Forums46
Topics537,784
Posts9,729,104
Members87,042
|
Most Online25,604 Feb 12th, 2024
|
|
|
Caliber Recommendations?
#7539197
06/21/19 04:25 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 9
June622
OP
Green Horn
|
OP
Green Horn
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 9 |
I am looking for recommendations for what caliber would make a good hog gun. I would only be interested in rifle calibers or shotgun gauges. I understand that shot placement is the main thing that matters, but I would hopefully be looking for a caliber where I could aim for the shoulder of a hog and it would be DRT. The longest shots would be around 200 yards. Lastly I already have a .243 WIN, a 30-30 WIN, and a .270 WIN, so I would be looking for a new caliber that I haven't already tried out. I look forward to hearing your opinions.
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7539202
06/21/19 05:23 AM
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,235
Double Naught Spy
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,235 |
First, you need to do away with the myth that just shooting a hog causes it to be DRT because you use ____ hunting caliber. That is all bull. UNLESS YOU DO DAMAGE TO THE CNS, EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, DO NOT EXPECT THE HOG TO BE DRT. It is that simple.
If you want to shoot a hog in the shoulder and have it DRT, then the bullet needs to be hitting the spine or being close enough to the spine to cause neural damage.
If you don't do significant damage to the CNS, expect the hog to run. It may be running dead, but it won't be DRT.
You already own perfectly good hog hunting calibers. If you are just looking to buy a new caliber, then buy some big thumper.
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7539209
06/21/19 07:17 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 897
TKM
Tracker
|
Tracker
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 897 |
Not sure just what type of hog hunting you do, hunt from a stand maybe? My self, i do a lot of walking, spot and stalk has accounted for the majority of my hogs. Of all the calibers i own, i have put down tons of them with a little AR223 shooting 55g fmj's. I aim for an area high, front of shoulder to their head. Lots of them drop asap. Not necessarly drt, they may flop for a bit. That little 55g fmj hits bone, specially the spine, and they go down. I have everything from a 17hmr to 338 winmag. If i were to look at getting a close range hog hammer in an ar15 platform i'd look at the 450 bushmaster. I have the 300bo, it puts a good hurt on them but really no more energy than a 223. I am kind of fond of the 300bo when hunting new ground or where i know there could be cattle behind us at some distance. I know that with the 300 zeroed at 150 yards the bullet will be doing a nose dive to the dirt not much past 200 yards. The 300 is launching 110g Barnes tipped. Right now i'm having a hard time not pulling the trigger on a 6.5 grendel upper.
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7539305
06/21/19 01:25 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,568
garyrapp55
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,568 |
105 Howitzer 308win 708rem the 243 and 270 you already have will do it 6.8 6.5 of multiple flavors many many more will do it, you must decide yourself
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7539306
06/21/19 01:26 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,694
603Country
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,694 |
Get something in the 30 to 35 caliber range, if you just need a new caliber. That said, Double Naught has good advice about bullet placement, and that 270 will do all you need. As for bullets, I shoot Nosler Ballistic Tips, but any good bullet will do. And, on placement, for years I shot hogs where I shot deer, which is in the lungs. It works, and they don’t go far, but they also don’t drop straight down. If you want them to drop on the spot, like I do now, shoot em in the neck/spine.
I had the granddaughter and her boyfriend (who had never hunted) at the ranch a while back, and they wanted to pig hunt. All I had extra was my 223 and 65 gr Sierra GKs. I drew a pig diagram on my barn whiteboard to show the boyfriend where to put the bullet. I let him shoot a while to familiarize himself with the rifle, and put them in the most likely stand. He dropped a big hog “straight down”. Perfect spine shot. And I didn’t have to track a hog.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7539344
06/21/19 02:00 PM
|
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4,091
CharlieCTx
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4,091 |
My preferred POI is base of the neck/shoulder for the reasons DNS mentioned. Quality ammo will improve your DRT to run ratio as well.
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: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7539494
06/21/19 05:17 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 558
no-guts-no-glory
Tracker
|
Tracker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 558 |
I am looking for recommendations for what caliber would make a good hog gun. I would only be interested in rifle calibers or shotgun gauges. I understand that shot placement is the main thing that matters, but I would hopefully be looking for a caliber where I could aim for the shoulder of a hog and it would be DRT. The longest shots would be around 200 yards. Lastly I already have a .243 WIN, a 30-30 WIN, and a .270 WIN, so I would be looking for a new caliber that I haven't already tried out. I look forward to hearing your opinions. You already own it. That .270 Winchester would do great on hogs that are around 200 yards out.
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7539513
06/21/19 05:47 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,907
unclebubba
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,907 |
As was discussed earlier. You already have some good hog calibers. Also, as was discussed, if you don't hit the CNS, you won't have DRT regardless of what you are shooting. That said, if you are just looking for a good excuse to buy another gun, then I say GO FOR IT!! One of my faves for 100 yards and under is 45/70.
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7539611
06/21/19 08:33 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 9
June622
OP
Green Horn
|
OP
Green Horn
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 9 |
I wanted to thank all of you for your advice. I will be for sure to keep it in mind, I can see now that I am going to need some more practice if I want to make for sure that I drop every hog that I shoot.
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7540037
06/22/19 03:30 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,408
rickt300
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,408 |
358 Winchester or 35 Whelen, might not drop at the shot but there will be a blood trail and a short one at that. But your 270 is going to give good results with the right bullets.
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7540763
06/24/19 01:19 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 29,123
TXHOGSLAYER
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 29,123 |
I dropped 2 on Friday evening with my sons .243. First kicked a bit and died, second one never moved. In fact, I thought I had missed it because I couldn't see any movement. Went to the feeder to look at the first one and noticed the second lying right there. 100 grain Core-lokt's
LETS GO BRANDON
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7541659
06/25/19 11:48 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,157
tacotime
Pro Tracker
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,157 |
Easy answer. .45-70 Gov't.
Last edited by tacotime; 06/25/19 11:52 AM.
When in doubt, take the .45-70
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7542113
06/25/19 09:18 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,771
P_102
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,771 |
6.5 Grendel in the AR platform.
Do not trifle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7542134
06/25/19 09:44 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 19,650
Pitchfork Predator
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 19,650 |
That's easy.....300 HAMR baby! The rest are all pretenders in the AR15 frame, lol.....
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7542137
06/25/19 09:49 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 19,650
Pitchfork Predator
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 19,650 |
Check out the 300 HAMR thread in the guns and shooting section, lots of info there......
Last edited by Pitchfork Predator; 06/25/19 09:50 PM.
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: TXHOGSLAYER]
#7542918
06/26/19 10:08 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,234
Judd
#1 Creedmoor Fan
|
#1 Creedmoor Fan
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,234 |
I dropped 2 on Friday evening with my sons .243. First kicked a bit and died, second one never moved. In fact, I thought I had missed it because I couldn't see any movement. Went to the feeder to look at the first one and noticed the second lying right there. 100 grain Core-lokt's That's because you shot him in DA FACE
Don't let your ears hear what your eyes didn't see, and don't let your mouth say what your heart doesn't feel
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: Pitchfork Predator]
#7542957
06/26/19 11:01 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 915
hdfireman
Tracker
|
Tracker
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 915 |
That's easy.....300 HAMR baby! The rest are all pretenders in the AR15 frame, lol.....
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: Pitchfork Predator]
#7543022
06/27/19 12:23 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,306
DLALLDER
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,306 |
That's easy.....300 HAMR baby! The rest are all pretenders in the AR15 frame, lol..... I hope you are correct! My upper arrived in the mail today. All I need is a scope to go on it and a trip to the lease.
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7543233
06/27/19 07:51 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 67
Denton44
Outdoorsman
|
Outdoorsman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 67 |
Your 270 is fine, but if you want something bigger, don't fool around. A 458 Win or 416 Rem will make them do cart wheels with a solid shot.
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7543416
06/27/19 02:19 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,236
Gamblinman
Pro Tracker
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,236 |
I sure like a .308. You can kill the first hog with about any caliber, but once alarmed and running, a .308 sure has some knockdown power. Its available in so many different platforms, including magazine fed, and ammo is reasonably priced and in a multitude of loads. With so many variables, you should be able to put together a very reliable hog killer for all conditions on a valued budget.
It works for me, but many here are much more experienced than I am.
" I don't hunt turkeys because I want to, I hunt turkeys because I have to."
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7543525
06/27/19 04:49 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,755
ccoker
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,755 |
what rifle platform do you want to use?
in an AR I personally like and use the most is a 6.8 SPC, 16" barrel, 120 Hornady SST
Really, just about anything works fine with behind the ear shots.. I like the 6.8 because for when I get into a group of them and want to put the hurt on em, better at running shots than 5.56 or 300 BO
I have an AR10 in 308 and 6mm Creedmoor but it's a biggier heavier gun and I like stalk hunting, mainly at night with thermal, lightweight is good.
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: DLALLDER]
#7543549
06/27/19 05:29 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 19,650
Pitchfork Predator
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 19,650 |
That's easy.....300 HAMR baby! The rest are all pretenders in the AR15 frame, lol..... I hope you are correct! My upper arrived in the mail today. All I need is a scope to go on it and a trip to the lease. You will be pleased. Shooting suppressed the 130 gr. Speer hotcore with adjustable GB virtually no muzzle rise and it puts the hammer on them.
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: ccoker]
#7544604
06/29/19 11:40 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 9
June622
OP
Green Horn
|
OP
Green Horn
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 9 |
In response to what rifle platform I would like to use, I would ideally be looking for a rifle on the AR platform, as long as I could find a good deal on one. I will be going to University in the fall, so I won't have a lot of disposable income to spend on a rifle plus optics. Because of my budget I will probably wind up going with a bolt action, but I am open to any rifle platform.
|
|
|
Re: Caliber Recommendations?
[Re: June622]
#7544899
06/29/19 10:07 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,045
David Maas
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,045 |
I think anything at or above the .264 mark with proper bullet selection is going to do what you want.
I recently realized that I have two rifles below the .250 mark, an old 243 Winchester Model 70 that was made the yr I was born and a 223 Wylde upper that I just built. I found bigger/fatter, slower are where my love lies in calibers.
I built 3 rifles for pigs, soon to be 4, AR10 in 308 and 358 and a 458 Socom, with a 375 Socom barrel and bolt on the way.
NRA Endowed Patriot Life Benefactor GOA Life Member TSRA Life Member NSCA Life Member
|
|
|
Moderated by bigbob_ftw, CCBIRDDOGMAN, Chickenman, Derek, DeRico, Duck_Hunter, hetman, jeh7mmmag, JustWingem, kmon11, kry226, kwrhuntinglab, Payne, pertnear, rifleman, sig226fan (Rguns.com), Superduty, txcornhusker
|