I've just been thinking about getting a small caliber for them instead of using a big 270. Just want to know what ammo and gun type.

It can most definitely be done, especially if you're inside 50 yds. If its just noise and recoil you're worried about, .223 is a great round that is legal for deer. Fairly quiet and the recoil is hardly noticeable.

I have all three and the .223 is probably my favorite. People love to talk about how it won't kill big deer or hogs, but I can personally vouch for its lethality. Shot placement and ethical shots are the key.

This question will get you 100 different answers that may be wrong. If you are shooting hogs in a trap, get the cheapest single shot 22LR you can find. Then buy ammo. If you are shooting them anywhere else, find a bigger caliber. A rifle is like a tool, and every situation could call for a different tool. Time of day, location, terrain type, shooting style, hog population, hog size, and other variables will all make a difference on what you would want to use for a rifle.

I have shot lots of semi-autos and bolt actions in multiple calibers, but lately have taken a liking to lever guns. If you are a man of few guns, I would think a 357 lever gun would cover a whole bunch of variables due to its multiple ammo options. Every one has their own liking on rifles, but this is just my two cent input.

I've shot one with rimfire and all the others with a center fire rifles. 50 yards is about max distance for a rimfire in my opinion.

The only reason I shot the one with a 22 was because my 22 was all I had with me at the time. That particular hog was not as smart as his friends and didn't run away.

I would suggest 223 and up. There are some very affordable single shot rifles on the market if you're trying to save money.

.223 quite ? Lol, not ours.

I really like this answer, as the man really understands hogs/hunting. Personally, I have shot hogs with most every caliber out there successfully, each in different situations. In a trap, a 22 pistol is my weapon of choice. Other wise, something more substantial is your best bet. I prefer a short barreled semi auto 30 cal. because I usually walk them up and have to deal with multiple hogs in high adrenaline situations (close quarters, high grass, thick brush, etc.,) When you have multiple hogs in close quarters and you make a marginal hit on one coming your direction, the larger calibers will usually turn a hog off you long enough for a fatal shot. Levers are good options for hogs, usually because they are fast to point and the actions are reliable. I don't much care for the AR10 platforms (have used them) because they are heavy and awkward in fast action situations. One of the old semi auto 44 cal guns are almost ideal for close quarters hog combat, as well. You might invest in a good 45 auto for back-up (if you have ever been run up a tree, you fully understand the need for backup weapons) Hope this information helps.

Neighbors pig got into your turnip patch again, huh?

We've always used .22's for dispatching hogs in our traps. But even at the close of range, there have been times when they didn't go down on the first shot. It's very rare, but it does happen. Since I personally like the animals I shoot to go down with one shot, especially when they aren't in a trap, I would go with something larger. All the other hogs I've killed I've shot with either a .223 or .243 (mostly out of a blind). Those were all head shots and they all dropped. That being said, I've witnessed firsthand a hog shot with a .270 and another with a .25-06, both in the head (right below ear), and both dropped. However, after about 30 seconds they quickly stumbled to their feet and took off into the brush. My point is that no reasonable caliber will give you 100% success rate if you are at it long enough and shoot enough hogs. Stuff is going to happen.