Texas Hog Caliber Qirstion

[pccraig]

I have a new property in NE Texas and there’s hog sign everywhere.

I’m planning on using an existing AR-15 lower and I’ve been researching articles on the different calibers and their effectiveness for hogs and seem to have narrowed the field to a few.

I’m hoping for some advice based on experience.

I’ll be hunting over a feeder from an elevated blind (approx. 15’) at a range under 100 yards. The options I’m considering are:

.300 Blackout.
.338 ARC
6.5 Grendel

Any experienced feedback is appreciated.

 

[Kings X]

I use a 6.8 SPC AR
Others use 6.5 Grendel and 308.
Most of time it is what is close at hand. They all work. 17 Hornet to 35 Whelen. 9 MM pistol is a little lite - need 15 round mag.

 

[pccraig]

I use a 6.8 SPC AR
Others use 6.5 Grendel and 308.
Most of time it is what is close at hand. They all work. 17 Hornet to 35 Whelen. 9 MM pistol is a little lite - need 15 round mag.

I considered a bolt gun in 308 but decided on a semi auto for follow up shots or multiple targets (AR10 is bigger than I want).

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I wouldn’t rule out a .223 with 55 grain soft points.

 

[X-Caveman]

Of your 3, Grendel.

 

[Clancy]

I honestly don’t know how many hogs I’ve killed. Truck loads, for the last 30 years. 223 is plenty. Subs suck. 6.5 Grendel if you don’t want a 223.

 

[Oso]

6.5 Grendel
300BO (110gr Barnes TAC-TX bullet)

Easy to find ammo at majority of local gun stores in any town. This won’t be the case for the new 338ARC.

You’ll find the best hunting success for pigs at night. They are smart and have learned to feed at night (lower risk - minimal hunting pressure). You can buy an inexpensive infrared optic, like the Sightron MiniWraith, for under $500. It works great on AR15.

 

[Klong]

I have shot a lot of pigs (>100 per year for the last 4 years) with two of those. The Grendel is the only way to go. Longest shot was 503 yards down a pipeline. Stoned a 300lb boar. 6 ARC would be another good choice.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

6.5 Grendel
300BO (110gr Barnes TAC-TX bullet)

Easy to find ammo at majority of local gun stores in any town. This won’t be the case for the new 338ARC.

You’ll find the best hunting success for pigs at night. They are smart and have learned to feed at night (lower risk - minimal hunting pressure). You can buy an inexpensive infrared optic, like the Sightron MiniWraith, for under $500. It works great on AR15.

I s that Sightmark instead of Sightron on the brand name?

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Even a red dot is a great optic for the gas gun at your distances.

 

[ZenArchery]

I hunt NTx a lot most of my shots are 125 yards max. If reloading is go with Grendel then 338ARC. Not reloading I’d stick with 300BO. But don’t use subs. Use light fast 100-110gr bullets.

 

[craig55]

I used a 6.8 SPC for 10 years and had really good luck. It seems like a dying cartridge now. The only load I use in the 300BO is the Barnes 110gr TAC-Tx and it does a good job. Neck or high shoulder shots puts them right down. If you want them to run off so you don’t have to mess with them, shoot them through the lungs. Contender pistols are my thing now, with lots of choices in cartridges.

 

[itchyTF]

I s that Sightmark instead of Sightron on the brand name?

Thermal

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Thermal

That one is not under $500. lol.

 

[dantiff2]

450 Bushmaster!!!

 

[30378]

6.8 SPC or 6.5 Grendel are perfect Texas hog medicine!!

 

[pccraig]

I wouldn’t rule out a .223 with 55 grain soft points.

Wouldn't a 70gr bullet be more effective ?

 

[pccraig]

6.5 Grendel
300BO (110gr Barnes TAC-TX bullet)

Easy to find ammo at majority of local gun stores in any town. This won’t be the case for the new 338ARC.

You’ll find the best hunting success for pigs at night. They are smart and have learned to feed at night (lower risk - minimal hunting pressure). You can buy an inexpensive infrared optic, like the Sightron MiniWraith, for under $500. It works great on AR15.

Oslo

Night hunting over a feeder is my plan with some kind of thermal or UV optic for sure

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Wouldn't a 70gr bullet be more effective ?

I’m sure it would under certain conditions. But speed kills and the little 55 grain #2266 Hornady’s are cheap to shoot.

 

[dantiff2]

Wouldn't a 70gr bullet be more effective ?

395 gn is even betterer! hahaha Subsonic, suppressed 450 BM is the most fun! The bullet impact on game is comparable to slapping two 2x4's together and puts a big ole grin on one's face. Trust me!