243 for feral hog

[pogy]

I am planning a hunt for feral hog with my .243. Hunts go for $100 per day or $200 weekend with lodging. I am looking for suggestions on what type of bullet to use, it would be 100gr I suppose. Hogs around here average about 100lbs but I've read they have heavy bone in some areas. Also where should I aim? thanks

 

[mljdeckard]

Whenever someone asks about a round for hogs, I don't know how to respond. Hogs have a BIG range of size, even in the same geographical region. I would say sure, a .243 is great for game 100-200 lbs. But hogs can get a lot bigger than that.

Hogs have a shoulder bone plate assembly that can be tough to penetrate. I would say behind the shoulder, but a good bullet should smash through it. Any of the heavier .243 game loadings would be great.

 

[pogy]

thanks mlj for the reply.

 

[desidog]

much more important than the diameter of the bullet is where it hits.... so if you're competent with the .243, go for it! I'd try to put the bullet through rib and soft tissue, and not try to break the shoulder...or punch through the gristle up front...so head-on shots are out....which will be dicey if your first shot sucked and he comes after you!

Definitely use a heavier bullet...95 or 100gr....but i'd also think about something that is NOT a straight-up soft-point, so you get better penetration. I'm sure someone will argue that you get a bigger wound channel with something that opens up quick; but in my experience things that open up quick also stop sooner...perhaps before they've reached the intended destination.

 

[H1500308]

.243 is fine

Dropped two hogs DRT last year with a .243. 100g soft points

 

[Welsh Warrior]

I hunt elk with 243 good shot placement never been an issue. I know there are people who will be critics, but never lost any animals deer, elk ,etc.

 

[schlockinz]

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=484561