What rifle and bullet to use on hogs?????

slugger

slugger

New member
All,

Here are my available options for hog hunting in Texas this April..

1).223
2).22-250
3).243WSSM (need bullet recommendation, I shoot Nosler BT's at deer)
4).25-06 (currently shoot 120grain Winchester Positive Expanding Point, small hollowpoint and I have 200 rounds of this, so I really don't want to have to pick another option, either the 120grainers will work or they won't)
5)7mm Rem Mag (need bullet recommendation for hogs and elk)

I reload, so anything is an option. With the .243 I need some good deer / antelope rounds so a good bullet to do all 3 would be a plus. I'm set for rounds on the .25-06. Again looking for a good elk load for the 7mm Rem mag that would also work on hogs.

Thanks!!!
 
All of them will work, however if I had to pick just one for hogs I would probably go with the 25-06. With that said I have killed more hogs with my AR than all of my other rifles combined...
 
We have shot many of hogs with our 223 and 22-250s. The 243 will work wonderfully with a 85TSX. Your 25-06 will also do fine with the 120s. If you are looking for a good load for your 243 the TSX or TTSX will do you very well. As for the 7mm the 140s would work very well as will the 120s some think they are too light but you wouldn't see me flinch with these in my 7mm. HAPPY HUNTING
 
I've been contemplating picking up some bergers to build some loads for the .243 and 7mm, any thoughts?

The .243 is a Model 70, Super Shadow with a 1 in 10 twist. Looking to make this a deer / antelope round. Thinking of the 95gr Berger VLD's.

The .25-06 as I have said, I have over 200 loaded rounds for this already, so really don't need a new load for it. I use it for Deer / Antelope also.

The 7mm Rem Mag is an Interarms MKX and I need an elk round for it. I was thinking of the 168gr Berger VLD's.
 
First the bergers, I can't see shooting the bergers unless you are willing to take the long shots. These bullets are soft and I wouldn't use them for practical hunting purposes. Yes they will work but I feel like long range is where they belong. JMO. I really like the Barnes products and I really don't see any additional fouling you will first have to clean your barrel and I mean get it clean. Get some CR-10 or some sweets and give it a thorough cleaning. I have not had any trouble getting any of my rifles to shoot the TSXs or TTSXs. I am in the process of loading up some 45gr TSXs for my 223 for deer next season. Might even get the calling when we go to TX for hogs. The TSX and TTSX are great bullets and will serve your hunting services very well. HAPPY HUNTING
 
Take your seven with good deer bullets and be happy with dead pigs. It's important to get through the tough hide (and shield on boars) with enough bullet, particularly if you are paying for a hunt. If you're just whackin' pigs to get rid of them, it probably doesn't matter.
 
The first pig my brother in law shot on our first pig hunt was with a 45gr XLC at 30yds. The bullet entered the right shoulder and came to rest in the off shoulder breaking both shoulders. In the several yrs that we have been hunting hogs we have never taken anything bigger than a 243 they are not that hard to kill. The pigs are not huge like you would find if you were hunting Russians. Why have the recoil of the 7mm when you can take a 25-06 or the 243. [beeep] I wouldn't shy away from the 223 either, it will be with me on my next hunt. HAPPY HUNTING
 
In your 7 Mag, the following load will work great on large hogs and elk:

Rem brass
9 1/2
154g HOrnady Sp or Interbond
63.0g of IMR 4350
Bullet seated to just barely touch the lands
3100 fps

Many will not believe it, but the 154g Hornady Sp will shoot through both shoulders on a 300 lb boar.

In the 243 WSSM on hogs

95g NOsler partition or Hornady 100g SPBT

DO NOT under estimate the 100g Hornady on hogs.

I'd take the 7 Mag and never look back. Know your drop out to 500 yards, sight in at 200 minimum.

Carry a varmint call. Lots of stuff needs kill'en in Texas.
 
all will work in your arsenal....

lets put it this way... I saw a 250lb mean azzed boar killed with 2 shots from a 22hornet in the lungs...

I like to put the bullet in the neck and watchem fall straight to the ground
 
Im heading out in a couple hours to TX for a week of hog and coyote hunting. I should be able to give you some feedback on the .243 using the 85 TSX as thats what Im taking.

Guy
 
Quote:
I've been contemplating picking up some bergers to build some loads for the .243 and 7mm, any thoughts?


The 7mm Rem Mag is an Interarms MKX and I need an elk round for it. I was thinking of the 168gr Berger VLD's.



I know those Berger VLDs have been promoted lately as hunting bullets by Berger and some in the gun press, but I would not trust them. The Berger lit claims the bullet will penetrate xx inches and then disintegrate. Methinks on an elk they will just disintegrate period and not do the job as far as penetration and wound channel go.

I'd load the 7 with the Barnes bullets in a mid weight around 150 or, say, a Nosler Partition in a full 175 grain weight for elk. Such a beast would certainly work well on a hog too!
 
Ruger, define a Russian...I have seen some European boar, but Russian??? Is that maybe spelled Rushin, and it is a hog that is in a hurry to get somewhere? Ozzy, you are absolutely correct. Took 2 today with my .17HMR. No, I did not plan on it. Went to shoot some crows, and later on some coons tha have been chewing holes in my feeders, and came across about 8 piglets, a big sow and a small 50lb ish boar. They haf flipped my feeder, t-posts and all and made boomeranges out of the feeder legs. The young boar took one just under his left ear, and dropped like rocks, the lil piglet (cant wait to get him off the pit!) looked at me and cought one high and between the eyes. 65 yard shot. All jokes asid guys...Its time for me to go check on the grill...YUM!


17HMRHogjpg.jpg


17HMRHog2jpg.jpg


17HMRHog3jpg.jpg
 
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I am a nu-b to hog hunting but I am getting a 450 Bushmaster, Winchester 1886 45-90 and a Winchester 1892 44M ready to go for an April trip. Maybe I'll bring the 280 Remington just in case.
 
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