Author Topic: What makes a good handgun bullet for boar? (Read 939 times)

Ullr · « **on:** March 17, 2003, 10:39:07 AM »

What makes for the best boar bullet for a handgun? Im planning on using my 45 Colt for a back-up for boar hunting, this is a Ruger RH. Ive started working up some loads with some hard 260 gr cast bullets from a custom caster. These things are so hard though that you almost cant dent them and a few of the recovered could probably be reloaded, their that hard. I was thinking of getting some different cast bullets and maybe going to 300 gr. However, Ive also seen some good things written about the Barnes X bullets for penetration. Although it seams that some may not open properly.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2003, 06:39:19 PM »

To me a good handgun bullet for hogs is one of .429" or larger and heavy for caliber to penetrate deeply. It if expands fine but not at the cost of penetration. So to me that means bullets of 275-325 grains in a .44 mag and from 300-335 in a .45 caliber. In the .480/.475 I want 400-440 grains. It needs a good wide meplat as the meplat is what does the work.

GB

willis5 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2003, 08:16:18 AM »

What are good factory loads in 454? I have used Winchester Partion Gold 260 gr in the past for boar... is this too light? I have never had a bullet stay in an animal. they go right through (ribs once and an opposite front leg the other) I know this is a little off topic, but it is close.

Cheers,
Willis5

Varmint Hunter · « **Reply #3 on:** March 19, 2003, 10:55:41 AM »

Optimally, you want a bullet that will expand without OVER expanding or disintegrating. The bullet must be capable of penetrating the exterior of the boar and punch through the vitals.
My choice for this job was the Swift A-Frame, however, a Nosler Partition, Barnes XPB or similar durable, expanding bullet should work just as well.
VH

Ullr · « **Reply #4 on:** March 24, 2003, 05:47:48 AM »

As usual the responses were helpful. I tend to do a lot of research into my own questions prior to asking them and there will always be some conflicting info to be found. But there is also usually some common thread that can be taken from it all that I can use to come to a conclusion.

However no matter what the data and calculations say there is no substitute for experience. And the thing that I think makes this forum so good is the vast amount of experience that can be taken advantage of here. Thanks again guys.

willis5 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 24, 2003, 06:55:15 AM »

I agree. words are only worth what they are worth. Experience is worth much more.

Cheers,
Willis5