feral hogs

[bilesteve]

I have asked this question on other forums, but since I have recently become a Handi owner, I thought I might try here too.

One of my rifles is a Savage 114W in .243 for which I have just had some Barnes Triple Shock ammo prepared for my fantasy of hog hunting. Other forums have had mixed views of the .243, but several have said that with the Barnes bullets and neck shots I should be okay.

Being that I am happy with my Superlight in .223 and how it shoots, I am now thinking that I could get either a .243, .308, or a .30-'06 barrel from Handi as an alternative to my Savage, or even in addition.

Does anyone here have any experience using the heavier calibers for hog hunting? I am a little concerned on recoil on such a light frame as the Superlight.

Heck, with the possibility of that after-market walnut stock (previous thread), this little gun may get modified real quick. I wish I had taken a serious look at Handi Rifle earlier.

Thanks.

[Paul5388]

You might want to ask that question here.  Hogs, and their demise, seem to be their life's ambition.

[Trapper-Jack]

It's been quite a few years ago, but I've killed quite a few wild hogs in the 400 to 600 pound range with either a 30/30 or a 6mm Remington (not much different from a .243).  I'm sure that there will be some that will tell you that either are not adiquate, but with the right shot placement, and the heavier bullets, 90-100 grains, the 243 will do the job.

[Mohawk]

The .243 with 100 soft-points behind the shoulder works as well as anything else. They may run 100yds but they go down. Base of the neck shots are good too.

[22KHornet]

A 243 is a great wild hog round.  I know some people will tell you nothing short of a 458 lott will do but I have dropped mule deer and javalina with the 243.  While wild hogs are tough animals they are still just a hog.  When it is necassary we dispatch 200+ pound pigs with 22mag shot to the head.  Now I am not saying go out and hunt WILD hogs with a 22 mag but a 243 with a nice 80 to 100 grain expanding bullet will work wonders.

[50 Calshtr]

I would have to say "depends".  Not knowing where you intend to hunt makes a big difference.  I shot a 300 lb (+/-) hog last Friday in the Georgia swamps where visability is often less than 30 yds.  He went about 20 yards after getting knocked down by a 300 gr 45/70 shot to the shoulder but left no blood trail due to the 3/4 inch hide and 1 1/2 inches of fat.  Wading thru shoulder high brush looking for a pig you HOPE is dead is not fun.  That being said if you can see the hog from a distance and have enough time to pick the ideal shot, sure you can kill one with about anything. Just remember if you don't drop him on the spot he may not leave a blood trail and if you can't see him travel that 100 yds before he drops you may lose him.

[bilesteve]

Thanks for the responses. I mentioned that hog hunting was my fantasy as I have never really been a hunter other than rabbits, dove, and quail. If I do go hog hunting, I am fairlycertain that I want to be in an elevated blind, at least until I decided whether I would want to continue the sport. If in a blind, I think I would carefully pick and choose the shot.

As an aside, I have been watching the hunting shows on the Outdoor channel, it appears that bow hunters have relatively little problem killing hogs with bow and arrow. 'Course some of those arrows are pretty wicked looking pieces of equipment.

[handirifle]

bilesteve

I have never really been a hunter other than rabbits, dove, and quail.

I consider this as much a hunter as any, just because it doesn't weigh over 100lbs doesn't mean you're not a hunter.  Welcome to the Handi world.

Never hunted hogs myself, but I too, would like to.  Just returned home from an unsuccessful elk hunt in NM , had a great time though.

As far as an arrow goes, remember these things have been killing ALL animals for centuries before firearms.  A sharp broadhead leaves a large slice through anything it hits and when all your blood is going somewhere other than the brain, death soon follows.

These Handi's are addicting and can be set up a dozen different ways.

I'll be sending my Ultra off after the first for at least an '06 barrel, not sure what else.  If my '06 works out well, I may convert my Savage '06 to a 338-06 for elk.

[22KHornet]

Hey handirifle, where did you go in NM to elk hunt.  Just curious, used to live there.

[Ditchdigger]

I've dropped them on the spot with a 22mag. at 140yds. with a neck shot, and lost them with a 45 70 (what should have been a boiler room shot). The 300 gr. 45 70 must not have expanded because after 100 yds of heavy bleeding,it stopped. Its not any fun at all trailing a 450 pd. boar in the thickets after dark by yourself with a single shot rifle. The fat usually plugs the hole that the bullet makes,so that why I do neck shots,and BT's .  You need a large exit hole for good trailing,or do the neck shot. I personally usually use my 300 Wby. and 180gr. BT's for the longer shots. Digger

[Uncle Ji]

Here in Hawaii the .243 is actually a popular hunting round.  I've always preferred my .44 mag levergun for pigs but several of my hunting buddies use the Winchester model 100 in .243 with great success.  Just use the heaviest bullet, and make sure of shot placement.  Most shots are under 50 yards.  ALOHA