Which Caliber ?

[Ding126]

I want another bolt rifle for general hunting from wild pig to small deer. I'm thinking 308 but is that too much for wild pig?

Thanks

[Sosoomi]

After seeing a few pictures like this, I wonder if .308 is enough!

http://a57.foxnews.com/global.fncstatic.com/static/managed/img/Archive/fn2/876/493/2_21_052507_MonsterPig.jpg?ve=1&tl=1

[6114DAVE]

I want another bolt rifle for general hunting from wild pig to small deer. I'm thinking 308 but is that too much for wild pig?

Thanks

Pigs are tough , "too much"? Dead is deAd is dead ....no such thing

[OpticsPlanet]

Ive seen pigs taken with a 223 all the way up to 50 BMG (ultimate eradication). I like to fall on the larger side. My pig gun is a 375H&H TC or a Marlin 1895 in 450 Marlin.

If you want this rifle to be multipurpose, just get comfortable with it and accurate and you'll drop the pigs with a 308 without issue.

Trevor B.

[ElvenSoul]

Just get a Savage Axis 30-06 average price $290

[drdarrin@sbcglobal.net]

30 caliber is a great choice for anything that walks in North America. It's been used to take them all. The trick is, can you do your part.

[SB1964]

The new generation of pig ammo is prolly best in .308. It wont be long in Ca. until we can't use lead at all, 2019? Considering the bullets, without lead they will need to be faster to make up the energy equation. I wouldn't bother with a lighter cartridge, but that's just me. I'll likely dial in my new Tikka T3 superlight .308 early next week. Dial in to me means done! Boresighted, rested & scope adjusted. Get the .308!!!

[desert dog]

308 / 30-06 is perfect for pigs

[dskit]

As others have said, there really is no such thing as "too much" for hogs.
My primary hog gun is a T/C Encore in 7-08 with 140 grain triple shocks. Its adequate and everything I've hit has died.

I have a 30-06 barrel that I'd prefer to use, but haven't found a non-lead load that works as well as the 7-08.

[stonefly-2]

that's a good point about (maybe) having to use copper.
let's change the question around a bit.

you have your 308/06 /223 that you recommend now based on knowledge & experience but copper is coming. like the op you are in the market for a new rifle to shoot copper. what caliber/ rifle do you choose.


i'll go first. mod. 96 swedish mauser.

not a 260 or a commercial 6.5x55 but a good old deep throated 96 with 7.75" rifling.

[ElvenSoul]

I have taken hogs with 7.62x39 and .300Savage it is possible. However you have to have sure aim and know your targets anatomy.

[ElvenSoul]

For copper rounds .270Win 26" barrel

However Remington 700ADL can be had in 7mm Mag with a 26" barrel for about $430 now you got a rifle that can hunt deer to grizzly

[ElvenSoul]

For copper rounds .270Win 26" barrel

However Remington 700ADL can be had in 7mm Mag with a 26" barrel for about $430 now you got a rifle that can hunt deer to grizzly

[Ding126]

I plan on eating the kill, so I was thinking the right caliber will kill effectively and not blow the animal up...

My 300 win mag is a good all around caliber for No. American game...just might be a bit over kill for a pig......

Thoughts??

[ElvenSoul]

I plan on eating the kill, so I was thinking the right caliber will kill effectively and not blow the animal up...

My 300 win mag is a good all around caliber for No. American game...just might be a bit over kill for a pig......

Thoughts??

You have the pefect weapon!

Just find the right bullet....I would thing 180gr would work well