January 13, 2012, 04:22 PM | #1 |
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Planning a hog hunt
Planning a hog hunt this summer but not sure which rifle to bring. I was hoping either my 45 colt lever action or my savage .223 would work but i just dont know if either could take down a full grown hog. Just wondering if you guys had any suggestions.
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January 13, 2012, 04:32 PM | #2 |
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Either would work in the right circumstances.
Where are you planning to hunt?
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January 13, 2012, 04:36 PM | #3 |
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oink!
Geographically speaking, where will you be huntimg?
What is the average size hog usually taken? What is the average distance for your first shot? Will you be in open areas or more or less wooded areas?
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January 13, 2012, 04:36 PM | #4 |
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its a ranch in texas close to the border of louisiana. the owner says there everywhere down there. He said most of the hogs appear to be around 200-250 pounds and the shot will be from about 40-50 yds more than likely
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January 13, 2012, 04:38 PM | #5 |
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I've been hunting hogs for many years and I have yet to see a hog that would not go down with a good hit from 223/5.56. On the other hand, I have never seen a hog go down with a bad hit from a 375 H&H. You just gotta hit the right spot. I have put down plenty of hogs using handguns in 45ACP and 357 Mag. caliber.
If you have never hunted hogs before I suggest you do some homework and study the hog anatomy as it is different from deers. A lot of people say hogs are tough to put down but IMHO it is no more difficult than a deer of similar size. I believe hog's reputation came from people shooting them in the wrong parts of the body. Hogs heart and lungs sit much lower and forward than on a deer. That perfect deer shot behind the front leg when taken on a hog is too high and too far back. With hogs you want to shoot lower and further forward in the chest. I personally shoot them in the neck as it is large target and very effective in dropping them quickly... it also minimize meat loss. To answer your question, yes you can drop good size hogs with rifles in 45LC or 223 if you hit them in the right spot. |
January 13, 2012, 04:48 PM | #6 |
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sugg
visit texasboars
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January 13, 2012, 04:49 PM | #7 |
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January 13, 2012, 04:51 PM | #8 |
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Grr! I'll type it later!
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January 13, 2012, 08:50 PM | #9 |
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oink
Like 1tfl said, if you never hog hunted before, use something substaintial. Me, I use a .444 Marlin at 290gr. They go down and stay down.
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January 13, 2012, 09:41 PM | #10 |
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If you take a head shot either gun will work wonderfully!
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January 14, 2012, 10:26 AM | #11 |
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IMO I think the best gun to kill hogs with is the Marlin 1895 45/70 you just know when the bullet leaves the barrel the hog will be dead when the bullet arrives. Why take a chance with a smaller cal?.
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January 14, 2012, 01:36 PM | #12 | |
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Quote:
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January 14, 2012, 10:39 PM | #13 |
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Of the guns you listed I would go with the 45. But I believe either will work.
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Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well... |
January 15, 2012, 12:24 AM | #14 | ||
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Quote:
Skull anatomy is very different and volumetrically the brain is smaller on a pig than a deer given the size of the animal and size of the head. So a lot of folks aim for the base of the ear, about an inch below, inch below and slighty forward, or slighty backward. Those are all fine shots. People like neck shots as well. Quote:
If you are shooting at 50 yards or so, there should be no reason you can't make good head shots on the hogs with the .223 or the .45.
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January 15, 2012, 04:15 PM | #15 |
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Shootem like this.
This youngish boar was moved into the light for photo, but it is a good example for instant incapacitation by a .223. The side shown is also the exit wound, the other side the pig was slightly quartered away, so the shot was slightly higher and further back...maybe 45 deg from the ear. I show this picture because it shows a wound better than most pictures that I have taken. 50 yards, 55gr jhp, I don't recall the brand. I haven't used it again because it made an exit. As you can see the neck is a pretty large target. If the animal is positioned correctly, it is an easy shot to make. I believe the pigs fall so quickly due to hydrostatic effects, not necessarily wound diameter.
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Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!! Last edited by rickyrick; January 15, 2012 at 04:25 PM. |
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.223 , 45 colt , hog hunting |
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