Pig rifle

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cmdc

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What do you guys think of me using a DPMS AP 4 w/ 16" barrel for a pig rifle? I am planning on putting a Trijicon illuminated scope on it. 1.25-4 power. Is the 16" barrel OK for that kind of stuff? I have other rifles to choose from, but am trying to think of a good use for this one.

Also, are ACOGs good for hunting? I was thinking of maybe going that route as well.
 
Yes, cmdc, a 16" barrel works fine if you can make the shot. With the .223 on pigs, no matter what the barrel length, the key is to a kill is shot placement. Pretty much, if you want to find the pig, a neck/headshot will be required (unless shooting smaller pigs). Just know the range where you can consistently make this shot, and study the anatomy of a pig so that you can pick out your small target.

Either the ACOG or the 1.25-4 power scope will work just fine.

Oh, and I use soft nosed bullets or 62 gr HP's. No FMJ's or Varmint rounds for me.

My setup is a 16" Doublestar, 1 in 9" twist, and a 3-9x40 scope. (the scope is a little too big for the gun IMO, but it works while I find a suitable replacement)
 
.223 would not be my choice for a pig rifle.

I do however think the AR platform makes for an excellent pig rifle in .308.
I have taken a lot of pigs with my AR-10.
 
Let me clarify, with my AR I will not shoot at a pig that is bigger than about 200 lbs, and even then if I have a doubt as to the shot I won't take it.

If I know I am going to see a big pig, my .270 WSM will be in my hands
 
Thanks, guys. I really wanted to think it would be a good setup, but wasn't sure. That gives me much confidence.

If I was going to get an ACOG, which one would be best for that purpose and still be a good all around scope? I'm thinking the 3.5x35, but would welcome any advice.
 
My opinion is simple, the .223 is not enough gun. Before the whole "it will do with proper bullet placement" arugemants start I would point out the vitals on a pig are well protected and low in the body, you need to be able to hit a softball sized target to place the bullet there. This is great for broadside shots (if you can make that kind of shot...offhand, excited, nerves pumped up) but what if you need to take a quartering shot? The .223 would like break up before reaching the vitals on that or with a frontal shot.

Personally I wouldn't go with less than a 30 caliber tho a 260 or 270 would be ok if you really watched your shots.

lot's of posts while I was writing...

scope choice will depend largely on the range you expect to be shooting at, I would think a 1x4 variable would be about ideal.
 
Also, and this is probably a weenie question, but how much louder is the short barrel than a longer one for hunting? I have lost enough hearing already, and do not want to go totally deaf shooting pigs for fun.
 
451 Detonics, it is .308, not .223, and I agree with you. I wouldn't try it with the .223. I am sure it would work, with shot placement, etc., but far from ideal, based on what reading I've done on the subject. It seems that some hunters have had some real adventures in pig country. Apparently, they should be classed as dangerous game. The big ones, anyway.
 
I personally do not have any experience with a 16" .308, but if it is bad you might want to consider doubling up on hearing protection. (earplugs under muffs if you can)
 
classed as dangerous game
Click to expand...

Nah, unless your planning on lying down and arm wrestling them. :p

With a decent bullet, that .308 will take anything walking in the lower 48. Big key is going to be getting a soft point that will feed well. I like the 165 or 180 grain ballistic tip for pigs and the polycarbonate tip should feed nicely.

As for a scope, the 2.5x8 Leupold has been a favorite for hunting. Quick to use at 2.5, 8 power gets you some good range. Key is (IMHO) having enough power on tap to let you see the pigs.

Unless you have a muzzle brake, a set of active ear muffs work very well. You can turn up the volume to enhance your hearing and the active electronics will muffle the shot.
 
txhoghunter, I am a newbie at this. I didn't know how practical it would be to hunt with hearing protection, but will for sure, if it is recommended. I typically use plugs under muffs at the range, and it helps a lot compared to doing just one or the other.

I will definitely get some soft point bullets for hunting the pigs.
 
I never hunt without hearing protection. A great little invention that helps hunters out alot are electronic muffs that amplify sounds under a certain decibel range, but reduce the loudness of a gunshot to acceptable level. They are a little more expensive, but are very effective. You can also get them in an in-ear plug basically so that you can get a comfortable cheek weld that you can't get with muffs.
 
And since you said you are new, welcome to the sport! You will enjoy it and make some great memories :)

Just be sure to share your experiences with others and get others involved, trust me, that is the best part :)
 
I will do so, sir. I am hoping to go to your fair state sometime to do just that. A friend of mine has a brother-in-law who lives somewhere in TX and has plenty of hogs to shoot, apparently. Don't know where or any details, but we are going to do it sometime next year.
 
If you are talking about using the 223 version I would recommend using soft points or barnes x bullets. Even with that in mind you don't want to shoot anything just enormous. If you plan to drop them at the shot a 300 lb. pig will be kind of tough.
 
Cmdc, even big pigs are great eating. Gut'em and get the meat cooled down quickly and you have lots of high quality ham for the freezer. :)
 
I know I said neck shots for the .223, however, if you can make the shot I still recommend it for a .308. In all honesty, I recommend a neck shot on hogs for whatever caliber you are using as long as you (being the shooter) can make the shot. It drops 'em in their tracks and you don't have to worry about walking up on a wounded pig.

As we all know, a wounded pig is about as dangerous as an animal can get...
 
Thanks for all of the great info and encouragement. How much of a problem is trichinosis in those wild hogs?
 
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