When it comes to hunting I'm a total noob.
But next Fall (2013) we're talking about going to Tennessee to go hog hunting.
I'm thinking that's a good reason to buy a rifle.
I'm also a reloader, so I'd like a caliber that can be reloaded.
(current reload 8 handgun calibers & .223 Remington)
So whatcha say?
Are you going to be hunting from a stand or will you be on the ground WITH the hogs? It will make a big difference to your safety.
If in a stand, you are safe from the hog (or its herd-mates) attacking you and you can decide to take or to not take a shot, waiting for perfect bullet placement.
If you are on the ground, you may come upon a hog (or he may come upon you) where the choice to shoot or to not shoot is not yours. Then you want a bullet that has a really good probability of penetrating, intact, to vital organs, no matter what the angle of entry is. If you want a quick stop, something heavy enough to break bones is a good idea, too.
Here's a thread (with an unphotoshopped photo) of a 750 lb boar taken with a .500 Wyoming Express handgun (not my kill). Scroll down about 20 posts to see more pictures of the pig that will convince you the first one was not altered.
http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums?a=tpc&f=2911043&m=236106768
Anyhow, if I was on the ground, I would want a heavy, large, bullet. If not in my gun, in the gun in the hands of my (trusted) safety backup.
Good hunting.
Lost Sheep