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.22 Calibre Projectiles on Pigs

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21 April 2004, 13:44
Aussie Frank
.22 Calibre Projectiles on Pigs
Hi All

I mainly hunt foxes & goats with a heavy barreled Ruger using either 50grn. or 55grn. Hollow points.

I occasionally come across wild pigs on my trips and am loath to shoot them using the projectiles that I usually use.(Don't like chasing wounded game)

Does anybody hunt pigs with a 22.250 and what projectiles have you used that have been effective?

Thanks

Aussie Frank
21 April 2004, 17:54
Bad Ass Wallace
Some years ago I used to shoot pigs with Speer 70gn RN from my 22/250 with good effect. One day I needed 5 to put down a really big boar so I bought a 270Win.
Since I hunt on foot, I don't want to be undergunned on any game that turn nasty.
21 April 2004, 18:48
NitroX
Lots of pigs are killed with .22/250s, .222s and .22 Magnums.

Use a heavy (55 gr and 60 grs or more) and heavier constructed bullet if possible.


Personally I prefer something heavier as I don't like wounded game escaping or having to track them to despatch them.
21 April 2004, 21:43
cr500
I have used 60gn partitions out of a 22/6mm imp ,which went OK. Killed pigs with head shots. The ones which stayed inside I didnt dig out so I dont know if they come apart. If I couldnt get a head shot I didnt shoot. I have also used barnes X bullets from my 222. Once again head shots only.
22 April 2004, 01:02
DigitalDan
Don't know what brand of bullet you're using but the Remington factory 55 gr spitzer(NOT hollow point) works well here in Florida on hogs up to 600# out of a .22-250. Try lung shots on hogs below 200#, behind the ear for the bigger ones. I don't find hollow points reliable at high velocity in this scenario, big or small targets. The comment about the Nosler Partition is spot-on BTW. If you have access to them, use them as you would any BG bullet.
22 April 2004, 01:27
PC
Maybe a Barnes x .22 caliber bullet could work better...or even a 45/70 better again
22 April 2004, 12:42
BwanaBob
I'm with BAW on this one. Over the years I have shot a number of pigs with .224 centrefires, as opportunities presented themselves, and while it can be done it is not a satisfactory calibre for pigs with any projectile.

Maybe you should upgrade to something more effective for both goats and pigs perhaps a .243? (Personally, I would go bigger and use a 7x57 for similar hunting.) I assume that you are not shooting the foxes for the skins as a .22/250 will do too much damage to them anyway.
22 April 2004, 15:58
Aussie Frank
Hi All

Thanks for all the help and comments.

I generally go after pigs with a 6.5 x 55 Swedish. But on occasions I do not have it handy and it's a bit hard trying to carry two rifles when walking the bush. If I am driving its not a problem. I know where I can get both of the suggested projectiles( Remington & Nosler) I will give them a try.

Thanks Again

Frank