A good 30/06 cartridge for large Boar?

[Mannlicher]

I am going up to the NC mountains, to hunt boar early in '04. From what I have been told, this area is mostly heavy cover, and does not present many chances for a shot over 150 yards, or so.

I have used mostly 150 grain Federal or Remington cartridges for whitetails here in Florida. I need something more suited for large piggies. Any one with experience using this caliber on boar? What brand, bullet weight/style have worked for some of you guys? The 30/06 rifle I will be using is a Remington 742.

 

[H&Hhunter]

Mannlicher,

I've killed many a hog with my .308 and my 06 using 180gr Nosler partitions. They work great at 06 velocities. Any of the harder bullets will work great I've had great luck with the 180gr Speer Grand Slam and the 180gr Barnes X as well.

I've never had the oportunity to use them but I'm guessing a 200gr corelokt would be fantastic as well, as would the winchester 220gr soft point.

The 06 is a great hog slammer.

 

[Matt G]

Assuming you're only interested in pre-loaded ammunition,
I can't see how Federal Premium Nosler Patitions or Winchester Fail Safes could go wrong. Both have controlled expansion, and will penetrate.

I would lean toward the 180g loadings, and eschew the 150g loadings.

Another route worth exploring, assuming your shots won't be longer than 150 yds, is the Remington 220g loading. Inexpensive to practice with, and ought to be able to to the job. http://www.remington.com/ammo/ballistics/centerfire/results.asp?cal=30

 

[Mannlicher]

Thanks,

I am leaning towards the Nosler Partition, as loaded by Winchester or Federal. The 180 grain makes sense for me.

I have taken a number of feral hog in Florida, but these NC boar are larger, and tougher.

30/06 is a round that I do not shoot a lot, and I don't currently load for. Not many game animals in Florida require that much 'killing'. I have used a 12 Ga with Rottweil slugs, or a .44 Mag Marlin 1894 for most of my hog hunting here.

 

[critter]

Agree with the above. Go to a heavier bullet (180-200) AND go to a good bullet that will expand (but not TOO much or too quick) BUT hang on to much of its weight for penetration. The Nosler Partition is a GOOD choice but there are others.

Good luck-pork is FINE!

(PS: DO NOT FORGET to rezero your gun with the new loads!)

 

[Dr.Rob]

any controlled expansion heavy jacketed 165-180 bullet at 2700fps or better should do, unless you want to get into 220's.

Dad killed a russian wild boar with a Sierra 165game king, entered between neck and right front shoulder, though heart/lung and out the oppostie end of the hog.