I'am going to do it!

[rkamp]

I'am going to get a 10" contender to hunt ferral hogs with.

I usually carry a .280 Rem. Nt. Rifle, and a sidearm when I
hunt ferral hogs in open land in the Mountains of N. CA.
I have added a camera, and twent pounds (gut) to my gear,
and I want something lighter in weight to sling around my neck.

The first barrel will be a 10" in 22LR to practice with, and I will
probably go with a fixed 4x scope.
The next 10 incher will be in either .357 Maximum or 300 Whisper.
This forum has been helpful in narrowing my selection down to these
two. I'am leaning toward the 357 max. and using SSP 180 grain Hornadys. My 3 main criteria are power, recoil, and 10 inch barrel.

This question has been asked before, but is there a .223/30 cartridge
readily available that could get push a 150 gr. bullet out around 2K fps.
I dont like the idea of using a 125 gr. on larger hogs with the .221/30

Thanks'

[contendernut]

rkamp,

You may want to check on a 10" 30 Herrett.  With the 30-223, you going to have to go custom on the dies.  If you don't mind the custom die expense, I have seen several 30-223 barrels before.  I don't mind paying for the custom dies but it is a factor.  

BTW, if you go the 3-223 route, consider spending extra $$ on brass and using cut down 5.6x50R brass.  You will have to get a rim cut in the barrel when you get it made but it would be better.

[Dave2of5]

rkamp;

I think you choice of .357 Max is a good one for a 10". I have a .357 Herret in 10" and I think it is the greatest. It is accurate and hard hitting - it was designed to work in a 10" barrel with many laods and bullet weights avaliable.

The advantage that the Max has is the cases are avaliable. But personally, I have never had any problems with case forming for the Herret and I don't find it as big a chore as most do.

Accurate dependable and hard hitting. I don't think a hog will know the difference between the 2 - they are both excellent.

Dave

[rkamp]

Thank you both for your input.

I am in the process of nailing down my 22lr,
and soon after my "brush barell".

Much to be learned.


rkamp

[Deaf Smith]

with 180 grain bulleyts is a perfgect solution to your hog hunting, The straight case is a LOT easier to reload than the blttle necks rounds you are considering and the power levels are actually not worth the difference.
An added bonuis is you cas shoot 38's and 357's for lesser game as well.
357 max is the better choice azll around. JMHO
Deaf Smith

[Graycg]

Get the Max, best 10 inch round for the contender for deer and pigs.  Shoots flat, hits hard and a joy to reload...carbide dies, etc.  I have taken several deer and porkers with my max.  You won't regret it.  If you get into it, cast flatnosed bullets of 180-220 grains shot hard will knock over the toughest porker like the hammer of thor.

regards,
 Graycg