Just found out there is a boar hunting preserve witin 50 miles and I'd like to take one with a handgun. I've got three to choose from:
1. Ruger Redhawk 44 Mag. 5.5" barrel open sights shooting Lyman 250gr cast bullet at 1300 fps. I'm comfortable offhand to 30-35 yds. 50 yds would be a stretch for me.
2. TC Contender 357 Max. 10" barrel 2X scope
shooting 180gr Hornady XTP at 1570 fps. Can hold to 60 yds. easily, 100 yds. with a rest.
3. TC Encore 250 Savage 15" barrel 2-7X scope
shooting Nosler 100gr. Partitions at 2500 fps. Comfortable shooting out to 170 yds.

I've taken deer with the Contender before, so I'm leaning toward the Encore to break it in. I'm not planning on any new gun purchases, I want to pick one of these three. Suggestions from experienced boar hunters appreciated. Is the 250 Savage enough gun?
Greg

Greg,

Of the handguns you listed, I feel only one is fully up to the job at hand.

The 250 is a great little round but even with the best 120 gr bullets, it leaves alot to be desired if a +300 lb bore steps out and give you the nasty eye. This round will work great if you slip a round in the ribs but on quartering shots it is alot to ask for the little round hamstringed by the short barrel velocities.

The 357 Max is another great round, much better then its popularity speaks for it. I personally feel that it is plenty for boar hunting but your bullet choice is a bit soft. The XTP is a great bullet, but in the contender and 375 Max combination, you'll rip it apart on impact. A better bullet would be any of the 180 to 220 gr Soft Points designed for the 35 Rem. The Max can damn near equal the 35 in velocity in a handgun and the tougher bullets will penetrate much deeper.

The best choice I feel is your 44 Mag. But I do not care for your bullet choice. The 250 gr Hard Cast is a good bullet but I don't feel it is heavy enough for a big pig. I would choose the 300 gr Speer Uni-Core SP driven to +1200 fps.

The cast bullet crowd will say this bullet will loose to much weight after impact and they are flat wrong. This bullet hsa a bonded core which makes it impossible to shed the jacket. It will penetrate much better then any 250 gr bullet and will have a higher TKO value for the big critters.

This choice will limit your range but on thee preserves it is often not that hard to get within 50 yards and the greater challange will make it a better hunt for you.

Just my opinion!!!

Good Shooting and Hunting!!!

50

I second that choice, but I would try to keep my shots just behind the ear. They don't give much of a fight when a bullet gets them there. If you do get into some hogs, the "bug" will bite you and you will be incurable. I know because I have it! Remember, These are TOUGH critters so shoot wisely. Good luck on your hunts. mvm

Of the guns listed, I agree with the .44 Mag choice. However I would use a good cast bullet like the 300gr. LBT style gas checked bullet from Cast Performance over 21.5gr. of W296. It goes out at 1300 FPS from my 7.5" Ruger SRH and will completely penetrate leaving a great blood trail if he doesn't drop in his tracks - which is usually the case.

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"If it ain't a 45/70, it's just a passing fad"

I'd take a .44 or .41 with heavy hard cast lead bullets over any other handgun. Complete penetration is almost always assured. THEY WORK!!!!!

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The older I get the better I was.

Thanks for the input. According to the preserve's web site, www.coalcreekfarm.net,
the largest hogs taken are running to 250 lbs.

I think I'll put in some more practice time with the 44 Mag.
Greg