so you can make it fit her correctly and leave it a little on the heavy side to soften the recoil. It would be so great to include her in the work, it would help build her confidence and it would give you an opportunity to spend time with her in the shop that later will be priceless. Yes Dad, when she grows up and leaves home!
I don't think you could go wrong with a properly fitted 7mm-08 and a medium power variable scope like a 2-7. Unless she is recoil shy I think I would try to steer her away from the .243 but my son started out on one and he still shoots it unless we are hunting the big stuff. Have fun Dad, very cool!
(I am assuming by the way it is writen it is Dad, same goes if it is Mom!)

I have a small frame too and also have a messed up shoulder..so it makes my right arm weak. I use a Remington 260 and have used it for five years now!! I love it!! My hubby loads all the ammo for me and I can shoot it without killing my shoulder!! And the animals fall right over when shot!! =)

I prefer a 243. Its kind of my all around rifle, and at 5'2",120 lbs. it wont kill my shoulder. works great for coyotes but is powerful enough for deer. Ive never had a problem with its take down power on a deer, but i dont push the yardage either. And its a pretty inexpensive gun to shoot.

wish I knew this sight was here a few weeks ago.... I lost my only child a son 16 yoa in a wreck. I use to go with him and set in the buddy stand and watch him... well now that he is gone i decided to get me a rifle and go i tried his 30 -06 and it kicked like crazy. I purchased a 243 savage. I hope it will get the job done after reading all the post only a few has purchased a 243.

The Remington 260 is a superb white cartridge in my opinion and after using it for that last 5 years I really don't see any difference in the wound channels vs a 150 grn 30/06. But of course a huge difference in recoil and muzzle blast.

Start them off with 120 grn loads.

Also, this cartridge is based on the famous 308 designed for feeding in the M60 machine gun in the 1950's and can be purchased in short actions making for a lighter and more accurate action.