12 Gauge Pig Load

[345 DeSoto]

Can 12 gauge 00 Buck be used safely for Hog hunting and if so, what range is max?. I've got a number of never fired 12 gauge full length brass cases and would like to load them for Hogs. Any recommendations?...

 

[ReloaderFred]

Pigs have tough hides and really strong bones, especially in the shoulder. Unless the distance was point blank, you won't get the penetration needed on a hog with 00 buck. The individual pellets are light and soft, and lose their energy rather quickly in flesh. A rifled slug would do much better from a shotgun.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[kingpin008]

What Fred said. I've never hunted hogs, but I know they're tough little freaks. I wouldn't want to go after 'em with anything less than a slug or rifle round.

 

[Cypress]

I agree with Fred that buckshot is far from the best medicine for pigs. I would venture to say for a quick kill 10yds max on a body shot and maybe 30yds on a head shot. I'm sure this will be disputed to death but I formed this opinion after doing some penetration testing. 3" magnum 00 Buck penetrated roughly the same as a 22LR fired from a rifle at 25 yds. I do carry #4 buck when digging wounded pigs out of the brush though. Usually these shots will be well inside 10 yds and a head shot is fairly easy and highly effective.