.270 would be fine, that's what I use mostly. I use the heaviest bullets I can find when hunting piggies, I have some elk-loads (180-190gr) I bought just for pigs, just make sure to check your zero with heavier loads. Are you talking about 150pd feral hogs or Russian boars? There's a huge difference, I would use a 7mmMag or .300 on a 500-600pd Russian I think. We just have feral piggies here, they aint as dangerous or tough as Russian boars.
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The anatomy of a pig is a little different than say a deer or elk. Their heart sits considerbly lower in the chest than that of other large game animals. Here is a pretty grafic set of pictures where it shows an actual ferral hog that was shot and then the whole side of the animal removed to expose the organs and spine. It also has commentary that will explain quite well.
According to this thread you have your choice.My experience,I headshot from a blind or with dogs and shoulder/double lunged if moving.Often used a .22lr with dogs or over bait.We were after meat and didn't mess with the big ol' nasty ones we couldn't carry.When hunting bigger ones I liked the .243 but your -06 will work fine.I advise 165/180gr bullets as hogs are tough and light bullets open too fast. ,,,sam.
I punch them right through the shoulders, they go down on the spot, and no tracking required, or "hairy situations" with a wounded pig.
My favorite cartridge for hunting bigger feral hogs and Russian boar is the .338 Win Mag with 225 or 250 Grain bullets, the extra bullet weight is good insurance when squaring off aginst a 300 or 400 lb specimen.
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The best shotsI have made on hogs are quartering shots. Preferably quartering away, becuase you take out the vitals and their ability to travel. I used to shoot them over bait piles in FL, so you could watch and wait for the shot to present itself. They are a nuisance down there.
I shot one with my bow and one with a 30-30 in a qaurtering away fashion. Depending on the angle, your bullet entry may be as far back as the rear of the ribcage, but the improtant part is to line the bullet's travel up with the opposite side shoulder. Basically, aiming center mass, in line with the opposite front leg.
This will take out the lungs, and maybe the heart if low enough or spine if high, and on exit will tear up the front shoulder. The ones I shot this way ran a few yards and then that front shoulder gave out and down they went. They then lay there kicking and squealing loudly, so it's easy to find them even if in heavy brush. Then, you can either just wait for them to expire or walk up and cut their throat to speed things along. When the front shoulder goes, they seem unable to get back up in my experiences.
If you are a real good shot, you can put one behind the ear and they will drop on the spot. But, I figure aim small, miss small, so I always go for the bigger target (vitals). Double shoulder shots are good too, but then you lose more meat.
I once shot one running with my .50 cal muzzleloader and hit broadside below the spine just in front of the hams. It paralyzed his back end and he dropped, but I ended up shooting him in the head to put him down. He had some pretty big cutters, so I didn't risk doing him in with the knife. I got lucky on that one I think. If the shot had been lower, he would have been gut shot and still able to go. That could have been dangerous. IMO, it's always best to take out the vitals, regardless of the animal. YMMV.
My dad and sister and cousin all swear by 12ga with buckshot. (2 3/4 oo buck) They kill them in my dad's pasture at distances of about 50 yards with that regularly. The hogs usually pretty much fall over and die with buckshot at that distance. Of course, these are hogs that are under 150# usually, not big bruisers. The best eating are the females. So if you are hunting for meat instead of a trophy, shoot a good sow or guilt. The boar's meat can be pretty rank.
You have to take the shot that is ....presented. This isn`t like being at the gun range and shooting at targets that are nailed up.
Course if your shooting around a feeder, that`s different. If these guys are running full tilt, through brush or what not, your perfect shot might end up being the best shot at that moment. Good luck.
Palladin8 Has it right. Was going to suggest same Link.
30-06, a 165 grain will do more damage than a 150 grain.
A headshot when the pig is looking at you......
Make an X crossing ears and eyes. I've shot piggies in trap with 22 pistol and some time the blood spews out like a .22 inch wide fountain.
Good luck Jack
bTw, where are you going to hunt?
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Last edited by Full MeTal Jack; 07-22-2009 at 12:10 AM.
Palladin8 Has it right. Was going to suggest same Link.
30-06, a 165 grain will do more damage than a 150 grain.
A headshot when the pig is looking at you......
Make an X crossing ears and eyes. I've shot piggies in trap with 22 pistol and some time the blood spews out like a .22 inch wide fountain.
Good luck Jack
bTw, where are you going to hunt?
I can believe you did because that is exactly what happens.A stream shoots out about 3ft. ,,,sam.
