so for those of you that chose a .243 to hog hunt would you feal like you have enough gun for a pissed off 300+ lb hog charging at you? this question is not ment to start a fight. I am thinking about geting a .243 and where i hunt there are some big hogs. i know a 243 will drop a hog with proper shot placement. ive taken them with a .223

You don't even need a gun. Drop a loop around his snout and drive him out of the woods. Load him in your truck and take it home for fattening.

Use a good sturdy 100 grain or better bullet and pick your shoot well it should do fine. I would feel safer with 30-30 than a 243 though in close quarters as the bigger and heavier bullet is a better "attention" getter. Have you considered a 257 Roberts? It is still small enough to have some varmint potential but the extra caliber and added bullet weight potential makes it more versatile on larger game than a 243. 257 has a lot of potential for hand loading and a lot of great bullets to choose from too. It is based on the old tried and trued 7 x 57 case and is a very effective round that is not fully appreciated these days. I have no guns in the 24 to 28 caliber range but if I were to get one it would likely be a 257. Not that a 243 is a bad round as it is not, it just the 257 has better potential for medium sized game while still being a decent varminter with right loads. You go bigger than a 25 and you loose some varmint potential and add recoil and muzzle blast to mixture too and under 25 you give up some bullet weight for bigger game. Had there been a better selection of guns available in a 257 when 243 came out, the 243 might not have been as successful.

Yes with the proper shot placement a 243 will drop a hog, so will a 22 long rifle, but are you wedded to the 243? Open that case up to 30 caliber and you have a 308 that is much more capable in the hog department with very little added recoil and in the same short action and an excellent deer rifle.

Even as a deer rifle I consider the 243 an experts rifle rather than a beginners rifle. Shot placement is much more critical and even with the hundred grain bullets killing power is on the low end of the deer cartridge spectrum.

I'm not knocking the 243, I have two of them. Mine are really varmint orientated though. Like 54cal says moving up to the 25 caliber would still give you a varmint gun if that's your desire and more energy. If varmints and predators are not on the menu then the 308 or the 7mm-08 are much better choices.

Frankly I simply don't believe in one rifle for everything. You always give up something. I like small caliber high velocity bullets for varmints and predators and larger calibers with reasonable weight bullets for big game. Compromise is really something we don't have to do with the vast array of cartridges and guns available today. Just say no and get a rifle for the different types of game your going to hunt.

so for those of you that chose a .243 to hog hunt would you feal like you have enough gun for a pissed off 300+ lb hog charging at you? this question is not ment to start a fight. I am thinking about geting a .243 and where i hunt there are some big hogs. i know a 243 will drop a hog with proper shot placement. ive taken them with a .223

I shoot hogs all the time with my truck gun which is a 243Win. I've probably killed fifty or more with that caliber and probably just as many with a 223 seriously,BUT, a 300 lb charger,,, I think I'd opt for a 12 gauge with buck shot.
Most of the hogs I shoot with those calibers drop dead but some run 25-50 yds. They're dead, but they just don't know it yet.
With a good stought bullet, there is enough energy to stop one with a 243 Win, but I have seen a 50 yard shot to the forehead of a big boar with a 270. The pig rolled over and then ran away never to be seen again. I'm sure the bullet bounced off the skull plate.
If you are going to buy a gun only to shoot charging boars, I think I'd get hold of James Gates and get his suggestion.
When I shoot them, I'm usually in a truck or a 10 feet high stand. Ground level, now that's a different story.

Have you looked at the 50 cal machine guns?

After having seen a hog that I shot, run 60-70 yards after taking a round from a .458 Winchester Magnum.... no, I would not rely on a .243 to be the end-all and be-all of hog charge stopping calibers.

Likewise, I'd suggest the Dixie slugs as a good persuader.

The .243 will be fine for ordinary hunting. I have killed a bunch of them with the .257 Roberts and 100gr. bullets. Hogs can't read a micrometer and tell the difference between .243 and .257 bullets :D

But you would have a bit more versatile rifle with a .308 or something of that nature. I do pay attention to shot placement and angles with the .257; can't just drive the bullets through them from any angle like a .30-06.

A 308 or 06 would work too but a lot more blast and recoil too and if I am dealing with that level of blast/recoil in close combat, I want a bigger caliber. Heck a 35 Remington. 375 Winchester or such would be good medicine here and guns like a 45-70 and a 444 would be real good stoppers at close range with reasonable bullet placement and better than a smaller caliber gun. Any hog hit with a 458 that still moves was poorly hit and/or used wrong load too. Basically you want a gun that throws a big bullet yet does not beat you up shooting it and that you can shoot accurately. Smaller caliber bullets can turn or break up and heavy bone or gristle while a big heavy slug will not on less than perfect shoots. Heck even a 44 mag rifle would be far better hog gun than a 243 when chips are down. Myself if I was in that spot I would forget my 308 and use my 444 because it hits really hard and makes a big hole doing it too. I know it would do its job in any scenario if I do mine and I would not be concerned about confronting one in close quarters as a 300 grain 44 cal slug moving at 2100 fps is extremely lethal.

my primary gun is a marlin 1895G I have gotten the itch for a light rifle but i am now leaning to something with a little more umph because of the hog thing

Hogs,

The name says it all. A .243 is not made for pissed game. As far as a "Stomper" round, the .35 Rem. LeverEvolution by Hornady has gained new life, despite being a Bad-*** round to start with.

I have killed 2 deer with my .35, and both ran less than 30 yds. Internal wounds looked like core samples.

Ric

my primary gun is a marlin 1895G I have gotten the itch for a light rifle but i am now leaning to something with a little more umph because of the hog thing

Hmmm... How 'bout a .44Mag or .454 Levergun?

Jim

:Dhumm! 44mag lever gun I might have to add that to the list. That would be mighty dandy I could add a ruger super redhawk to go along with it. Crud now ive got to add 2 more guns to the list and agravate the heck out of my gunitis and my soon to be wife thanks :)

A 308 or 06 would work too but a lot more blast and recoil too and if I am dealing with that level of blast/recoil in close combat, I want a bigger caliber. Heck a 35 Remington. 375 Winchester or such would be good medicine here and guns like a 45-70 and a 444 would be real good stoppers at close range with reasonable bullet placement and better than a smaller caliber gun. Any hog hit with a 458 that still moves was poorly hit and/or used wrong load too. Basically you want a gun that throws a big bullet yet does not beat you up shooting it and that you can shoot accurately. Smaller caliber bullets can turn or break up and heavy bone or gristle while a big heavy slug will not on less than perfect shoots. Heck even a 44 mag rifle would be far better hog gun than a 243 when chips are down. Myself if I was in that spot I would forget my 308 and use my 444 because it hits really hard and makes a big hole doing it too. I know it would do its job in any scenario if I do mine and I would not be concerned about confronting one in close quarters as a 300 grain 44 cal slug moving at 2100 fps is extremely lethal.

Nope.... you weren't there. Try not to pass judgement on things you haven't seen.

I shot that hog through the lungs with a 400gr. Speer soft point at about 2,000fps inpact velocity. There wasn't just a blood trail.... there was a trail of parts that fell out as it ran. :eek:

The blood trail looked like someone was dumping paint out of a gallon can as they walked. Could have put my fist in the exit hole.

All of this from a pig that probably weighed 70 - 80 lbs. Witnessed too.

Sometimes they just run. You see some things like this, you'll finally stop believing all of the nonsense written in the magazines about stopping power, killing power, which caliber is better, etc. And hopefully this will help people avoid the temptation of passing such things on as gospel.

It must have been one of those undead demond hogs with a extream will not to become dead again!!! :eek: :D:D:D:D

Ive scene big hogs shot with big guns and they ran for a good clip. I shot a deer that had a whole through its head it was runnig arould bashing its head into trees. upon later examination the bullet and and wound channel bairly touched its brain and took off a chunk of the back of ist skull. That was freekey. About 10 years ago i was hunting in kentuckey with a good family frend on his land and a tag along new hunter that was 12. The first Buck we came upon was a monster. The kid beaing he was new we decided to let him take the shot. he aimed and just as he pulled the trigger the buck turned away from us and started to run. The kid had a frustrated look on his face and said i know I got em. we where not too shure it was close range and we did not hear a report from the bullet and the deer did not appear to react. upon further inspection the deer ran about 300 yards. We saw lots and lots of blood and about 50 yards away we started seeing innerds. Wen we found the deer about 15 minuits later it was stone dead. the bullet entered just inside the rear left leg and travled just under the skin up to the front shoulder litteraly unzipping the deer. all its innards fell out to my amazement the trauma caused a pretty good tear in the diaphram on the left side literaly deflateing the chest cavity similar to a "sucking chest wound" which is what I beleved finished the deer off. The cool thing was that was the easiest field dressing i have ever done!

A 308 or 06 would work too but a lot more blast and recoil too and if I am dealing with that level of blast/recoil in close combat, I want a bigger caliber. Heck a 35 Remington. 375 Winchester or such would be good medicine here and guns like a 45-70 and a 444 would be real good stoppers at close range with reasonable bullet placement and better than a smaller caliber gun. Any hog hit with a 458 that still moves was poorly hit and/or used wrong load too. Basically you want a gun that throws a big bullet yet does not beat you up shooting it and that you can shoot accurately. Smaller caliber bullets can turn or break up and heavy bone or gristle while a big heavy slug will not on less than perfect shoots. Heck even a 44 mag rifle would be far better hog gun than a 243 when chips are down. Myself if I was in that spot I would forget my 308 and use my 444 because it hits really hard and makes a big hole doing it too. I know it would do its job in any scenario if I do mine and I would not be concerned about confronting one in close quarters as a 300 grain 44 cal slug moving at 2100 fps is extremely lethal.


That is a statement of your experience and not factual at all for the experience of others. Just because you have not seen it or experienced it does mean that others have not..

Check this out a suspect with Center of chest hits with a 40 S&W walks around as if unhurt. AS Forest Gump said "Sh!t happens"

http://www.crimefilenews.com/2006/03/40-caliber-nightmare-is-caught-on-tape.html

Nope.... you weren't there. Try not to pass judgement on things you haven't seen.

I shot that hog through the lungs with a 400gr. Speer soft point at about 2,000fps inpact velocity. There wasn't just a blood trail.... there was a trail of parts that fell out as it ran. :eek:

The blood trail looked like someone was dumping paint out of a gallon can as they walked. Could have put my fist in the exit hole.

All of this from a pig that probably weighed 70 - 80 lbs. Witnessed too.

Sometimes they just run. You see some things like this, you'll finally stop believing all of the nonsense written in the magazines about stopping power, killing power, which caliber is better, etc. And hopefully this will help people avoid the temptation of passing such things on as gospel.

You kinda need to balance bullet type and size with prey. A 400 grain SP is not going to give the most efficient energy yield on a 80 lb target. A lighter bullet (like a 30-30 or even a 243) would have done better here. Pigs are not hard to kill if you hit a vital area. The cannot last long without a brain, heart or lungs and a spine shot can stop them now. I would not use my 444 on a 80 pound pig but would a 300 lb plus one

I have to agree with you 54 cal. I would not shoot an 80lb pig with my 45-70 and the loads that i use. It would probably zip right thrugh them. I doubt they would run tho I shoot for shoulders. I generaly use heavy hard cast loaded from mild to wild depending on my primary game but more on the standard pressure and velocity loads, or 300g Remington JHP loaded to normal velocities. If i happend to decide to take a pig that was in the weight range I would mostlikely aim for a head or neck shot There's a lot less meat on an 80lb piggy than on a 300 lb hog. In that case i would much rather have a .243. I am plannin on purchaseing a .30-06 in a standard weight rifle for general purpose. So the more I think about it a light weight rifle in .308 might be a better way to go. Ya the recoil will be heavier but I am not that recoil shy. I might beable to find a bullet and powder that works well in both rifles that could be a plus I have a very limited reloading area.

What does "It would probably zip right through them" mean? In re-guards to terminal performance.

This 400 Grain flat point hard cast zipped right through this pig.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d62/jwp475/WFN45CalWound.jpg


The leg is missing because it pulled off during skinning

Interseting indeed! It does not matter how many hogs you have killed and with what caliber....what should be considered is under what situation. There is a great deal of difference in shooting from a tree stand, over a truck window, or at these small feral hogs....and being in heavy cover with a real bad hog! I consider a 4th or 5th generation wild boar hogs, with a little Spanish or Russin blood, to be a true dangerius game animal. With this boys you needs a load with smashing power! We have hunted big hogs for years...not these small feral hogs and built ammo designed for them. You must break these boys down....not just punch holes in them!
You need to only run into one of these bad boys to learn quick what not to do!
Regards, James

I'd say a Terminator Slug would work admirable

You kinda need to balance bullet type and size with prey. A 400 grain SP is not going to give the most efficient energy yield on a 80 lb target. A lighter bullet (like a 30-30 or even a 243) would have done better here. Pigs are not hard to kill if you hit a vital area. The cannot last long without a brain, heart or lungs and a spine shot can stop them now. I would not use my 444 on a 80 pound pig but would a 300 lb plus one
Oh please..... :rolleyes:

Energy again? On a critter that weighs less than a hundred pounds?????

So what do I need to kill an elk.... a 155mm howitzer????? 16 inch battleship cannon? :confused:

I've killed LOTS of pigs, with everything from a .22 long rifle, handguns, a whole bunch of centerfire rifle cartridges, all the way through the .458. And I've seen them killed with a .50 BMG as well. My .458 loading was far above any factory .45-70, and probably better than most of the hot-rod .45-70 loadings.

You are just making me laugh. The wound channel and destruction of the .458 hit, energy or no :rolleyes: was only a shade less than the .50 cal.

I have to agree with you 54 cal. I would not shoot an 80lb pig with my 45-70 and the loads that i use. It would probably zip right thrugh them. I doubt they would run tho I shoot for shoulders. I generaly use heavy hard cast loaded from mild to wild depending on my primary game but more on the standard pressure and velocity loads, or 300g Remington JHP loaded to normal velocities. If i happend to decide to take a pig that was in the weight range I would mostlikely aim for a head or neck shot There's a lot less meat on an 80lb piggy than on a 300 lb hog. In that case i would much rather have a .243. I am plannin on purchaseing a .30-06 in a standard weight rifle for general purpose. So the more I think about it a light weight rifle in .308 might be a better way to go. Ya the recoil will be heavier but I am not that recoil shy. I might beable to find a bullet and powder that works well in both rifles that could be a plus I have a very limited reloading area.

You need not be afraid of the .45-70, with any loading. Two of the quickest kills I have had were with hard cast bullets in the .45 Colt; one through the lungs and one lengthwise as it ran away. Both just dropped. Neither shot even broke bones.

It just goes to show, when you have enough experience hunting, sooner or later you'll figure out that you just can't predict the outcome in advance. No matter how big of a calculator you bring on the hunt :D :D :D

Hey, Mike the logic of some is indeed amusing to say the least...

I never mentiond energy? I dont beleve in the whole energy transfer thing! Zip right through them is right and that does not mean that the trauma would not be horrific. I have shot enough critters and I am sure several of you hear have to see what bullets from rifles are capable of doing. I have read multipul books and studies on terminal proformace I cant immagin the trauma that would occure if you shot anything with a .458 mag. A .308 125g Hornady TAP round will cause a tempoary cavity about the size of a socker ball. Thats how rifles cause dammage they stretch flesh beyond its elastic barier and the faster the stretch the shorter the barrier and that is where you get the "jellied flesh." If this did not occure you would just have a nice little whole even with a 50cal BMG on flesh. Energy transfer is important only to a point but when it comes down to it bullet construction, placement and penetration is more important. If it cant get to the vitals it cant kill. This thred has gone way off topic!! That bullet literally zipped right through that pig destroying everything in its path

I apologise for the mis understanding I just reread the previous posts and noticed the refrence to energy. I however do not buy the whole energy thing. I was finaly able to view the picture WOW it deminstrates my point exactly what anyware around that wound could you eat 80lb pigs are small a head or neck shot would have allowed you to harvest more meat. Also what actually am i looking at? Where was the shot placement?

The exit was through the shoulder, that is why the leg was missing. The weapon was a 454 Casull

I never mentiond energy? I dont beleve in the whole energy transfer thing! Zip right through them is right and that does not mean that the trauma would not be horrific. I have shot enough critters and I am sure several of you hear have to see what bullets from rifles are capable of doing. I have read multipul books and studies on terminal proformace I cant immagin the trauma that would occure if you shot anything with a .458 mag. A .308 125g Hornady TAP round will cause a tempoary cavity about the size of a socker ball. Thats how rifles cause dammage they stretch flesh beyond its elastic barier and the faster the stretch the shorter the barrier and that is where you get the "jellied flesh." If this did not occure you would just have a nice little whole even with a 50cal BMG on flesh. Energy transfer is important only to a point but when it comes down to it bullet construction, placement and penetration is more important. If it cant get to the vitals it cant kill. This thred has gone way off topic!! That bullet literally zipped right through that pig destroying everything in its path

The reference to energy was from 54cal, not you. Sorry that wasn't clear. Responding to too many posts at once :)

Yes, the wound from the .458 was horrific. It looked like the pig swallowed a bomb. That was my point. Energy didn't keep that pig from running. Yet the two I shot with hard cast with the .45 Colt, went down in their tracks, with hardly any meat loss. I think you'd be better off with the .45-70 than the .243, strictly considering meat loss.

We're not too far off track... if we can convince even one reader to quit using kinetic energy as a measure of, well, anything meaningful, we've done our job.

My two cents. I may be new to bullet casting as evidenced by my previous posts but I am pretty well versed with my .243. I'm not sure about the big hog issue, I suppose a 100-107 gr. soft point would do fine if you crank it out with a good load. The .243 is all about MV2 (mass X velocity squared) The .243 can provide the velocity to turn a bullet into and explosive missle. My pet load for large NE whitetails is a sierra game king 85 JHP over some H414. I'm getting around 3,300 in my 24" bbl Parker Hale. I've driven a 75 gr JHP close to 3,600. At these velocities the 75 jhp literally explodes in the target, I rarely get full penetration in a woodchuck. But I digress, back to the 85 JHP. That load will penetrate a whitetail broadside every time and the deer will drop dead on the spot. I've done it many times. And not with a perfect hit either, anywhere forward of the diaphram and PLOP! They go down, it's called hydrostatic shock. The shock wave when that bullet hits and shocks the fluids in the chest everything just stops!
So anyways, good luck with the hogs.
To quote and old defensive shooter who's name escapes me "speed is fine but accuracy is final"

Thanks for your input. FYI, if you haven't shot hogs, they seem to be about twice as stoutly constructed as a whitetail of the same weight. There is a concern about enough penetration through shoulders with soft bullets.

Hope you get a chance to shoot a few. We sure have plenty!

Welcome to the forum.

Dakotaelkslayer took my idea. Find a nice Ruger deerfield carbine. 44mag and semi auto... Another option a 358win in a browning bar.

First, I'm a newbe here and I don't want to step on anyone's toes. I have been seriosily hunting hogs now here in Texas for over 10 years and have killed or seen killed over 100 hogs and never seen one (born and reared in the wild) that weighed 300lbs. I know that a few exist but I don't believe that more than a handfull of free ranging feral hogs, or crosses, are killed in Texas every year. I in my opinion they are not that tough if hit corectly with the right bullet. A 38sp with about anytjing but wadcutters and hollowpoints will penetrate the shield at 10-15'. An aquaintence did that experiment. The biggest problem with hog hunters is most shoot a hog too far back. There is very little lung behind the shoulder, unlike a deer. Go to this link and see the article on pig anatomy. http://www.texasboars.com/ In my opinion any standard velocity cartridge shooting a 150-180 Cup-&-Core bullet is plenty. My favorites a 308 with 150-165 and a 7x57 with 150s both shooting around 2600-2800fps. capt david