Hog hunting. Which gun to use? - The Firearms Forum

hkruss · 01-20-2010, 07:35 PM

So I am going hog hunting in a couple of weeks and I have a couple of questions for you.
First, which rifle should I use? I only have a Garand and an AR. I figured the Garand. 30.06, plenty of power, although a little heavy to lug around all day. Then a guy at work says use the AR. It seems silly to even ask, but it just seems to me that the AR with a 55 grain FMJ and less knockdown power is insufficient for the task. He contends that the faster bullet will have little trouble penetrating a tough hog hide and the bullet is sufficient if properly placed. Is he full of crap or is there any merit to his argument?

The other question is, where is your aiming point on a broadside hog? I was thinking right behind the shoulder but a little below the center line of the body. And would you recommend a neck shot instead, if he is close enough? Thanks

cycloneman · 01-20-2010, 07:55 PM

I have shot hogs with 223's before. Not a good round for this. Especially if the hog is big and fat. I have shot small ones and had to hunt them down too. I now use the same I use for deer. A 308 shot placed in the neck.

cakes · 01-20-2010, 08:13 PM

I have used the .223 on hogs without any issues. I aim just below the ear. I've never used FMJs, though.

old semperfi · 01-20-2010, 08:18 PM

a number of years ago i used a garand to hog hunt with. it was dif not a shoot and run with it gun if you needed to.the first hog i shot i hit it right between the eyes.sadly this shot hit at an angle and went right up the forehead and did not penetrate skull.pig came at me like a freight train.i stood my ground and put three in chest,no more freight train.i do want you to understand that by standing my ground i dont think i was brave.i am pretty sure i was too scared to move.i really think you would be better off borrowing a gun.45-70,30-30 some sort of lighter and shorter gun.if you stand hunting in a tree then the grand is perfect other than carrying it.i would not use a 223 although a properly placed shot will do the job.its your call but a dif would not ground hunt with either the grand or 223. old semperfi

Sandman · 01-21-2010, 08:53 AM

Buy a box of the federal premiums with the 60 grain nosler partition bullet. I think that would do the job. I certainly would not hesitate to use it.

questor · 01-21-2010, 11:11 AM

what about a 12ga shooting sabots?

flannelman · 01-21-2010, 04:41 PM

We have used .22 rimfires before. You must take a head shot right below or in the ear though. I prefer my .30-06 or .35REM though. I know a guy that hog hunts a lot and he uses his AR with good success. Bullet placement is critical though.

Terry_P · 01-21-2010, 07:45 PM

Of the choices I would use the 30-06. I don't walk much when I hog hunt but wait for them to come out to a feeder or just feed. I loaded some CT Partitions last year and used them on hogs. I shot a 150# hog with it in the lungs and it ran a little and then piled up. The CT was like a bomb when it hit the lungs. If you use the AR then shoot them behind the ear, as I wouldn't trust it for a lung shot and then have to follow up usually after dark.

308 at my gate · 01-21-2010, 08:40 PM

When I think of a 223 I think varmit round, and when I think of a 30-06 I think big game round. A .223 just does not have the ballistics that a 30-06 does.

cakes · 01-21-2010, 08:51 PM

I think you have a very valid reason to go rifle shopping. You already stated that you don't feel comfortable using either gun. Find an appropriate rifle chambered in an adequate caliber, then go afield with confidence.

Sandman · 01-22-2010, 08:39 AM

I shot a 150+ lb hog behind the shoulder with my .243 and he dropped like a rock. Full penetration at 220 yards. I would not be afraid to take a behihd the shoulder shot with a .223 either, but I would probably just shoot them in the head. It is a fairly large target on a hog. I have taken my .223 hog hunting, but have not had the opportunity to shoot one with it yet.

Sandman · 01-22-2010, 08:40 AM

That being said, this situation also makes for a good excuse to buy a new rifle!

cakes · 01-22-2010, 07:10 PM

Or a big bore upper for the AR.

hkruss · 01-24-2010, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cakes

Or a big bore upper for the AR.

Wish I had the money to do that, but can't at the moment.

I do feel the Garand is more than adequate for the task. Eight rounds of 30.06 at the ready is comforting to have! I've since found out, we will be in tree stands, so lugging it around all day will not be an issue.

Thanks for all the input.

.

Big ugly · 01-24-2010, 10:57 PM

8mm or 338 win mag for me. That 8mm hasnt failed me yet. Neither has the 338. That 338 gets em no matter where the bullet goes. Front shots in the skull aint no problem either. I had to save my dads butt when shootin a 200+ lb'er. He was usin the Mini 14 and scored a hit but the hog turned on him a 40 yards. I dusted it on both sides through the heart. I was inside 100ft on that shot.

CHW2021 · 01-29-2010, 10:54 AM

Garand.... ya can't go wrong. Bring enough gun, hogs are tough. The Garand may be heavy but you also get bragging rights that last long after the fatigue is gone!!

45nut · 01-29-2010, 10:59 AM

.270, 30-30, .32 WS, .30 Carbine, .223, .243, 30-06, 7.62x39, 7x57, .308, .44 Mag, .357 Mag are all good hog calibers. I'd stay away from .22 long rifle though.

blackcat_attilio · 01-29-2010, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big ugly

8mm or 338 win mag for me. That 8mm hasnt failed me yet. Neither has the 338. That 338 gets em no matter where the bullet goes. Front shots in the skull aint no problem either. I had to save my dads butt when shootin a 200+ lb'er. He was usin the Mini 14 and scored a hit but the hog turned on him a 40 yards. I dusted it on both sides through the heart. I was inside 100ft on that shot.

Hi Big ugly! An easy question to you: do you think a 8 Mauser (8x57JS) cal. is "enough" for a wild pig? Many thanks for your opinion about.

Terry_P · 02-01-2010, 11:57 AM

With hogs you don't get a decent blood trail because the fat plugs the hole and they are usually out just before or just after dark making an after dark follow up with a wounded PO'ed hog. That is why I feel they need to get hit with something that gets into the lung area and blows apart like a bomb. For that to happen the bullet has to have some zip and be decent enough to penetrate. If it goes clear thru then whatever energy is left over is lost and useless. I have shot them with an 06 with 150 gr a 270 with 130 gr. The hog I shot this year with the 270 (Sierra BTSP) dropped in his tracks which frankly surprised me as it was a lung shot. Good luck and enjoy the sausage.

Sandman · 02-01-2010, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 45nut

.270, 30-30, .32 WS, .30 Carbine, .223, .243, 30-06, 7.62x39, 7x57, .308, .44 Mag, .357 Mag are all good hog calibers. I'd stay away from .22 long rifle though.

.22LR is okay as long as you put it in his ear...

Tnhunter · 02-02-2010, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkruss

So I am going hog hunting in a couple of weeks and I have a couple of questions for you.
First, which rifle should I use? I only have a Garand and an AR. I figured the Garand. 30.06, plenty of power, although a little heavy to lug around all day. Then a guy at work says use the AR. It seems silly to even ask, but it just seems to me that the AR with a 55 grain FMJ and less knockdown power is insufficient for the task. He contends that the faster bullet will have little trouble penetrating a tough hog hide and the bullet is sufficient if properly placed. Is he full of crap or is there any merit to his argument?

The other question is, where is your aiming point on a broadside hog? I was thinking right behind the shoulder but a little below the center line of the body. And would you recommend a neck shot instead, if he is close enough? Thanks

Well, if you're anything like most others who try hog hunting, once you try it, you'll be hooked, just like getting hooked on deer hunting. That Garand will definitely work well, no doubt. But since you'll now become a "hog hunter" you'll surely need a new rifle, just for that!

Now when you go shopping for it, I'd say take a look at some short handy rifles (read that lever actions) and pay particular attention to the fine 30/30, .308 Win, .308 ME, .338 ME, .35 Rem, .358 Win, .444 Marlin and of course that great oldie the 45-70.

My favorite.... the BLR in .358 Win. sweeeet!!

Enjoy your hunt! (and aim tight behind the shoulder, or right on the lower shoulder!)

Suicide*Ride · 02-03-2010, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tnhunter

Now when you go shopping for it, I'd say take a look at some short handy rifles (read that lever actions) and pay particular attention to the fine 30/30, .308 Win, .308 ME, .338 ME, .35 Rem, .358 Win, .444 Marlin and of course that great oldie the 45-70.

My favorite.... the BLR in .358 Win. sweeeet!!

Tnhunter; you forgot to mention above, my 2 favorite hog rifle calibers..... 357mag & 44mag.

I've taken more hogs w/ my Winchester Mod.94 44mag "Trapper" [& the 305gr FPPN in my signature] than I can remember. A short, light weight brush gun that uses the same caliber as the small arm I normally carry while hunting.

SR

Tnhunter · 02-04-2010, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suicide*Ride

Tnhunter; you forgot to mention above, my 2 favorite hog rifle calibers..... 357mag & 44mag.

I've taken more hogs w/ my Winchester Mod.94 44mag "Trapper" [& the 305gr FPPN in my signature] than I can remember. A short, light weight brush gun that uses the same caliber as the small arm I normally carry while hunting.

SR

I did indeed! Might be because I had a near disaster shooting a big Boar with a Marlin 1894/44 with 270gr SPs. I'd have been much better off with the 305s you mention, or the 340s from B/B. Not sure I'd want to use a .357 tho on a really large hog...lol

.

Olympus · 02-09-2010, 12:28 PM

The biggest question will be how you plan on hunting them. If you plan on being stationary, then the Garand wins hands down. But if you plan on doing any walking or spot and stalk method, then you'll want the AR. A headshot with the AR is what you're going to want. I go with a large group every year and the only hogs I've seen taken with a .223 have been head shots. You run into fragmentation issues with the .223 when you go for a body shot.

Personally, I own a .223 and I would never think about taking it with me on a hog hunt. The hogs we hunt are constantly moving and NEVER stand still longer than a second or two. That's just not enough time for me to get comfortable with taking a head shot.

questor · 02-10-2010, 01:43 PM

Check out this 781-pounder killed in Turkey in 2005. Note: there are four pictures of the hog and on the last page states the hog was actually killed in Turkey, not Texas as the email circulating the internet.

http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/ani...ld_boar_tx.htm

01-20-2010, 07:35 PM	#1
hkruss Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mobile, Al. Posts: 1,092	Hog hunting. Which gun to use? So I am going hog hunting in a couple of weeks and I have a couple of questions for you. First, which rifle should I use? I only have a Garand and an AR. I figured the Garand. 30.06, plenty of power, although a little heavy to lug around all day. Then a guy at work says use the AR. It seems silly to even ask, but it just seems to me that the AR with a 55 grain FMJ and less knockdown power is insufficient for the task. He contends that the faster bullet will have little trouble penetrating a tough hog hide and the bullet is sufficient if properly placed. Is he full of crap or is there any merit to his argument? The other question is, where is your aiming point on a broadside hog? I was thinking right behind the shoulder but a little below the center line of the body. And would you recommend a neck shot instead, if he is close enough? Thanks __________________ obama - "non gratum anus rodentum" -->

01-20-2010, 07:55 PM	#2
cycloneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 7,398	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? I have shot hogs with 223's before. Not a good round for this. Especially if the hog is big and fat. I have shot small ones and had to hunt them down too. I now use the same I use for deer. A 308 shot placed in the neck. __________________ Who are you going to serve today?

01-20-2010, 08:13 PM	#3
cakes V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern Maine Posts: 230	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? I have used the .223 on hogs without any issues. I aim just below the ear. I've never used FMJs, though. __________________ If at first you don't succeed, shoot, shoot again.

01-20-2010, 08:18 PM	#4
old semperfi Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: i live in southern indiana,old country boy at heart Posts: 1,506	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? a number of years ago i used a garand to hog hunt with. it was dif not a shoot and run with it gun if you needed to.the first hog i shot i hit it right between the eyes.sadly this shot hit at an angle and went right up the forehead and did not penetrate skull.pig came at me like a freight train.i stood my ground and put three in chest,no more freight train.i do want you to understand that by standing my ground i dont think i was brave.i am pretty sure i was too scared to move.i really think you would be better off borrowing a gun.45-70,30-30 some sort of lighter and shorter gun.if you stand hunting in a tree then the grand is perfect other than carrying it.i would not use a 223 although a properly placed shot will do the job.its your call but a dif would not ground hunt with either the grand or 223. old semperfi

01-21-2010, 08:53 AM	#5
Sandman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Louisiana Posts: 552	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? Buy a box of the federal premiums with the 60 grain nosler partition bullet. I think that would do the job. I certainly would not hesitate to use it.

01-21-2010, 11:11 AM	#6
questor V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Slickville, Pa Posts: 388	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? what about a 12ga shooting sabots?

01-21-2010, 04:41 PM	#7
flannelman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rural Arkansas. But isn't all of Arkansas rural? Posts: 1,176	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? We have used .22 rimfires before. You must take a head shot right below or in the ear though. I prefer my .30-06 or .35REM though. I know a guy that hog hunts a lot and he uses his AR with good success. Bullet placement is critical though. __________________ What we do in life echoes in eternity! **** Liberals, they make about as much sense as a screen door on a submarine. If you want to be a looser the best way to get there is to hang around with other loosers.

01-21-2010, 07:45 PM	#8
Terry_P Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NH Posts: 2,513	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? Of the choices I would use the 30-06. I don't walk much when I hog hunt but wait for them to come out to a feeder or just feed. I loaded some CT Partitions last year and used them on hogs. I shot a 150# hog with it in the lungs and it ran a little and then piled up. The CT was like a bomb when it hit the lungs. If you use the AR then shoot them behind the ear, as I wouldn't trust it for a lung shot and then have to follow up usually after dark. __________________ NRA and NAHC Life "Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of their arms." -Aristotle

01-21-2010, 08:40 PM	#9
308 at my gate Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Lost in SW USA. Posts: 847	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? When I think of a 223 I think varmit round, and when I think of a 30-06 I think big game round. A .223 just does not have the ballistics that a 30-06 does. __________________ You got to love it.

01-21-2010, 08:51 PM	#10
cakes V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern Maine Posts: 230	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? I think you have a very valid reason to go rifle shopping. You already stated that you don't feel comfortable using either gun. Find an appropriate rifle chambered in an adequate caliber, then go afield with confidence. __________________ If at first you don't succeed, shoot, shoot again.

01-22-2010, 08:39 AM	#11
Sandman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Louisiana Posts: 552	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? I shot a 150+ lb hog behind the shoulder with my .243 and he dropped like a rock. Full penetration at 220 yards. I would not be afraid to take a behihd the shoulder shot with a .223 either, but I would probably just shoot them in the head. It is a fairly large target on a hog. I have taken my .223 hog hunting, but have not had the opportunity to shoot one with it yet.

01-22-2010, 08:40 AM	#12
Sandman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Louisiana Posts: 552	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? That being said, this situation also makes for a good excuse to buy a new rifle!

01-22-2010, 07:10 PM	#13
cakes V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern Maine Posts: 230	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? Or a big bore upper for the AR. __________________ If at first you don't succeed, shoot, shoot again.

01-24-2010, 10:57 PM	#15
Big ugly Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Knoxville Tennessee Contributor Posts: 2,603	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? 8mm or 338 win mag for me. That 8mm hasnt failed me yet. Neither has the 338. That 338 gets em no matter where the bullet goes. Front shots in the skull aint no problem either. I had to save my dads butt when shootin a 200+ lb'er. He was usin the Mini 14 and scored a hit but the hog turned on him a 40 yards. I dusted it on both sides through the heart. I was inside 100ft on that shot. __________________ "You say the Devil made do it with a smile. Raisin' hell and howlin at the moon. Well I'm gonna put your @$$ back in line. I'm gonna scare the Devil out of you." BlackBerry Smoke Song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R513dA4peMg Nothing is "proof" against a truly talented fool. Swanshot

01-29-2010, 10:54 AM	#16
CHW2021 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Louisiana Posts: 467	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? Garand.... ya can't go wrong. Bring enough gun, hogs are tough. The Garand may be heavy but you also get bragging rights that last long after the fatigue is gone!!

01-29-2010, 10:59 AM	#17
45nut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,428	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? .270, 30-30, .32 WS, .30 Carbine, .223, .243, 30-06, 7.62x39, 7x57, .308, .44 Mag, .357 Mag are all good hog calibers. I'd stay away from .22 long rifle though. __________________ A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that. Shane Nemo me impune lacesset We recall the case of the Shoshone war band which showed up complete with one 30-30 rifle per man the week after Pearl Harbor, and simply wanted to have the enemy pointed out to them. "We hear there's a war going on and we want to go fight it." Jeff Cooper *KCCO*

02-01-2010, 11:57 AM	#19
Terry_P Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NH Posts: 2,513	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? With hogs you don't get a decent blood trail because the fat plugs the hole and they are usually out just before or just after dark making an after dark follow up with a wounded PO'ed hog. That is why I feel they need to get hit with something that gets into the lung area and blows apart like a bomb. For that to happen the bullet has to have some zip and be decent enough to penetrate. If it goes clear thru then whatever energy is left over is lost and useless. I have shot them with an 06 with 150 gr a 270 with 130 gr. The hog I shot this year with the 270 (Sierra BTSP) dropped in his tracks which frankly surprised me as it was a lung shot. Good luck and enjoy the sausage. __________________ NRA and NAHC Life "Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of their arms." -Aristotle

02-09-2010, 12:28 PM	#24
Olympus V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 83	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? The biggest question will be how you plan on hunting them. If you plan on being stationary, then the Garand wins hands down. But if you plan on doing any walking or spot and stalk method, then you'll want the AR. A headshot with the AR is what you're going to want. I go with a large group every year and the only hogs I've seen taken with a .223 have been head shots. You run into fragmentation issues with the .223 when you go for a body shot. Personally, I own a .223 and I would never think about taking it with me on a hog hunt. The hogs we hunt are constantly moving and NEVER stand still longer than a second or two. That's just not enough time for me to get comfortable with taking a head shot.

02-10-2010, 01:43 PM	#25
questor V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Slickville, Pa Posts: 388	Re: Hog hunting. Which gun to use? Check out this 781-pounder killed in Turkey in 2005. Note: there are four pictures of the hog and on the last page states the hog was actually killed in Turkey, not Texas as the email circulating the internet. http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/ani...ld_boar_tx.htm Attached Images Last edited by questor; 02-10-2010 at 04:22 PM..