I have a .243 that I want to use for wild pig hunting here in the california central coast. I know some people that have used .243s for pigs and had success. These are very tough animals, so I was hoping to get some advice about what load would be most lethal for the big porkers. Any advice?

Pigs can be tough and my first choice wouldn't be a 243, but that's me and I know that many have been successful with the 243. Bullet placement is crucial and I'd go with a tough bullet and I'm guessing that you don't reload so my top choices in that caliber would be:

Federal Premium Vital Shok 100 Grn Nosler Partition
PMC Gold Line 85 Grn Barnes XLC
Remington 100 Grn Premier Core Lokt Ultra
Remington 90 Grn Swift Scirroco

Ideally pick up at least two different ones and see what shoots best in your rifle. I think my top choice would be the Nosler Partition though.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/rushmoreman/PAboarbestphoto.jpg

I've only shot a few wild boars. Last one was was about 130 lbs. But they often grow much larger than this size.

This boar went right down from a 180 grain bullet fired from my .308 at a distance of about 65 yards. Then he bounced back to his feet and charged in a straight line about 3 car lengths before toppling. He then proceeded to roar and make quite a fuss. A 22LR bullet through back of skull ended it. A wild boar can take a lot of killing.

You should try to borrow a 30-06 from a friend or relative. But if you can't borrow a bigger rifle than .243 go for 100 grain Nosler Partitions and head shot. Be aware of trees for climbing at all times. You don't want to get caught by a wounded boar at ground level.
TR

I agree with M1Garand, I don't think I would choose a 243 to hunt pigs with, to me it is a large varmint round.

Even if you use the bullet M1Garand suggested, which is probable the best chose, they are not made to penatrate the likes of a wild hog and they just don't have the weight needed. As you go up to larger caliber bullets the jacket gets thicker and the weight increases which will allow more penetration.

If that is the only gun you have go ahead and have some fun hunting the hogs and don't aim for the head, just make sure you are close to a big tree just incase.

Bill

Think TPV may give you an argument on a .243 being too lightweight for wild pigs. He regularily nails them with his .223 Rem and has taken to using a .243 of late.

It comes down to bullet weight, construction and placement. Same old story with any game animal to assure a lethal hit.

First wild hog I ever shot was with a Sako Forester in .243 using the then lathe turned 85 gr Nosler semi-spitzer partition bullet. Pig died instantly, not knowing he was hit by a non-recommended bullet.

I have a .243 that I want to use for wild pig hunting here in the california central coast. I know some people that have used .243s for pigs and had success. These are very tough animals, so I was hoping to get some advice about what load would be most lethal for the big porkers. Any advice?
Well, get ready for some fun.
Pigs are a challenge to hunt and shoot. They are fairly predictable in their behavior as long as you don't spook them off.
If pigs don't die instantly from the shot, chances are you will hear that familiar death wail that will initially scare the heck out of you.
But I have shot pigs with just about everything, and caught heck from the forum for using a 223 at times.
They all work, and the 243 should work good, just use a bullet 90 grain and up that is constructed well. Most of the lighter 243 bullets are intended to be varmint bullets and open up fast.
Just think this way.
Pigs are:
About the same weight as a deer.
Smaller lungs
Bigger heart
Thicker bone structure than a deer
Larger shoulder plate

So don't aim for the plate. Go behind it where you would normallly aim anyway
Just put the bullet in the rib cage and let it rattle around a bit. You'll kill your hog.
I just don't think there's any mystery to this animal. They can't breath without lungs.
Let us know how you do.
Good Luck

[QUOTE=johnny-r-h]I have a .243 that I want to use for wild pig hunting here in the california central coast.
Try the 85 grain Barnes TSX with IMR4831, Varget , or W748 to get about 3250 FPS. This load recently passed the LENGTH of a big northern buck without perceiable loss of weight.

[QUOTE=johnny-r-h]I have a .243 that I want to use for wild pig hunting here in the california central coast.
Try the 85 grain Barnes TSX with IMR4831, Varget , or W748 to get about 3250 FPS. This load recently passed the LENGTH of a big northern buck without perceiable loss of weight.
I read their web site which talks about higher velocity with lower pressures using the all copper technology.
Are you using max loads or can you go carefully above the listed max, since the pressures are lower?
I know that's a loaded question.

...I wouldn't use a .243 for wild pigs either...This is of course an opinion of mine, however it has been based on experience. The .243 has worked fine for small-predators[cats-n-coyotes]-and other varmints, and - it would be sufficient for small deer-[and-goats]-in a pinch. However most of my challenges in the field in the lower-48 have been dispatched-proper with a well placed .308/165[8]grn projectile from a .308Win...and I think this would be a fine pig-round based on my experience and the field reports from my associattes up in Central-California that have killed many more wild-pigs than me.

+1 on the Barnes TSX 85 gr. bullet...with the Varget or 748...

I am not sure of your shooting skills...you might be a regular Daniel Boone...as has been said before...it all boils down to where the bullet meets the hide...and if you can't hit the right spot, then get somthing bigger...

I prefer size...I have a 45-70 that can take care of porky pig quite easily. 'Course, here in Texas, the distances I deal with aren't that great...50-75 yards...dunno what your dealing with there...

YMMV
D