First time

[Roadkill]

Plan on going to Bankhead National Forest Saturday, talked with ranger who said they really have a hog problem and to come on down, will be a big change for me, all I've ever hunted is coyotes and deer, moderately successful with both, use an AR .223 and a Marlin 30-30, have a fairly wide range of guns, will be hunting in hardwoods and creek bottoms, limited range shots, have all the WWI &II battle rifles from the major countries, an AK & FAL plus two long barrel and one short 12 gauges, what do I need to use? Am leaning toward the AK, Garand, or MKIV. Also have a choice of several 9mms, a .45, or a .44 magnum as a pistol. I reload for and am capable with all of them. Thanks

Rgg

 

[Art Eatman]

Penetration and bone-breaking seems to be the deal, particularly on larger hogs. So, heavier bullets, larger bore; slugs in shotguns.

Art

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

I'm no expert hog hunter, but based on my experience, hogs can vary so widely in size that it's hard to predict what exactly is the best for the situation you'll be in.

For most of the piggies, I'd think your 30-30 should be dandy, if you can put your shots where you want them. (I've got a Marlin with an illuminated scope for hogs.)

As a sidearm, I usually take a .357 magnum, but that's only because it's the most powerful handgun I own. If I had a .44, I'd take it.

Because most of the feral hogs I've seen haven't been all that big, but there was one boar, about 350 pounds, that was nothing to be messed around with. When wounded, he decided he wanted to take a big chunk out of everyone around, if it was the last thing he did. He didn't hurt any of us in the group, but only thanks to the quick application of a 12-gauge slug to the face.

 

[Lennyjoe]

I have killed hogs in Georgia with a 150gr SP out of a 30-30. Shot placement is a must and be aware of the wind. Them porkers have good noses but poor sight.

BTW, always be aware of a good climbing tree if you wound a boar.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Most of the hogs you'll be seeing are domesticated feral stock. Most will run 100-200lbs. Occasionally may go to 300lbs.

I'd use the .30/30, but any of your "deer" caliber firearms will do. Generally, I'd use a heavier bullet for the pigs than deer such as a 170gr vs my usual 150gr in .30wcf; though the 100lb pig I killed last year with a 125gr FNHP in my .30wcf went down quick enough. (complete penetration with heart/lung shot at 50yds). (Sierra bullet over 35.0gr H322 for 2,450fps -20"bbl.)

I killed my biggest pig to date this year with a 5/8oz slug from my 20ga s/s at 45yds. One-shot DRT ! Sometimes you just use what you have when the opportunity presents itself.

Most shots will be under 100yds, though you could get a longer one on a powerline or gaspipeline ROW.

Check on the firearms/seasons as they may only be legal during other hunting season for regulated "game" speices. Here in GA, we have to use "small game weapons" during small game seasons for the pigs. I've tried the much touted .22mag with no success on pigs over 30lbs. .50cal m/l is MUCH superior, though you'll only get one shot. (Ga.law allows use of m/l for small game and turkeys on WMA's.) On private property it dosen't matter. Check and see if AL has different reg's. on the National Forrests. Don't take a Federal Park rangers word as he dosen't enforce STATE LAWS that still apply on the Nat. Forrest.

I grew up hunting the Talladega Nat. Forrest in N.E. AL, and even though there was reputed to be hogs, I never saw one.



Good luck; and "bon apetite!" if you are!!!

 

[Roadkill]

Great info! Thanks. I use warmly loaded 150g sp in my 30-30 for deer, it has a 3x9 variable scope, is a Marlin 336, very handy and I'm good with it. I love to shoot my assault rifles but the 336 is a rock steady reliable game getter. Will be careful of the wind, do cover scents/calls assist? I have a baby pig distress call on my coyote player, I also use a full ghillie camo suit when deer and coyote hunting, would this help? How about decoys? My rifle powder is 4895, works in all my rifles, doesn't build up a lot of fast pressure so its easier on my Garand, M1 carbine, and FAL and is satisfactory in the AR15 and bolt actions also. I'll load up some heavier rounds for the 30-30 later, don't have time to resight scope before I go. State of Alabama has open season on coyotes and hogs, this applies to Bankhead National Forest, only restriction is in wildlife management area. There it is open only during specific hunting seasons. This will be a ranger station visit/get maps/scout/and maybe shoot something trip. I'm about an hour away, plan is to find camping spots and head out on Sat afternoons, hunt, camp then hunt again next day.


Thanks again Rgg

 

[DigMe]

If it was me I'd use the .44 because I love hunting hogs with handguns but .44 or the Marlin would be fine as well as the 12 gauge. I usually use a .357mag blackhawk stoked with 180 or 200 gr cast bullets.

brad cook

 

[ChiefAutoParts]

Having never hunted them, but from all I've read and thought about hunting them, (I really really want to plan a trip together someday in the next year or two!) they can be a ball to shoot. If it were me, I'd take my M-1 Garand. Plenty of power, plenty of range and easy follow-up shots if needed. Take that 30-30 as back up rifle or for just variety. That's just my opinion having never hunted them (but always wanted to ) so take it for what it's worth. Don't forget your backup sidearm!