.223 for Hogs? Recommend a caliber please.

[DRPoolio]

We've got the opportunity for some good hog hunts close to us in the central valley. I've been looking at .223's for plinking and was hoping I might be able to use it for the occasional hog as well. Can that light caliber serve both purposes?

Please discuss!

[ar15barrels]

The general consensus is to use a bigger caliber for hogs.
Many will argue that a 223 IS enough, but many more will argue to use a more appropriate cartridge.
I would be looking at a 6.8SPC if I HAD to use an AR, but I personally carry a much lighter weight 308 bolt action when I am seeking hogs.
Also, check your local hunting ordinances as some prohibit 22 caliber for game.

Here is what the state says:

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/pig/

Specifically read through this:

https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=23231

[ElvenSoul]

Ummm try a google search...do some research

[ExtremeX]

If all you have is a 223 you can use it. But I would highly recommend you use an appropriate bullet for the application…

[Cowboy T]

Depends on your distance and what you want to do. In Texas, they do feral hog kills from helicopters with .223 out of AR's on a regular basis. If you're on the ground and within 100 yards, I don't see why a .44 Magnum levergun wouldn't do the trick. They use that in the East Coast woods a lot for both hogs and deer, as well as the .45-70. Heck, they use the .357 Magnum, successfully, within 80 yards. The .308 Win or .30-06 would also be good, and very available, choices, and both will reach out 'n' touch your porcine quarry if you're shooting at a significant distance.

Can you give us some more details on your planned hunting?

[DRPoolio]

Thanks for the input. How about slugs via Mossberg 500? More appropriate or a gimmick?

[DRPoolio]

Depends on your distance and what you want to do. In Texas, they do feral hog kills from helicopters with .223 out of AR's on a regular basis. If you're on the ground and within 100 yards, I don't see why a .44 Magnum levergun wouldn't do the trick. They use that in the East Coast woods a lot for both hogs and deer, as well as the .45-70. Heck, they use the .357 Magnum, successfully, within 80 yards. The .308 Win or .30-06 would also be good, and very available, choices, and both will reach out 'n' touch your porcine quarry if you're shooting at a significant distance.

Can you give us some more details on your planned shooting?

Likely in the lower Sierra of Madera and Fresno Counties. Lots of private land and many owners are looking for hunters to keep numbers down.

[ar15barrels]

Thanks for the input. How about slugs via Mossberg 500? More appropriate or a gimmick?

I hunted some shotgun only areas at Ft Hunter Liggett.
We saw lots of sign, but no pigs to put our sights on.
We saw some other guys cleaning pigs at the game station that got them with slugs though...

Finding them and getting close enough to them to hit them is your challenge, regardless of your firearm type.

[ar15barrels]

Likely in the lower Sierra of Madera and Fresno Counties. Lots of private land and many owners are looking for hunters to keep numbers down.

If you have private land access and want a couple extra hunters, I keep a valid license and pig tags.

[CSACANNONEER]

Caliber or cartridge? As far as "caliber" goes, I'd stay with a .25 caliber or bigger bore depending on what cartridge the barrel was chambered for. Of course, there are many cartridges that shoot bigger caliber bullets than .25 cal that would not be suitable for pig.

[pacrat]

Thanks for the input. How about slugs via Mossberg 500? More appropriate or a gimmick?

From the second link that AR15barrels posted.

The following methods can be used for hunting wild pigs:
(1) rifles and handguns using centerfire cartridges with soft point or expanding bullets;
(2) muzzleloading rifles of at least .40 caliber;
(3) shotguns capable of holding no more than three shells and firing single slugs; and
(4) archery equipment and crossbows (see Section 354, California Code of Regulations, for details).

Slugs are a good pig stopper if within range. As with any weapon, know your capabilities and hunt ethically.

Also note that there are 2 distinct different types of "wild hog" in Ca. Central coast hogs are Euro Wild Boar hybrids. The boars have a thick damn near bullet proof cartilage armour from the neck to hips. Across the valley are domestic ferals which are much easier to knock down, like the Texas hogs.

I killed a 525 pound boar close to Lompoc in 1990 that had been shot 4 times in the past. All recovered slugs were 150 grain 30 cal. One had broken a rib but didn't reach vitals. The other 3 hits had no internal damage at all because they failed to penetraste the 1 1/2" of cartilage. Taxidermist {The Trophy Room} that does all the LA Nat. Hist. Museum mounts estimated his age at 25 yrs by his teeth.

JM2c

[fonzy]

I live in Madera also. I haven't seen any hogs.

[Sutcliffe]

.22 bullets have gotten better

But, many states refuse to consider the caliber sufficient for big game. I'd say anything above .25 caliber will be about perfect. Study porcine anatomy. There are some shots that are low probability due to their physiology.

[DRPoolio]

I live in Madera also. I haven't seen any hogs.

Foothills above Madera, not likely to stumble across one down here in the valley.

[Hot Holster]

If you are going to use a .223, get the right round to use. Remington Hog Hammer in the 62gr, Federal Fusion 62gr, Winchester Razorback 64gr, Barnes TSX 62gr or 70gr, are all good rounds to take hogs.

Google hog kill shots and memorize the shot locations because if you don't hit them, you'll be chasing a wounded hog until h, e, double L, freezes over.