Pistol caliber for feral pig kill

Look to Buffalo Bore. He has a couple of hard hitting 9mm rounds if you prefer that caliber.

124gn @1300fps/465ft. lbs.
147gn @1100fps/ 396ft. lbs.

Both are designed for deep penetration.

Feral hogs are so very wary, most of the time, so it should not, normally, be necessary to “discourage” them. Now and then, however, a hog might try to eat someone, as happened in an adjacent county, to our east, here in SE Texas. A home health care nurse was killed, in a rural driveway, when she arrived at her clients’ home. Extremely rare, but possible. Actually, loose dogs kill several people, each year, around here, so, are the greater threat.

https://abc13.com/christine-rollins...d-dead-animal-attack-death-wild-hogs/5716849/

Feral hogs get BIG, around here. Acorns from the numerous Live Oaks serve up quite a feast for them. I reckon that if the Live Oaks have a bad year, due to drought, or such, a feral hog might be to try to eat me, if I fall, or become otherwise immobilized.

Alaskan guide Phil Shoemaker made deep-penetrator 9mm work, against a charging grizzly, so, it should work, for us, against feral hogs, if we are up to the task of being fast and accurate.

https://www.americanhunter.org/cont...ishermen-from-raging-grizzly-with-9mm-pistol/

I still use .357 Mag, in revolvers, but arthritis is starting to make itself felt, and my Glock G17 pistols are, thankfully, nicely “orthopedic.” (Not meaning to imply that Glocks are better than your Ruger. It is simply that Glocks were one of the authorized duty pistol choices, when autos became the norm, when I worked for Houston PD. The revolver, visible in my avatar image, is a Ruger GP100, still a favorite. It was my duty handgun for a while, in the Nineties. Ruger makes good guns.)

IIRC, four or five fatal attacks by feral hogs have been reported in the United States. That's total. Ever.

You are more likely to be killed by a meteor.

Hog threads and bear threads are really weird.

Tallball said:

IIRC, four or five fatal attacks by feral hogs have been reported in the United States. That's total. Ever.

You are more likely to be killed by a meteor.

Hog threads and bear threads are really weird.

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I try to remember to say that yes, a hog can kill a human, but that the much greater threat is loose/feral dogs.

Now, about those meteors, we should start a discussion regarding meteor defense. (Well, no, not really…)

CoalCrackerAl said:

Id love to see some hogs come our way too. One of these days they will.

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I don't have them here and am thankful I don't. Hogs will eat about anything including animals they can catch or root up, darn near anything that is digestible, and they are seriously destructive. Ever seen a big old hog of about 400 pound stick it's snout in the ground and go to work? Throw in that they are one of the smartest animals around and they create huge problems where they are feral. Ask a Texas farmer or rancher. I wouldn't want one in a hundred miles of me and that is about how far away they are and I want them to stay there.

If I were to hunt them it would be with a rifle. 357 mag revolver for hiking just in case. An upset hog can cause some serious damage if cornered. I used to raise domestic hogs and I would about as soon get between a momma bear and her cubs as some breeds of hogs. I have had to jump a fence in hurry several times as momma came running slobbering and chomping when I made one of her babies squeal.

I have been waiting for reports of feral pigs in my area. There seem to be plenty just south in NC. I accept that it is inevitable they will arrive. I want to do my part to control them.
Best wishes

I don't much worry about caliber as long as my Gentleman is near me with his rifle and his two burly sons are at my sides, one doing clears and reloads and the other passing the firearm to me when ready.

I have been very successful with Winchester 240gr. Platinum-tip load. I have taken several Texas Whitetails, a book Spotted Fallow Deer and countless feral hogs. The largest was 270lbs. This round is very accurate in all my Redhawks. The only animal I have shot that actually ran off and I had to track was a large matriarch doe and she only ran about 80 yards through thick brush. The Fallow Deer only took three steps, blew blood out his nose and mouth and collapsed from a broadside shot.

I suppose everyone "feels" recoil differently. I prefer the heavy bullets at low FPS.

I'd much rather shoot a 45 ACP than a 9 MM or the 45 LC than a 357 Mag. Is it just me?

A question from a non hunter, what would a 9 mm. 115gr. Full metal jacket round do against the animals stated above ?

kerreckt said:

I have been waiting for reports of feral pigs in my area. There seem to be plenty just south in NC. I accept that it is inevitable they will arrive. I want to do my part to control them.
Best wishes

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Kinda the attitude of most folks who don't own land that produces some kind of crop, whether it be Agricultural or food plots. Many think they are just fine on public land too. Just as long as they don't show up and tear up their back yard. If and when they do show up in huntable numbers on private land, odds are it will cost you more than the meat is worth, to "do your part to control them". In most places where they are not common on public land, odds are they will never be able to establish themselves enough for the average hunter to regularly hunt them successfully. Most state agencies now are very aggressive with new feral hog infestations on public land.....and for good reason. There's a reason feral hogs and other animals/plants/fish are called "invasive species". They are detrimental to the native Flora and Fauna in the area, and not a good thing. I suggest anyone that really wants to hunt them, not to wish for them in their favorite hunting area, but to go to where they are already an issue and hunt them there, to help control the spread and the destruction.

dweis said:

I am the OP. I want to thank everyone for the input in this thread. It has given me food for thought, but in the end my decision is based upon input and reality. I am 80mand fighting off arthritis in my hands over the last decade. I can handle the recoil of my Ruger Security 9 compact loaded with Underwood 9mm +p+, but 10MM and upscale magnums are a no-no. So I am going with my arthritis driven reality. I’ll lead the 9mm Underwood Extreme Penetrator +P+ into a 15 round magazine and carry the two extras I have. I’ll continue to carry bear spray. I have used it twice over the past 30 years to fend off black bears. It ought to work with hogs too. I’ll carry more of it. With that and 45+1 of Extreme Penetrator I feel confident I can discourage the pigs. Thanks again.

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I'd certainly be willing to try it with a 9mm Xtreme Penetrator. I shoot standard pressure Xtreme Penetrators and Buffalo Bore 147 grain +P hard cast in my mini nines and they give great penetration in various mediums and against common barriers. I carry them sometimes off pavement, especially when archery hunting. We don't have pigs where I live, and 9mm is not legal for hunting big and trophy game animals (nor is the 10mm BTW; go figure), so I can't test them on living critters besides smaller varmint animals or in self-defense. But, I would try them if allowed because I suspect that they could handle it. When you are attempting to try something that others don't seem to have tried, you just have to try it for yourself if you want to know the answer. Good luck in your endeavors, and please post something if you ever get a chance to find out how they work.

buck460XVR said:

Kinda the attitude of most folks who don't own land that produces some kind of crop, whether it be Agricultural or food plots. Many think they are just fine on public land too. Just as long as they don't show up and tear up their back yard. If and when they do show up in huntable numbers on private land, odds are it will cost you more than the meat is worth, to "do your part to control them". In most places where they are not common on public land, odds are they will never be able to establish themselves enough for the average hunter to regularly hunt them successfully. Most state agencies now are very aggressive with new feral hog infestations on public land.....and for good reason. There's a reason feral hogs and other animals/plants/fish are called "invasive species". They are detrimental to the native Flora and Fauna in the area, and not a good thing. I suggest anyone that really wants to hunt them, not to wish for them in their favorite hunting area, but to go to where they are already an issue and hunt them there, to help control the spread and the destruction.

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Don't get me wrong. I wasn't trying to say the arrival of feral pigs would be a good thing. I said it is inevitable and I would be happy to shoot a few.

Haywood said:

A question from a non hunter, what would a 9 mm. 115gr. Full metal jacket round do against the animals stated above ?

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It all depends on what you hit. There was a Native American woman back in the 1950's that killed a grizzly bear with a .22 Long (not Long Rifle). Her name was Bella Twin. If you do a search you can probably find the story. The thing is that required exact shot placement. Things can happen fast & one might have to act in a hurry.
A 9mm FMJ would I expect poke a .355 diameter hole. How deep I don't know. Would the bullet go straight or tumble, be deflected by bone? I don't know. Most 9mm fmj is standard pressure range fodder used for plinking. I might be off a little but standard pressure 9mm runs about 1100 fps versus 1300 fps for +p+.
Here is a link to the ammunition the OP stated he is carrying. If you read the description it explains the reasoning behind the bullet design used.
9mm Luger +P+ PENETRATOR Ammo (buffalobore.com)

There were two herds of feral hogs in southeastern Colorado totalling about 350. The Department of Wildlife decided to get rid of them, declaring war in 2001. They finally called the all clear in 2018.

17 years to get rid of 350 of them. Perfect example of how difficult it is to eradicate them once they get a foothold.

kerreckt said:

Don't get me wrong. I wasn't trying to say the arrival of feral pigs would be a good thing. I said it is inevitable and I would be happy to shoot a few.

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Feral hogs have been in North Carolina since the 1500s. They were introduced by Europeans many times when the area was less populated and have had 5 centuries to establish themselves there. Over those 5 centuries they have yet to inevitably arrive to where you hunt. Odds are with modern conservation practices and aggressive eradication policies, it probably won't happen in the next 5 centuries either......and that's a good thing. Virginia has lots of other native species to hunt if one wants to.

A friend - posting here as Boarhunter - likes to hunt hogs with dogs in an area where it is real hunting, not just shooting a sounder of pigs.
His usual weapon is a BFR .45-70 revolver.
One day his guide saw him changing holsters from his 9mm CCW to the BFR and handed him some 9mm Extreme Shock ammunition with the hyperbolically promoted Nytrillium bullet, saying "try this."
So he shot a hog with it. One shot, one kill. He said the wound looked about the same as a. .45-70 soft point's.

Maybe he will come along and expand on the experience.

dweis said:

I am the OP. I want to thank everyone for the input in this thread. It has given me food for thought, but in the end my decision is based upon input and reality. I am 80mand fighting off arthritis in my hands over the last decade. I can handle the recoil of my Ruger Security 9 compact loaded with Underwood 9mm +p+, but 10MM and upscale magnums are a no-no. So I am going with my arthritis driven reality. I’ll lead the 9mm Underwood Extreme Penetrator +P+ into a 15 round magazine and carry the two extras I have. I’ll continue to carry bear spray. I have used it twice over the past 30 years to fend off black bears. It ought to work with hogs too. I’ll carry more of it. With that and 45+1 of Extreme Penetrator I feel confident I can discourage the pigs. Thanks again.

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have you tried shooting (or weight lifting) gloves? they soften the recoil a bit when i use them.

luck,

murf

Tallball said:

Hog threads and bear threads are really weird.

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I'd call them - amusing.
.
I like when the bear threads start. That means nice vacation weather is here.

I found it amusing the OP asked for “caliber” and some had to add “1911” as if a round fired from a 1911 were somehow better. Maybe a full 5” barrel makes a marginal difference but seriously?

I digress.

I’d say consider a .40/10MM but if recoil is an issue, maybe not.

If you are carrying and hiking, I’d stick with light. I don’t know how large your hogs get up there, but if your XP’s penetrate into vitals, they will surely work fine.

You might also try some Underwood or Buffalo Bore 147gr hard cast 9MM and see what you like better.

Best advice may be to stick with what you have and follow game regs.

Buzznrose said:

I found it amusing the OP asked for “caliber” and some had to add “1911” as if a round fired from a 1911 were somehow better. Maybe a full 5” barrel makes a marginal difference but seriously

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My recommendation for the 1911 was based on a full size steel frame for helping tame recoil when using a more powerful caliber. The right caliber is worthless if fired from a gun where recoil sucks *see XDs .45ACP with flush magazine

Then there was the question of hunting them, and distance was a concern. Well, about everyone I know would agree that a longer barrel/slide (remember the part where the OP said NO REVOLVERS?) equals longer sight radius, which in turn helps accuracy. So yes, the 5" 1911 would have that advantage over, say...about anything shorter. Now, if I knew anything about the Glock in 10mm with the 6" slide, I coulda recommended one. But I don't, so that would have been disingenuous. Again, the "right caliber" without the context of a suitable firearm isn't helpful.

Haywood said:

A question from a non hunter, what would a 9 mm. 115gr. Full metal jacket round do against the animals stated above ?

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I have no personal experience in this matter, but, it depends upon how the bullet is constructed. FMJ can come apart, with the softer lead squirting out of the collapsing jacket. I would much rather use a bullet that cannot separate, either due to being one piece of one metal, or, very-well-bonded-core.

Mike J said:

My friends said if they have young with them they will try to attack you. They also said they tried to hunt them out off their place but they couldn't kill them fast enough. The only way to eradicate them is trapping.

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13 years of hog hunting and nearly 2000 hogs down and recovered and I been among hogs countless times including squirts and never had them try to attack me as a result.

You can kill them fast enough, but it takes diligent efforts multiple times per week. I hunt several properties were hogs were a huge problem and now I just maintenance hunt for when newbies show up again. Of course, these tend to be more open properties. If you are heavily wooded, then yeah, traps or regular hog doggers are going to be as helpful or more so.

And there is no eradication, only localized extirpation. At best, you can kill the ones on a given property, but the property will be reinfested with hogs from surrounding properties that you don't have permission to hunt.

Tallball said:

IIRC, four or five fatal attacks by feral hogs have been reported in the United States. That's total. Ever.

You are more likely to be killed by a meteor.

Hog threads and bear threads are really weird.

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I always find it interesting when people cite death statistics as if they are on par with danger statistics. People often leave out injuries. As for being more likely to be killed by a meteor, odd, given the lack of credible accounts of people being killed by meteors world-over. https://www.sciencealert.com/we-fin...f-someone-being-killed-by-a-falling-meteorite Though there is some evidence of catastrophic meteor impacts, but not in the US. https://astronomy.com/news/2020/05/death-from-above-7-unlucky-tales-of-people-killed-by-meteorites https://phys.org/news/2020-04-terrible-luck-person-meteoriteback.html https://www.sciencealert.com/we-fin...f-someone-being-killed-by-a-falling-meteorite.

You are certainly more likely to be injured by a hog than a meteor, I would guess, given the numbers of folks that do get injured by feral hogs going hands-on with them, even if you aren't killed.

Double Naught Spy said:

13 years of hog hunting and nearly 2000 hogs down and recovered and I been among hogs countless times including squirts and never had them try to attack me as a result.

You can kill them fast enough, but it takes diligent efforts multiple times per week. I hunt several properties were hogs were a huge problem and now I just maintenance hunt for when newbies show up again. Of course, these tend to be more open properties. If you are heavily wooded, then yeah, traps or regular hog doggers are going to be as helpful or more so.

And there is no eradication, only localized extirpation. At best, you can kill the ones on a given property, but the property will be reinfested with hogs from surrounding properties that you don't have permission to hunt.
.

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My friends (2 brothers at that time now sadly only one is left) have 80 acres most of it other than where their homes are is mature woods. It isn't flat at all. There are hills & a pretty good sized creek bottom (that is where I encountered the hog). From what my friend tells me they still drift through. I don't think he concerns himself too much as long as they don't try to hang around.