Ammo Preferences for Hog Hunting

[flyboy3394]

Federal Trophy Copper 165. I have shot a lot of Barnes and seen a lot of mediocre results on game, from different rifles, different game, and different distances. Copper is harder than lead and doesn't perform the same. I have seen devastating results with the 165 Trophy Copper, and personally have shot pigs and elk with it in a 30-06 and seen exit wounds the size of tangerines, not the pencilling through I have seen with other copper solids.

Most important thing with copper rounds is to buy 3 or 4 different varieties and go to the range and shoot groups at 50 yds to see which one your rifle likes. Each rifle likes different rounds better than others. I do prefer 165 gr because I feel it closely mimics 180 gr. Copper is longer than lead since it is not as dense and retains more weight so should hit as if a size up. You will get a better BC and long range flight with the heaver bullet as well, so I avoid the 150s. Just my 2 cents.

I bought the Trophy Copper 165's. Haven't shot much with it at all. But I have heard only good things about it.

Having really good accuracy with the power Shok copper 150's too. Which is surprising to me, as its not BT and is rather affordable for Copper.

[Captain Steve]

Personally I chose 165 since I thought it would be the best all around cartridge for my 30-06. I feel 165 can take deer, elk and pig to 400 yds with no problem and thats all I need. I like to set my rifle and scope and never touch it again. The federal Trophy Copper was so consistent out of a chrono on my gun I even had a Kenton Turret made for it. It performed above factory box specs out of the muzzle. Out of my 22" barrel I was getting anywhere from 2806-2826 fps. With majority around 2816 fps.

[JackEllis]

For deer I use 150 grain Remington PSP Core Lokts, though I will have to switch away from them eventually. 180 grain bullets for bigger game like elk and African antelope. My friends use 180 grain Core Lokts in their .300 Win Mags.

I'm not sure it matters that much. As others have pointed out, all hunting bullets will work. In my opinion, shot placement is generally more important than which manufacturers' ammo you use and to some extent, which caliber you choose.

[maidendeth13]

I'm no longer in the condor zone but used Barnes TTSX in I think 168 gr? (may have been 165 but I don't remember exactly).

Used em for pigs, coyotes, and even a mule deer in NM when I had a few left and wanted to finish a box off.

Now I use a 180 gr partition for everything though as I don't like re-sighting in for each hunt.

[Mike402]

Hornady 165 GMX behind 51.1 grains of 4064 seems to do the trick in my 30/06.

This one weighed out at just under 300 yards, but it was a headshot so probably just about any hunting bullet would have worked.

[crazy]

How about frangible bullets? I have seen some vids on youtube and Sinterfire is on the approved non-lead list.

https://www.sinterfire.com/Ammunition-Components.aspx

Also, I saw this very long but informative video on youtube.

[Rnovi]

I would not, in any way, use a frangible on a hog.

Hogs (pending size) have a 2" thick cartilage gristle shield around their chests designed to protect their vitals.

Hit them with a decently constructed bullet and hit them right. If you hit them in the chest, odds are the will run. Of the dozen or so I've hit, the only chest hit that didn't run (far) was a 60# piglet with both shoulders and everything in-between destroyed. There was one other - nailed it with a 7 RM cross sectioning the body behind the right shoulder and exiting in front of the left, impact at 45 yards. It was dead...very dead and still tried to run on it's side for another 30 seconds.

If your pig runs and it's near brush, just know that the pig now has you on its terms.

Don't underestimate them. A 100# pig has no predators except you.



PS: this was a 117 gr. SGK driven at 2,850 in my .257 Roberts. The bullet did not exit.

[estrom]

I agree that you may as well start buying copper now unless you know you'll shoot through a box of lead.

I've had great results shooting both the Fed Trophy Copper and the Hornady GMX through a Browning 7mm. I happily buy either depending on which of the two might be on sale at the time.

And don't forget, the general consensus with copper is "lighter and faster".

[MongooseV8]

Barnes TTSX in either 130 or 150 grain. Push them fast with a good jump.

[shooter1975]

200lb boar at 125 yards!!!! Using a 300 RUM with 180 grain Partition @ 3,200 fps. Shot him in the forehead and the bullet lodged itself in his left ham after shattering it's femor.





It started as a 180 grain and had a net weight of 130 grains.