texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed, Trappernewt, casyoo
71987 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,416
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,769
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics537,019
Posts9,719,441
Members86,987
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Best caliber for a newbie #7021708 01/02/18 07:32 PM
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 820
R
Red Pill Offline OP
Tracker
OP Offline
Tracker
R
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 820
A friend has a problem with hogs on his horse operation in Tarrant County. I have been helping him but he wants to get a rifle to shoot some himself. He can shoot, but doesn't have a lot of hunting experience. What. Sliver would you suggest? I've been using my .223, but I know that can be a bit light. I wouldn't recommend 308, but would you recommend something in between like a .243? I will probably recommend a bolt gun for simplicity. He's unlikely to get a second shot anyway.

Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7021713 01/02/18 07:35 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,919
M
maximum Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
M
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,919
a good full sized AR and a autoloading shotgun full of buckshot will cover all the bases

Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7021733 01/02/18 07:53 PM
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,363
C
Cherokee Mingan Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
C
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,363
.223 will get it done, it's about shot placement.

Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7021741 01/02/18 08:00 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 29,609
S
SapperTitan Offline
Taking Requests
Offline
Taking Requests
S
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 29,609
6.8 SPC or 6.5 Grendel

Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7021760 01/02/18 08:10 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
N
Nogalus Prairie Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
N
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Anything from .243 through .308 if recoil is a potential concern.

In a bolt gun. Then, he has an all-around rifle for deer and other varmints if he decides to hunt them in the future. 7mm-08 is always a good choice.


Originally Posted by Russ79
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.


Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7021781 01/02/18 08:26 PM
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 461
P
PappyG1 Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
P
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 461
X2 for 6.8 spc or 6.5 Grendel. Light recoil for follow up shots and much more effective than .223 on running hogs.

Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: PappyG1] #7021791 01/02/18 08:32 PM
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 105
T
tcr2 Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
T
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 105
Originally Posted By: PappyG1
X2 for 6.8 spc or 6.5 Grendel. Light recoil for follow up shots and much more effective than .223 on running hogs.


This.

Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Nogalus Prairie] #7021797 01/02/18 08:37 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 29,609
S
SapperTitan Offline
Taking Requests
Offline
Taking Requests
S
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 29,609
Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
Anything from .243 through .308 if recoil is a potential concern.

In a bolt gun. Then, he has an all-around rifle for deer and other varmints if he decides to hunt them in the future. 7mm-08 is always a good choice.
Didn't you just argue with FiremanJG about getting off subject and preaching? Now you are talking about deer hunting when the OP ask about hog hunting weapon and pushing bolt action as if a semi auto won't work as well or even better for hogs. By the way if a gun will kill a hog it will most definitely kill a deer so anything he gets for hogs could also be used on deer or varmints.

Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7021810 01/02/18 08:51 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,929
Lance Vick Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,929
6.8 first then 300 blackout great choices both will do everything you need it do
6.8 for more field hunting 300 blackout for more all around
Not a bolt gun



Contact Lance@texashuntingland.com
www.texashuntingland.com
Deadend Outfitters
903-312-0609 Lance Vick
Fun begins where the road ends,
www.deadendoutfitters.com
www.guideonlakefork.com
Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: SapperTitan] #7021822 01/02/18 08:57 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
N
Nogalus Prairie Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
N
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Originally Posted By: SapperTitan
Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
Anything from .243 through .308 if recoil is a potential concern.

In a bolt gun. Then, he has an all-around rifle for deer and other varmints if he decides to hunt them in the future. 7mm-08 is always a good choice.
Didn't you just argue with FiremanJG about getting off subject and preaching? Now you are talking about deer hunting when the OP ask about hog hunting weapon and pushing bolt action as if a semi auto won't work as well or even better for hogs. By the way if a gun will kill a hog it will most definitely kill a deer so anything he gets for hogs could also be used on deer or varmints.


Kinda sensitive, aren't we? Read slower. I was talking about a hog gun - the deer hunting comment had to do with possible "bonus" uses in the future. The purpose of my "range" was to stay away from the .223 - when there are much better options.

OP himself said he is probably going to suggest a bolt gun to his friend. For simplicity.

What's amazing to me is that a guy can come on here asking about one thing-and folks give him advice on the opposite. He is kinda thinking .223 is light - one immediate response is to get a .223. He is thinking bolt gun - 4 out of first 6 responses are to get an AR.

There's a lot of "preaching" going on all right, but I ain't the one doing it.


Originally Posted by Russ79
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.


Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Nogalus Prairie] #7021837 01/02/18 09:03 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 29,609
S
SapperTitan Offline
Taking Requests
Offline
Taking Requests
S
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 29,609
Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
Originally Posted By: SapperTitan
Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
Anything from .243 through .308 if recoil is a potential concern.

In a bolt gun. Then, he has an all-around rifle for deer and other varmints if he decides to hunt them in the future. 7mm-08 is always a good choice.
Didn't you just argue with FiremanJG about getting off subject and preaching? Now you are talking about deer hunting when the OP ask about hog hunting weapon and pushing bolt action as if a semi auto won't work as well or even better for hogs. By the way if a gun will kill a hog it will most definitely kill a deer so anything he gets for hogs could also be used on deer or varmints.


Kinda sensitive, aren't we? Read slower. I was talking about a hog gun - the deer hunting comment had to do with possible "bonus" uses in the future. The purpose of my "range" was to stay away from the .223 - when there are much better options.

OP himself said he is probably going to suggest a bolt gun to his friend. For simplicity.

What's amazing to me is that a guy can come on here asking about one thing-and folks give him advice on the opposite. He is kinda thinking .223 is light - one immediate response is to get a .223. He is thinking bolt gun - 4 out of first 6 responses are to get an AR.

There's a lot of "preaching" going on all right, but I ain't the one doing it.
1 out of the first 4 mentioned an AR and only 1 mentioned a 223.

Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7021841 01/02/18 09:04 PM
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4,091
CharlieCTx Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4,091
Originally Posted By: Red Pill
I wouldn't recommend a 308.

Why not?


Kel-Tec RFB + Griffin Sportsman Ultra Light 300 + Pulsar Apex XQ-50
M&P-10 + AAC Cyclone
Remy 700 + Leupold VX3 3.5x10x50 CDS
Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: CharlieCTx] #7021872 01/02/18 09:25 PM
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 820
R
Red Pill Offline OP
Tracker
OP Offline
Tracker
R
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 820
Originally Posted By: CharlieCTx
Originally Posted By: Red Pill
I wouldn't recommend a 308.

Why not?


My thoughts are recoil and noise. It's a semi-suburban area. It's legal to fire a center fire rifle, but keeping the noise down can't hurt.

Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7021891 01/02/18 09:40 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 29,609
S
SapperTitan Offline
Taking Requests
Offline
Taking Requests
S
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 29,609
Originally Posted By: Red Pill
Originally Posted By: CharlieCTx
Originally Posted By: Red Pill
I wouldn't recommend a 308.

Why not?


My thoughts are recoil and noise. It's a semi-suburban area. It's legal to fire a center fire rifle, but keeping the noise down can't hurt.
hate to tell ya but there isn’t much difference between 223-308 as far as how loud they are. If your worried about noise it’s time to invest in a suppressor.

Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7021893 01/02/18 09:40 PM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,714
T
TAT Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
T
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,714
243 or 3o8 would be good. Both are gonna make some noise!


It's not how you fall, It's how you get up.
Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: SapperTitan] #7021897 01/02/18 09:40 PM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,714
T
TAT Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
T
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,714
Originally Posted By: SapperTitan
Originally Posted By: Red Pill
Originally Posted By: CharlieCTx
Originally Posted By: Red Pill
I wouldn't recommend a 308.

Why not?


My thoughts are recoil and noise. It's a semi-suburban area. It's legal to fire a center fire rifle, but keeping the noise down can't hurt.
hate to tell ya but there isn’t much difference between 223-308 as far as how loud they are. If your worried about noise it’s time to invest in a suppressor.


This


It's not how you fall, It's how you get up.
Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7021906 01/02/18 09:45 PM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,493
D
der Teufel Online Content
Veteran Tracker
Online Content
Veteran Tracker
D
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,493
If an AR type rifle is not desired, almost anything will put some hurt on a hog.
A .243 would certainly do the job, as would the 7mm-08 that Nogalus Prairie mentioned.

Those, or anything in between will work. Hogs can be tough, but they're not bulletproof!
A .223 would work, although they may not drop on the spot. I prefer something a little bigger myself, though.


I have two unwritten rules:
1.
2.
Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7021927 01/02/18 10:00 PM
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,031
V
Vern1 Online Content
Veteran Tracker
Online Content
Veteran Tracker
V
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,031
A bolt gun can be frustrating because you usually only get one shot.
A semi will allow quick follow up shots to anchor a hog or take another one.
I use AR15 platform rifle chambered in 6.8 as my goto pig guns.
My shots are under 200 yards and it has planted a bunch with 120gr SST handloads.
Kinda want an AR10 in 308 but the weight has put me off so far.


Cheers,
Vern1
Texans since The Old 300 in 1824
NRA Lifetime Member
Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7021939 01/02/18 10:03 PM
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 126
S
sdunshee Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
S
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 126
another vote for 6.8spcII. 95gr ttsx or 120gr SST are hell on them

Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7021958 01/02/18 10:10 PM
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 820
R
Red Pill Offline OP
Tracker
OP Offline
Tracker
R
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 820
Thanks to all. I'll take it all under advisement. Who knows, after firing my AR, he made want one.

Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7022416 01/03/18 03:06 AM
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,829
Adchunts Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,829
Something like this would have very little recoil, enough power out to 150 yards or so, and can be easily suppressed. Plenty of factory ammo available (and Chad’s loads are phenomenal).

https://ruger.com/products/americanRifleRanch/specSheets/6968.html

Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7022420 01/03/18 03:09 AM
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4,091
CharlieCTx Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4,091
Originally Posted By: SapperTitan
hate to tell ya but there isn’t much difference between 223-308 as far as how loud they are. If your worried about noise it’s time to invest in a suppressor.


What he said.

If he’s not a hunter and you don’t see more than one shot, do what ST does and get you a rifled barrel shotgun.


Kel-Tec RFB + Griffin Sportsman Ultra Light 300 + Pulsar Apex XQ-50
M&P-10 + AAC Cyclone
Remy 700 + Leupold VX3 3.5x10x50 CDS
Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7023401 01/03/18 09:31 PM
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 820
R
Red Pill Offline OP
Tracker
OP Offline
Tracker
R
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 820
When I went out there yesterday I shot another one for him. A boar, probably 175#. Used my AR, and it took a while for him to go down. He liked my .357 lever gun, so I left that with him to try. We will see.

Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7023604 01/03/18 11:34 PM
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 978
E
el_cazador713 Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
E
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 978
In an AR I'd go 6.8, 16" barrel shooting 120 SSTs. Super handy and will be all you need for hogs within several hundred yards. A 1/8 twist 223 wylde would be good too and shoot heavier 60-77 g bullets as a second option.

Re: Best caliber for a newbie [Re: Red Pill] #7024504 01/04/18 04:20 PM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 441
V
VAFish Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
V
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 441
Originally Posted By: Red Pill
When I went out there yesterday I shot another one for him. A boar, probably 175#. Used my AR, and it took a while for him to go down. He liked my .357 lever gun, so I left that with him to try. We will see.


There are lots of options. Sounds like his property isn't that big. An AR15 in .300 BLK would work very well. That bolt action Ruger American in .300 BLK would be another great choice. A lever action in .357, .44 mag or .30-30 would work very well too. A used Marlin 336 in .30-30 with a 1-4x scope would be a good combination.

FWIW my cousin uses a Marlin lever action in .44 mag with a red dot sight on his farm, works great on coyote, bob cat, hogs and deer. Nothing seems to walk away very far after a hit with a 240 gr jhp.

Originally Posted By: CharlieCTx
Originally Posted By: SapperTitan
hate to tell ya but there isn’t much difference between 223-308 as far as how loud they are. If your worried about noise it’s time to invest in a suppressor.


What he said.

If he’s not a hunter and you don’t see more than one shot, do what ST does and get you a rifled barrel shotgun.


IF he's not a hunter the recoil of a 12 ga slug gun can be brutal.

Last edited by VAFish; 01/04/18 04:22 PM.

"If your plan is for one year, plant rice.
If your plan is for ten years, plant trees.
If your plan is for one hundred years, educate children."
-- Confucius
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3