[Nalapombu]

Hey all,

Sometime this year after I get finished bowhunting for feral hogs here in South Texas I would like to try hunting for them with a handgun and a rifle. I've never hunted with either of them so this should be a great adventure.

I've kinda been thinking of what would be something cool to hunt hogs with. I've got a standard AR and a standard AK, both have nothing but iron sights, but I'm looking for something different. I like all kinds of firearms, but I haven't owned or shot too many hunting rifles in my life so I don't have a lot of experience with them.

Some of the things I have been thinking about are a Winchester or Marlin 30-30, a lever action 44 mag, a Mossy 930SPX (for double duty as a home defense gun), something like a Ruger Gunsite Rifle or Scout type rifle and a lever action 45-70.
Lastly, the other night I happened upon a youtube video of an AFFORDABLE DOUBLE RIFLE in 30-06 made by Baikal. It looked cool enough, but you could tell it wasn't very high quality, but it was less than 1G so what can you expect in a double for that much? Just kinda interesting because I LOVE those BIG, FINE Double rifles.

Anyway, that's about all the rifles I have thought about. I'd like to get some other ideas from you all. What would be your choice to use for hog hunting? What do you think would be the MINIMUM CALIBER to use? They can go anywhere from 100 to 450 pounds or so. No limits on what you can use down here too.

Lets hear it....


Thanks for the time.

Nalajr

[Dalton Wayne]

Here's my hog getter

[ede]

I use a Rock River AR in .223 and a time or two a 9mm RR AR. There goes the "only for combat" argument.

[ballfroguy]

30-30

[MrMurphy]

Pretty much anything can get used for hogs.

First time out I used a .44 Marlin, friend (highly experienced hog hunter) used a iron sighted 1917 Enfield in .30-06.

I've mostly used my AR, having an illuminated optic and rifle light is VERY useful. Also used a scoped 7mm Mauser and a 18" 870 in 12 gauge.

If you go magnified scope, get an illuminated reticle. If you use an AR, you need a white light and a 16 or 18" barrel preferably in most cases.

[glock2740]

There are many. Anything you would take deer hunting will do just fine on hogs. I've shot them with many calibers and all worked just fine. Farthest any have run was a boar that made it 20 yards before dying on his feet after being shot with with an Sierra 85gr BTHP from my .243

[TexasVine]

I agree with MrMurphy, A lot of guns can be used. As far as your question on what is the minimal caliber that can be used, I would say a .223 round.

The best advise I can give you is to get skilled at shot placement regardless of which caliber you use. That is mostly obtained by practice.

[Ranger1759]

No hogs this far north, however I use a .243 for much of my coyote and ground hog hunting...good flat shooter and capable of reaching out far...it's also a decent small deer rifle...

[ScaryPerryDawsy]

Originally Posted by TexasVine

The best advise I can give you is to get skilled at shot placement regardless of which caliber you use. That is mostly obtained by practice.

^^^ This! Shot placement is the key. Gutshot hogs are the worst to clean. Most rifles will do the job just depends on what terrain you hunt. Here in Florida I use a Ruger deerfield 44 due to thick brush.

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[donmor53]

I know of many hog hunters in East and South Texas that have switched from their long favored 30-30s to a used Chinese SKS over the last 10-15 years. Seems they like the 7.62 round and it's 10 shot semi auto capability for the punch the round has and for the sometimes needed follow up shots on a pissed off tusker. Most don't seem to mind if the SKS gets banged around in the back of a truck or scratched up scraping though the thickets or brush either.

[USMCsilver]

What I'll be using:


Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

[G23c]

Ruger M77 30-06,. I took 4 in South Texas a week before Christmas.

[Restless28]

Originally Posted by Dalton Wayne

Here's my hog getter

I like.

[Jfduece]

lots of folks are happy with thier 6.8 mm ARs for hog hunting. read around a little on 68forums.com

[byf43]

Marlin 1895G (.45-70).



Cast Performance 405 gr LWNGC boolits, RL-7 powder (about 1660 fps).



One shot. Just above right shoulder.

Wild hog (320+ lbs).

[fnfalman]

I never needed any firearms to do any hoggin'. Just come to the local dive bars around 2 AM with a bottle of cheap whiskey.

[byf43]

Dan Wesson 44-VH4:



.44 Magnum
WW cases
WLP primer
Alliant (formerly Hercules) 2400 = 19.5 grains
Hornady 240 gr JHP (not XTP boolit)

1 shot (Right side of neck. Bullet was recovered in left jawbone.)


230+ lb wild boar - Crossville, TN.

[Bill Keith]

Just cause you don't have one and every self-respectin' Texan OUGHT to have one, get you a nice, used Marlin .30-30. You generally can find nice used ones just after deer season. The ammo is available about anywhere and it is a good assault rifle. I paid $230 for mine - a 336W and it had a scope and sling. Liked it so much, ended up getting a Marlin 1894C in .357/38 special. Both are great guns. I'll keep looking for the .45-70 Guide gun, but will make do with the $125 I spent on a used NEF in .45-70

[Clay C]

The real answer is whatever you have at the time haha. I'm in Texas too and I've killed them with anything from a .22 to a 12 gauge. When I'm purposely hunting them its usually either a bow, 25-06 or AR15. Shot placement is key I usually aim for the ear unless I'm using my bow. I've killed way to many hogs to count with many different weapons and I would have to say the best all around hog weapon for me would be something around a 308 with a good 3x9 or 1x4. I don't like a lot of magnification because a lot of times I walk right up on the things.

[WayneJessie]

Originally Posted by Bill Keith

Just cause you don't have one and every self-respectin' Texan OUGHT to have one, get you a nice, used Marlin .30-30. You generally can find nice used ones just after deer season. The ammo is available about anywhere and it is a good assault rifle. I paid $230 for mine - a 336W and it had a scope and sling. Liked it so much, ended up getting a Marlin 1894C in .357/38 special. Both are great guns. I'll keep looking for the .45-70 Guide gun, but will make do with the $125 I spent on a used NEF in .45-70

I'd agree. Well made gun with inexpensive ammo. Most hogging is close-range work so no need for muzzle blast and expensive calibers.

[GunHo198]

My 14 year old prefer's the AR.



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[Nalapombu]

Thanks everyone. LOTS of great options. I have to admit that I have always wanted a lever action rifle. A buddy had a Marlin 1895 in 45-70 and it was really nice. At the time it wasn't that expensive either, I don't know what they go for now though.

I'll probably go and get a 30-30 Marlin first, but would also like to have a 45-70 just to have one and I like them.

So many great guns and so little wallet....ho hum.

Thanks and keep 'em coming....especially with PICS.

Nalajr

[nathanours]

[CBennett]

.243/.257 30/30 would all be my choices

I personally would love to try out my 6" .357 magnum Dan Wesson revolver.

[HKLovingIT]

Get an SKS with bayonet. If you have to go into the brush to find a wounded one you can pig stick 'em if he charges.