Firearm/Ammo help for first hog hunt Please!

[kenpilot]

Hey guys, Im going on my first hog hunt next week and wanted to get your advice/suggestions on what kind of setup I should use for my firearms and ammo. I'm Bringing my shotgun : Remington 870 Express Super Mag with 23"barrel Vented and has a Full Choke in it for turkey. Is this setup ok and if so what Kind of Slugs would you suggest? Or should I change out the choke and/or barrel. I prefer to keep the cost low and I'm kind of on a time crunch so If I can get away with not having to change out the barrel that would be great. The choke I can handle. Also what kind of slugs should I use with the new setup if you suggest a different choke and or barrel??

Secondly, I will have my S&W 629 .44 mag with 6.5 barrel with me as a side-arm. What would you suggest for ammo in it?

Thanks for any and all suggestions!

 

[GeoffC]

44 mag, find a good hard cast flat point.

for the shotgun, if you must use a shotgun, use a rifled choke, not the full for slugs....

My thing with shotguns is this, if you can shoot 3 1/2 inch 000 buckshot and you dont, you're killing the point of a shotgun...

That said, if you must use a slug, any solid copper slug would be great, 3 inch or longer since you've got the gun for them...

That pistol you have is what I'd be using... Google Garrett Cartridge Company.. Have fun, you're 44mag shooting will be a blast from now on if you go with their ammo.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

Well, within the scope of your choices, I too would just use the .44 mag. I've hunted hog with one for many years. From 100 yards and in they perform very well. The new Leverevolution from hornady do really well on hogs.

If you were to change out barrels on the shotgun, go with a rifled barrel and lightfield slugs. Dropped many deer and a few hogs with that setup. As far as what Geoff said about the 3 inch or 3.5 inch magnum slugs, naaaaaa. The extra recoil for what little more you get in energy is for sure NOT worth it by any means. Damn things kill on BOTH ends! If you don't change barrels, do NOT use that full choke with slugs. Good chance on messing your barrel up. Brenneke rifled slugs with an improved cylinder choke are pretty good out to around 50 yards. Remington rifled slugs are pretty good as well. Just make sure you pay attention to the box and get RIFLED SLUGS for a smooth bore shotgun. And SABOT SLUGS for a rifled barrel if you choose to get one. Sometimes a rifled slug will shoot ok from a rifled barrel, but a Sabot slug will do horribly from a smooth bore.

 

[GeoffC]

Yeah, I'm not a slug guy, I dont like them, I dont hunt them, I dont shoot many of them....Other than the fact that that full choke is a bad idea, what he said...

Cheap solution... Keep the choke, buy a 6 buck box of 000 buckshot! lol

 

[Naybor]

Full choke + slug = Bad Idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The full choke squeezes the slug too much and may rupture/explode the barrel.
I saw a picture of one that did blow up using slugs and the barrel looked like a peeled banana skin!

OOO or OO Buck would be what I'd try with that puppy! Eight .36 cal or nine .33 pellets will be the same as hitting the hog with that many rifle shots.

If it has screw in choke capability, get an improved cylinder and shoot them rifled slugs.

 

[kenpilot]

Thanks for the quick responses guys! Ok so obviously the first thing I need to do is take my full choke off and replace it with an IC choke if I'm keeping the barrel and then using RIFLED slugs for a smooth bore shotgun. If I choose to change the barrel/choke then I should look in to getting a Rifled barrel again with an IC choke and then use Sabot slugs. Or if I decide to stick with the even cheaper out, keep the barrel and choke and just use 3 1/2 000 buckshot. Of course I'm guessing that won't be nearly as acurate as the slugs will be for further distances huh? Am I getting all this now? Or should I just bring my AK-47 with 7.62X39's and call it a day

Thanks again guys!

 

[kenpilot]

That .44 ammo looks like some pretty damn good ammo, but a little steep for my wallet right now. I'm sure theres some half way decent .44 hunting ammo I can get locally for much much less. But thanks! I put that under my favorites for future planning.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

Uh no, there is no choke on a rifled barrel. A rifled barrel is just that, a barrel designed for a single projectile same as a rifle. What state are you going to go Pig hunting in? If it is legal, TAKE THE AK!

As far as hunting ammo for the .44 just remember to get a round nose or flat top bullet. Don't goof up and get a hollow point. They are pretty pathetic for hogs. (Been there done that screwed up and had one in the chamber, good thing I had some jacketed round nosed in behind it because that Hollow point kind of upset the pig just a smidge)

 

[kenpilot]

DUH on the choke tube for a rifled barrel. :banghead: I've been up since 4:30, you'll have to excuse me Yeah I figured a hollow point in the .44 wouldn't be too good for a hog since I want more penetration then expansion with those suckers. Glad to hear you had the jacketed behind the hollow point! I am definitely considering the AK-47. I'm in GA so that shouldn't be an issue. We'll see!

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

Only issue with the AK would be FMJ bullets. They have to be a hunting bullet with an expanding design. Other than that, you are good to go with the AK. Take it, and the .44 on your side. I personally enjoy pistol hunting hogs as well as bow hunting them. Just getting close. Maybe hunt with the .44 and have the AK for backup!

 

[justgoto]

Why do Brenneke USA slugs have the ribs on the outside diameter of their slugs?

The purpose of the ribs on the outside diameter of the slug (with the exception of the 3- inch Gold Magnum and the All Brass Super Sabot which are designed for rifle barrel shotguns only) allows them, unlike most competitors slugs, to be used with any choke. As the slug passes through the three constricted areas, inside of the barrel, the Forcing Cone, Inside Bore, and then the Choke, the excess lead is squeezed into the gaps between the ribs with no damage to the barrel. Somewhat better accuracy may be noted when using the more open choke - - Improved Cylinder.

I've used rifled slugs as described above, in all of my full choke barrels; in over 35 years I've had no problems whatsoever. I would go with something like the, Heavy Field Short Magnum Green Lightning.

With the .44, I would go with something full metal jacketed.

 

[GeoffC]

Don't ever hunt with full metal jacket, unless you're game is an elephant of cape buffalo, and then, I'd recommend a solid or some sort......

Ahh on top of that it's illegal...

Hogs arent the aggressive dangerous game they're made out to be. Any animal you corner will be dangerous and it will fight back. Corner a deer with dogs and try an get in and knife or hog tie um and see what happens...
FMJ ammo will not provide as clean of a kill as expanding bullets...

When a bullet expands, it gets bigger. A bigger bullet tears up more, which causes more damage and death,


You do not need penetration beyond what a good hollow point of hard cast flat point will provide. You're hunting a pig, not a rhino. You'll be better off with your shotgun than an AK47...

a 44 magnum loaded with a good jacketed hollow point is wonderful Alaskan Brown Bear medicine. I promise, it'll take care of the pig.

In the South(I'm from and live in Arkansas) we've turned hog hunting into some kind of dangerous exotic kind of thing. It's not. Good common sense and judgment beat's a hundred 44 magnums loaded with the stoutest hand loads known to man, even when it comes to hunting the big bears.

When we use to slaughter a hog to eat..... 22 Short.

 

[justgoto]

Don't ever hunt with full metal jacket, unless you're game is an elephant of cape buffalo, and then, I'd recommend a solid or some sort......

He isn't hunting with FMJ, his back-up is FMJ.

Corner a deer with dogs and try an get in and knife or hog tie um and see what happens...

Ridiculous. A hog will charge when not cornered. I've cornered deer in a box canyon hundreds of times. Not once has one tried to attack me when I've blocked their path.

You're hunting a pig, not a rhino.

Another ridiculous statement. I've never seen anyone hunt rhino with a 44.

 

[GeoffC]

A backup hunting weapon is just that. It's a hunting weapon. You don't shoot game with fmj ammo.

A hog will not charge when not cornered or provoked. That being said, a sow with piglets is dangerous, as is a doe deer with her fawns, a rutting buck, a bear with cubs, hell even a goose will attack. I'd say you'll be very hard pressed to find one case of a hog attacking unprovoked or cornered.


As to hunting Rhino with a 44..... I'm referring to bullet design, not the particular round. A charging rhino would require a more solid, mass retaining bullet structure, where as the hog does not require such a penetrating round. Now, if you'd like to see where someone has hunted and killed a rhino with a 44 mag, you might contact the people at Garrett Cartridge Company. They make some stout stuff, and their 44mag and 45-70 ammo has taken about everything nasty on the African continent.

Penetration doesnt kill quickly, expansion does. That said, all the expansion in the world is worthless if you cant get it deep enough. Being that the bullet in question is a 44 magnum, and the game is a pig, penetration will not be an issue with standard jacketed hollow point or hard cast bullets.

 

[justgoto]

You don't shoot game with fmj ammo.

Yes you do. You gave examples in your first comment. You're really not good at this.

I'd say you'll be very hard pressed to find one case of a hog attacking unprovoked or cornered.

Irrelevant. They are going hunting. Total provocation! And you don't need to 'corner' to provoke.

penetration will not be an issue with standard jacketed hollow point or hard cast bullets.

You've been wrong, ridiculous, contradictory and irrelevant throughout the post. Not once have you backed your assertions with a coherent argument. Why are we to believe your statements are based in anything but your desire to save face?

Perfect example of an expanding fmj hunting bullet.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

You do not need penetration beyond what a good hollow point of hard cast flat point will provide. You're hunting a pig, not a rhino. You'll be better off with your shotgun than an AK47...

Uhhhhh, a hollow point hard cast flatpoint? Could you please share whatever it is you are smoking with the rest of the class? And as far as the shotgun being better than the AK, that would be a matter of opinion. If he went to a rifled barrel with slugs then possibly that statement would be correct, but with the setup he presently has, not even close. And from what I have seen you say about pigs, you have absolutely no clue as to what you are speaking about. Pigs are one of the toughest animals on the North American continent. That shield they have built up over their vitals is VERY difficult to penetrate and hollowpoints from a .44mag are a VERY poor choice for the animal. And also, the wild boar is an EXTREMELY dangerous animal and should in no way be taken lightly. A mad pig will tear you to shreds in a heartbeat. Those cutters are like knives and they know all too well how to use them. So Geoff, unless you actually know what you are talking about, please refrain from giving poor advise to the rookies. Especially advise that could get them hurt. I have hunted hogs in the East Tennessee mountains and many other states for over 40 years and do know a little bit about them. Granted they USUALLY will not attack unprovoked, but there are times when you may frighten one and sometimes they will choose FIGHT over FLIGHT.

 

[kenpilot]

Thanks again guys for the info, suggestions and entertainment I think I have a grasp now. Just have to decide between going with the 12 gauge and change out the choke and then use slugs since I don't really have the time or cash for a new barrel set-up, or the AK-47 with some expanding ammo due to GA regulations. Thanks again and hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving!

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

More than welcome Ken. Buzz me and let me know how you faired on your hunt or if you need any further help.

And Geoffc, I am STILL laughing at this statement

a 44 magnum loaded with a good jacketed hollow point is wonderful Alaskan Brown Bear medicine. I promise, it'll take care of the pig.

That is just hilarious. LMAO@ a .44mag HP is good medicine for a Brownie. Man I swear, you go up against a 900 pound little Brownie (and that is little for them) with a 44mag with Hp's loaded up and you will have a new name, DINNER!! Have you ever been outside of Arkansas? I've been in the Yukon many times and hunted them in my younger days and trust me when I tell you, that is SO not good advise. Maybe a good hard cast and a good bit of luck a .44 is good against a Brownie but I would not bet my life on it. I carry a .500 S&W when I am in Brownies land and I STILL feel under gunned with that monster! (Even though I know I am not) Will a .44mag kill a Brownie? Yes. Will it reliably stop a charge on a Brownie that is intent on making you the reason for his next bowel movement? I would not be willing to bet on it! And here is a news flash, a 200 pound hog is dern near if not AS tough to penetrate as a full grown Brown Bear!

 

[unwise11]

Do you have a .308 rifle? some 178 grain Hornady superformance loads would do well.
or just plain jane 180 grain powerpoint winchester from wally world.
but dont try too many headshots, I heard a fellow tell a story about a 30-06 bounce off a hogs head.

 

[Tim the student]

Interesting thread.

Lots of nonsense about slugs and chokes too. There is nothing unsafe about firing a slug through a full choke. It probably won't be as accurate as an IC choke, but it isn't dangerous.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

Interesting thread.

Lots of nonsense about slugs and chokes too. There is nothing unsafe about firing a slug through a full choke. It probably won't be as accurate as an IC choke, but it isn't dangerous.

In most cases you are correct Tim. But there have been instances where barrels have shredded from slugs through full chokes. But the main problem with them is with threaded choke tubes and the threads getting all hogged up from the force. It has been a large number of years since I have used rifled in a smooth bore, but I do recall that warnings were placed on the boxes for people to NOT use them in full choke barrels. So I guess there was a reason for that wouldn't you think?

 

[Tim the student]

It has been a large number of years since I have used rifled in a smooth bore, but I do recall that warnings were placed on the boxes for people to NOT use them in full choke barrels. So I guess there was a reason for that wouldn't you think?

So, how come in this day and age of warnings and lawsuits, it isn't the same now? Show me a warning, if you don't mind.

 

[GeoffC]

Hey, sorry if I offended you're obviously superior shooting and hunting skills...

Man, it's a damn wonder that the white man made it past the Mississippi River prior to the advent of the S&W 500 Magnum this decade, and I thank you for pointing that out to me.


It's a little known fact that, over 5,000 men were slain by bears when they tried to move into the Yukon Territory, unfortunantly for them, all the cast bullets in the world would not stop the pack of three bears that efficiently dispatched them all.

One man who managed too survive for a few days after the brutal attack was quoted as saying "it was like those bear's were wizards or something, our bullet's bounced off as if they were pebbles". The awful carnage...

Back in the 19th century when they had to cast those lead bullets, all the men that wrote about hunting and bear, elk, moose, and lion kills, they're all the biggest pack of liars ever. I say this because as you've pointed out, they were most certainly under gunned and had they really gone out into the field to attempt to take this type of game or feed themselves and those who relied upon them, they'd have certainly been killed by all the monsterously savage beasts that roam this countries woodlands...

Thank good for the 50cal (bmg) being chambered in civi rifles. We can now all wonder into the woods only slightly under gunned.

You sir are an idiot.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

HUGE difference between a HARD CAST and a HOLLOW POINT Geoff. Before you resort to insulting ones intelligence maybe you should have a closer look at what you are saying.

 

[Tim the student]

GeoffC, no need for personal attacks.