Pig Hunting on Sunday

[noonanda]

My buddy was finally able to hook it up, we are going pig hunting on Sunday. We have been trying to go since beginning of August. I am glad too because I went to the range yesterday and tested some loads for a few of my rifles. Now I just need to find out what ranges we will be hunting them at to decide which to use with my handloads. Im gonna bring 4 guns on sunday, but only one will probably be used

#1 MK 3 Lee Enfield, 3x9 scope. Remington .311 180 Gr RNSP CL's, IMR4320 39.7 Grains, Fed LR Primers, Approx MV 2200

M-1 Garand, Iron Sights. Hornady .308 150 Gr SP, H4895 46.9 Grains,
Approx MV 2790

M-38 Mosin Nagant, 2X7 Scout Scope. Hornady .308 165 Gr SPBT,
IMR 4320 47.5 Grains, Approx MV 2600

M-39 Finnish Mosin Nagant, Iron Sights. Remington .310 125Gr SP,
IMR4320 51.7 Grains, Approx MV 2850

Yesterday when I went to the range it was drizzling, 60- 65 degrees, and a 3-5 MPH breeze. I shot the Enfield and both Mosin Nagants.

The #1 Mk 3 Enfield shot like a champ, I had a 1.2 inch group at 100 yds even with the crappy weather.

My M-38 was being a little finicky, finally got the rifle to group approx 2 inches high at 100 yds. She was holding a 2 inch group.

The M-39 was just with me to plink with, but it was shooting those 125 gr bullets with iron sights pretty dang good. I was using a 6 o'clock hold and hitting in the center, my group ended up around 3 inches because I pulled a shot.

So I think any of these 3 will do, the M-1 will hold a 2-3 inch group at
100 Yds if I do my part.

The big factor will be the ranges we will be hunting.
100 yds or less, I will probably use one of the Iron sighted guns. I would probably select the Garand just for the ease of a follow up shot.

100-150 would be either the Garand or my M-38. Since I have the scope set up to shoot 2 inches high at 100 yds, I would probably select the M-38.

150-200 will be the Enfields realm.

over 200, I will be trying to get closer, heck I'll low crawl if I have to.

If you were in my shoes, which one would you go with?
Well wish me luck and I'll post about this again on sunday when I get back, hopefully with some pictures as well.

 

[sumpnz]

Never been hog hunting, but my impression from what I've read here is that is usually a kinda close range affair, like under 50 yards, usually under 30. So, either of the iron sighted guns will work fine. I would probably go with the Garand, unless you can cook up some heavier weight loads for the M39.

 

[Okiecruffler]

I'd go with the iron sighted M38

Unless you could trade it for a M44 and use that pig sticker, save money on ammo.

Which range are you shooting at? Almost went out yesturday, but the weather kept me inside, asleep.

 

[noonanda]

I shoot at the rifle range on fort sill. A little rain aint gonna kill me, As we say in the Marine Corps "if it aint raining, we aint training".

 

[noonanda]

Well I went pig hunting this morning with a buddy of mine, his brother in law(B.I.L.), and one of his friends. I was using my M-1 Garand, I lent my buddy my Lee Enfield #1 Mk3, and Lent his brother in law My Sako M-39(they forgot to pack their shotguns). Well I bagged me one, we didnt have a scale but guestimated this boar weighted around 200 Lbs.
.Me, my M-1 and one dead pig
The shot that manged his front leg was from the Finn M-39, They were 125 Gr handloads going about 2880 FPS.
.The pig was longer than my M-1
I had to shoot him twice with the M-1, first shot hit him in the jaw just missing a brain shot(he was charging me) that shot made him spin around and go a different way charging the BIL with the M-39. His shot shattered the leg, then I finished him with a shot to the head. Talk about a rush, that pig was pissed off. The B.I.L.'s friend dropped a sow with a shot in the head from a .22 at about 10 yds. I had an awesome time and got to use a milsurp to take a pig
.My M-1 and one dead pig
.Me, my boar and the sow

 

[Newt]

Congrats! Nice looking M1 as well.