My son and I are heading to Texas for a ram and hog hunt in March and wanted some advice on optimal calibers.

We are both hunters but have never hunted ram or hog before (not an option in Ontario).

For myself I was thinking a .308 with a .270 for backup in case I have a problem with the .308.

For my son (15 year old) I was thinking 7-08 with a .243 for backup as he shoots both of these pretty well.

In terms of other options I also own a 35 Whelen, 30-06, 260 rem and a 22-250.

Really anything will be fine.

Even the .22-250 will work

Bring your two favorite guns and post pics afterwards.

Yep 243,7-08,260,270 would all be about perfect.

Ed

That 260 and 22-250 seem good already. But I like your style. New hunt, new guns!

I'm not sure what kind of Sheep you're after but if its an aoudad they can be pretty stout.

Where are you hunting?

When I went on my ram hunt I had my 243 and my dad had his 257 Roberts. The other guys we were hunting with had a 300 win mag and a 270 wssm. My dad was the first to shoot one and I was watching it in my scope. Dad made a good shot and it took two steps. Everyone was saying shoot it again but it was done and went down fast. I took one later with my 243 and the ram ran about ten yards then payed over dead. Really bullet placement with a good shoot is all it takes.

Walter

I think I have mislead you - I am not buying new guns. I also already own the .308, .270, 7-08, and the .243.



Corsican Ram

Hill country along the Guadeloupe River. Can't think of the ranch name off the top of my head - brain fart.

Sounds like you have it covered. Remember, bigger is usually better.

It might be easier to bring one rifle each and just use the other's rifle as the backup. Easier to fly that way, anyhow. It's not like there's a shortage of rifles here in Texas. I would think that any decent outfitter could get his hands on a couple in a pinch.

We are driving so airline issues do not apply and no chance of "lost baggage." I love a good road trip, 2.5 days each way plus that way I can pack the caped noggins in ice and save some money on the taxidermy export fees. Only potential hiccup is if ATF does not approve our permit to bring the rifles across the border.

When I read this the first time, apparently in didn't read it.


Hogs, dot Dogs! Oh well that changes EVERYTHING! Lol

Just eenie-meenie-miney-moe and go.

(Although the thought of whomping a hog with a .35 Whelen sounds mighty appealing.....)

Don't it tho? Lol

S'wut I'm talkin' 'bout.

Any of the calibers you mentioned should work fine. Bring the guns you are most confident in.

2.5 days each way seems like a long drive. I'd guess about 28 hour drive plus stops.


I want to shoot a big one with a .50 Beowulf.