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What's a good rifle for hog hunting? At first I was thinking about a good bolt action .308. But now I'm leaning more towards a 30-30 or .44 in lever action. It seems the lever action would be a better option for walking through brush and quicker if a hog were to charge. Thoughts?

Alexander Arms .50 cal Beowulf. The AR platform would allow real quick shots. They are a bit expensive (1250 to 1450 MSRP) but I think it would be a great pig gun. Eventually I am going to buy the upper for my AR. A buddy of mine bought one a few months ago. I'm about to buy him some ammo for it from Alexander Arms and then I may get to shoot it.
http://www.alexanderarms.com/beowulf.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

they all work good, everything you mentioned

I use a 6.8 AR loaded with Barnes bullets most of the time
Not really because I need to shoot multiple rounds fast, I just like the platform a lot

I agree with the AR in 6.8 (the .50 Beaowolf is fun too).

I have a number of different guns for that very application. I have a .270, a 6.8, a 338 Marlin Express, fAy Kay 47, a couple of 12 Gauge shotguns, FNAR, ect. Essentially anything chambered in .270 or larger has enough energy and penetration that it will do the job very well. Anything smaller and shot placement becomes critical and/or might not do the job.

RPG would not be out of line...just noisy. lol!

RPG would not be out of line...just noisy. lol!

M1A.... .308 Winchester, 20 round magazines.

This one is mine:


I call it my "Hog Mauler."

I agree with Mr Heath. I've killed them with everything from a 22 mag. to 7mm mag. My daily carry rifle is a Rem 700 22-250 and as a result it's the one I've killed most with, most are DRT even with the lighter calibers. Practically all of my shots are in the 80-100 yd or closer range with very few in reasonable pistol shooting range. Again, as with any med to lg game, shot placement and bullet selection are more important than caliber.

I used to carry my 223 AR with 30 round mags but in my area about all you'll ever get is one maybe two decent shots and anything following is just throwing lead.

The Annoyed Man wrote:M1A.... .308 Winchester, 20 round magazines.

This one is mine:


I call it my "Hog Mauler."

I've always wanted an M1A.

mrvmax wrote:

The Annoyed Man wrote:M1A.... .308 Winchester, 20 round magazines.

This one is mine:


I call it my "Hog Mauler."

I've always wanted an M1A.

They are very satisfying rifles to own.

Shot the M14 on my second ship. Beautiful gun. Full auto M1A. Better hold the barrel down when full auto. Saw one guy finish a 20 rd mag and the barrel was pointing straight up......The M1A is definitely on my Christmas list. I'll have to be very nice to Mrs. Claus. I wonder if she wants a new car?

The Annoyed Man wrote:

mrvmax wrote:

The Annoyed Man wrote:M1A.... .308 Winchester, 20 round magazines.

This one is mine:


I call it my "Hog Mauler."

I've always wanted an M1A.

They are very satisfying rifles to own.

Now that I have my FFL there are sooooooo many guns I want to buy. Eventually the M1A will make the list. I shot both the M21 and M82 Barrett in the military and I would take the M21 any day, I really like the look, the round and the feel of that rifle. But, I will not get an M21 so the M1A will have to do.

mrvmax wrote:Alexander Arms .50 cal Beowulf. The AR platform would allow real quick shots. They are a bit expensive (1250 to 1450 MSRP) but I think it would be a great pig gun. Eventually I am going to buy the upper for my AR. A buddy of mine bought one a few months ago. I'm about to buy him some ammo for it from Alexander Arms and then I may get to shoot it.
http://www.alexanderarms.com/beowulf.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

flintknapper has an AR he built up on the .458 SOCOM cartridge for hog hunting. He puts great faith in its ability. The .458 SOCOM is ballistically similar to the .45-70 Government cartridge.


I believe that the .458 SOCOM generates more energy and slightly higher velocities than the .500 Beowulf, and the ammo is somewhat less expensive if you don't roll your own.

If $$ is a concern, a levergun can be had for around $300-$400 for a new one. I think Marlin has a decent selection. I love my Winchester 1894 in .44mag it's dependable and packs a mean punch. As with anything, practice makes perfect. When it comes to leverguns you will likely need to practice more than usual to be quick and accurate with it. If you get one be sure and tear it down and give it a good once over on all of the contact points, it makes a world of difference and will cut your time needed to get proficient in half. The Win '94 I have may be the most perfectly balanced gun I have ever held, it shoulders perfect every time and is neither front or back heavy.

I think Marlin makes their leverguns available in .357, .35rem, .308, .44mag/sp, 45-70 and 30-30 possibly?

If you are in no rush, shop around at the gunshows. Also, check out some of Rossi's leverguns. I recently picked up a Rossi 20'' 1892 in .44mag that has nice dark brazilian hardwood and is full polished stainless for $300. You could find a nice used Rossi or Marlin for around $300 I'm betting(maybe cheaper?). Winchesters are going to cost you a bit more. Rossi also has a few models chambered in .454 Casull which will take down just about anything and allow you to shoot .45colt when you don't want to burn a hole in your pocket.

Good luck and let us know what you decide on.