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Need a new gun #7699908 12/27/19 07:53 PM
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69FowlFather Offline OP
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Want to buy a new gun to hog hunt. Been using compound bow for the last couple years, now want to buy a gun for hogs .
What is the best way to go AR or a different direction?

Like I said I have been using a bow and My new place I will be making shots of 74-150 yards away

Thanks for the help

Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7699913 12/27/19 08:05 PM
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An AR would work, as would many different options. Lever action or bolt action in many different calibers would work. If going the AR route, I would suggest something bigger than .223/5.56. In AR 15, you could go 300 blackout, 6.5 grendel, 6.8spc, etc. or you could step up to ar10 in .308, 6.5 CM, .243, etc. Lever in 30-30, 35 rem, .358, 45-70, etc. And just about any caliber that you could dream of in a bolt gun. What is your budget? Do you reload, and...most important, what catches your fancy? Some people just find lever guns cool. Some prefer bolts, and some prefer an AR's.

Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7699917 12/27/19 08:17 PM
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I have shot the AR 5.56 and not sure it has the take down that is needed .
But have heard it’s a popular AR.

Where we hunt we have multiple pigs so quick shooting is a given.

Wanted to stay under $800 at first and then move up

Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7699919 12/27/19 08:21 PM
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AR gives quick follow up shots so you can plant them if they are kicking.
At that range, a 223/5.56 with 1/8 twist barrel shooting 69gr Barnes TSX bullets would work.
My favorite is a 6.8 shooting 120gr SST handloads is a good balance of take down/ammo costs.
Lots of 6.5 fans here too.
300 Blackout was a waste of time and money.
The big bore 450, 458 and 500 stuff is fun to shoot but ammo can be hard to find and is expensive and optics die quickly on them due to recoil.

Last edited by Vern1; 12/27/19 08:21 PM.

Cheers,
Vern1
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Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7699922 12/27/19 08:29 PM
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I’d suggest a light rifle in a 6.5 caliber, though a 7mm or 308 are as good or better. I’d love a Tikka Superlight.

That said, last year I shot hogs with my 260 and 120 gr BTs. This year I’ve moved to my 223 and 65 gr Gamekings, and dropped some big hogs (CNS placement).


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Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7699924 12/27/19 08:32 PM
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Thanks Vern1, good info there

Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7699926 12/27/19 08:34 PM
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If it's a hog gun, nothing but a semi-auto makes sense and everyone sells .308 ammo.

Charlie


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Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7699964 12/27/19 09:26 PM
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Try to stay with a common caliber, easier to find ammo.


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Re: Need a new gun [Re: Vern1] #7699975 12/27/19 09:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Vern1
AR gives quick follow up shots so you can plant them if they are kicking.
At that range, a 223/5.56 with 1/8 twist barrel shooting 69gr Barnes TSX bullets would work.
My favorite is a 6.8 shooting 120gr SST handloads is a good balance of take down/ammo costs.
Lots of 6.5 fans here too.
300 Blackout was a waste of time and money.
The big bore 450, 458 and 500 stuff is fun to shoot but ammo can be hard to find and is expensive and optics die quickly on them due to recoil.

I agree on the heavier .223/5.56 bullets will work. I use nosler 64 grain bonded in my 5.56. I do however recommend a bigger caliber.
I disagree on the 300BLK being a waste of time and money. Inside of 150 yards, it works fantastic. Same mags as 5.56, same bolt carrier, etc. Very low recoil as well.

Re: Need a new gun [Re: CharlieCTx] #7699976 12/27/19 09:43 PM
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Originally Posted by CharlieCTx
If it's a hog gun, nothing but a semi-auto makes sense and everyone sells .308 ammo

I agree with this. At one point I was considering getting rid of my 6.8 and just going back to using the 308 bolt action I had because mostly was getting one shot off before they were gone anyway. Then I got 4 in a row because of semi-auto loading. It's happened a bunch since then and I'm glad I kept the AR. The AR10 will be heavier and more expensive but can run bigger cartridges. AR15 has probably killed more hogs in TX than all other rifles combined, a guess of course. AR15 and it's parts are as cheap now as I have ever seen them. Please get one and eliminate the feral hogs of TX.

Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7699992 12/27/19 10:09 PM
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Thanks for the comments and suggestions

I will start looking at AR-15 and see what’s out there
Still concerned a little with 5.56 . But shooting hogs don’t know if I want to spend money on 300 ..

I will check them all out

Re: Need a new gun [Re: Vern1] #7700040 12/27/19 11:14 PM
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Curious as to why 300 blackout is a waste of money, I’ve taken hogs, blackbuck, axis and whitetail with mine and nothing has made it more than 10 yards.

Re: Need a new gun [Re: Jbell99] #7700129 12/28/19 12:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Jbell99
Curious as to why 300 blackout is a waste of money, I’ve taken hogs, blackbuck, axis and whitetail with mine and nothing has made it more than 10 yards.


I really liked the 300BO.
It was easy to implement and brass was a breeze to convert and I have lots of .308 bullets.
It was dead nuts accurate and functioned well.
As an early adapter, I spent tons of time doing load development.
BUT....
I only hunt hogs.
I don't simply don't hunt hogs, I eradicate as many of them at once as I can.
The first shot is usually a given but once the pigs start moving, the BO showed it's weakness.
It's a great gun for soft skinned things like deer and people but not moving, running pigs.
Once I found AR Performance and their 6.8 barrels, there was no turning back to the 300BO.


Cheers,
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Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7700250 12/28/19 03:10 AM
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I also like my 300 BO AR. I've shot over 25 pigs in the last 4 years, and they all drop without taking more then a step or two. I take neck shots only.

Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7700325 12/28/19 05:28 AM
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I just don't get the fascination with the 300BO vs .308, if buying a new rifle, if you're shooting the same bullet, just slower. Already own a 5.56, I get it.

Charlie


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Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7700328 12/28/19 05:42 AM
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Wonder why no one ever suggest the Century C308 for a cheap pig gun. $600 .308, semi auto, cheap magazines. I would get a C308 and use some cheap steel case softpoints. might be a 2-3 moa rifle but how much accuracy you really need to mow down a bunch of hogs?


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Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7700600 12/28/19 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted by 69FowlFather
I have shot the AR 5.56 and not sure it has the take down that is needed .
But have heard it’s a popular AR.

Where we hunt we have multiple pigs so quick shooting is a given.

Wanted to stay under $800 at first and then move up


I would suggest the DPMS AR-10. You can get it from Sportsman’s Guide for less that 700. I have 2, call them the Twins. Put you a Sightmark RT and go to town. Be less than a 1000 for gun and decent night capabilities. Even better if you add additional IR. Mine are beasts. Will eat anything you put in them.


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Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7700601 12/28/19 07:34 PM
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An AR15 in 6.8PC, 6.5 Grendel or 7.62x39 would be good. A Ruger mini 30 would good if you don't like ARs.



Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7700621 12/28/19 07:51 PM
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Take a look at DPMS GII rifles they are “small frame” 308 style rifles that far exceed AR15 terminal ballistics

They do have proprietary parts but it’s a give and take situation always between AR10s and AR15s

I’m currently finding a 243 Winchester to be more than adequate at the range you outline and the 20” rifle only weighs 8.5 lbs - its a win win option if you ask me!

Prices of GII about double that of home built AR15 in 6.8 or Grendel calibers

Last edited by Pig_Popper; 12/28/19 07:51 PM.

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Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7700629 12/28/19 07:55 PM
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Thanks all. Lots of choices .. starting to look this week

Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7700712 12/28/19 09:13 PM
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I like my 300 blackout but I’d choose my 30/30 Over it any day, sneaking up 10-100yards I’m good. Been using it with just iron sights and works well


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Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7700719 12/28/19 09:18 PM
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I started with a couple of bolt guns (originally a 303 British and then moved to a .308) but eventually settled on an AR pattern rifle.
I began with a .556 but decided it didn't have sufficient "put-down" power. Might just be my poor shooting, or the fact that the hogs often don't stand still.
I go back and forth between an AR-10 and a 300 Blackout these days. The AR-10 hits hard but it's heavier. The 300 BLK is lighter but has less "Oomph" than others like the 6.5 Grendel and 6.8 SPC.
The advantage (to me) of the 300 BLK is that I can frequently get free .223/5.56 brass which I can then convert to 300 BLK. If you're not reloading that's not something to care about.

Summary: A 6.5 Grendel or 6.8 SPC will be a 'safe' choice. No one will say you made a mistake. An AR-10 (in any caliber) would probably also be equally 'safe' in my opinion.

Think about barrel length. If you might eventually add a suppressor then the overall length is a consideration. When using a 16" barrel the 300 Blackout isn't THAT much weaker than a 6.5 or 6.8 rifle with an equal length barrel.
Ammo cost is just a minor aspect to me. It's part of the equation, but only a small part.

Whatever you get, have fun.

… and be sure to post pictures!


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Re: Need a new gun [Re: der Teufel] #7701456 12/29/19 07:34 PM
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Originally Posted by der Teufel


Whatever you get, have fun.

… and be sure to post pictures!


Best advice in entire thread.


Cheers,
Vern1
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Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7701605 12/29/19 10:36 PM
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I put together a PSA Gen 3 AR-10 in 6.5cm for under $800-- you can run a variety of bullet weights and construction that will be plenty suitable for hogs, deer, varmints, etc

The recoil is negligible and mine is holding .5" @ 100 for 3 shots with factory Hornady ammo. Lots of good reviews and videos on these rifles and they all see to shoot very well.

Re: Need a new gun [Re: 69FowlFather] #7701900 12/30/19 03:32 AM
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6.8 spc shooting 120 sst Hornady

Much handier than a heavy ar10.

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