Put some 9mm HP+P in it and away you go
A Hog Gun
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MCgunner
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I have used a Hornady XTP 115 JHP from my Kel Tec at 1263 fps for head shots, but then, I've also used a .22LR from a NAA mini revolver. You can take your time at close range shootin' 'em in the trap.
i would use an XTP, though, maybe go up to 124 grains. Good penetration WITH expansion. I don't do FMJ for anything tougher than paper targets. Sure, it'll penetrate, without a lot of tissue damage.
i would use an XTP, though, maybe go up to 124 grains. Good penetration WITH expansion. I don't do FMJ for anything tougher than paper targets. Sure, it'll penetrate, without a lot of tissue damage.
allaroundhunter
Member
How much tissue damage do you actually need to finish off a wounded hog?..
9mm JHPs (even +P) don't kill them any deader than FMJs.
OP, if you want it for defense from a charging hog, a 9mm is a bd choice regardless of ammo selection. If you want it simply to finish off a wounded hog that isn't going anywhere fast, just use FMJs and save some money.
Again, for coup de grace you want penetration and expansion is not necessary.
A shot into the brain from just few feet doesn't require all that much power. The cheap 115gr or 125gr FMJ will do it and is economical and is easier to find than other fancy self defense ammo. Hell, 22lr will do it if you know where to place the bullet. The 38 Special load I posted earlier is what I use as that is one of my two standard 38 special load that I load in bulk... other being 148gr WC at 750 fps.
A shot into the brain from just few feet doesn't require all that much power. The cheap 115gr or 125gr FMJ will do it and is economical and is easier to find than other fancy self defense ammo. Hell, 22lr will do it if you know where to place the bullet. The 38 Special load I posted earlier is what I use as that is one of my two standard 38 special load that I load in bulk... other being 148gr WC at 750 fps.
MCgunner
Member
I'm assuming a worst case self defense against a charging hog load. True enough, though, a 9 is most likely going to take a head shot to stop immediately, at least with a big hog. Smaller hogs, eatin' sized, the 9 is enough, but I'd still load it with an XTP at +P levels. XTPs are some pretty awesome bullets. I've shoulder shot pigs with the 115 to test 'em against other calibers a few times. It's my carry load and I've often had that gun on me when I find a pig in the trap. The one time I've been charged by a hog, I had a .357 magnum loaded with a 165 grain SWC on me. I don't hog hunt with a 9.
Nothing fancy or expensive needed to finish off a hog with from my experiences at dumpin hogs. Put a 115gr FMJ thru the head at close range = dead hog simply put.
I have used a Glock19 for that purpose, but simply prefer how my XD feels in my hand while shooting it.
Have also used my Ruger GP100 using my reloaded 38spl "economy" wadcutters for the same purpose.....as well as a few different types of sidearms chambered in 22lr.
Nothing wrong with hunting hogs with a Ruger M77 compact if that is what you like.
I prefer rifles with factory iron sights...regardless of if I'm planning to use optics with a particular rifle.
Something else you might be interested in is the Savage Hog hunter rifle.
You can get one chambered in 223, it sports iron sights, has a threaded bbl, and costs less than the M77.
The synthetic stocks are butt ugly, but then again, this rifle is made to be used instead of hung on a wall, and not just for stand hunting, but as a truck/ATV gun, as well as a brush hunting rifle.
I would also suggest a larger caliber since you described your hunting area as well as the distances involved. 243, 260, 7mm08, or 308 would be good choices for your hog hunting area, and keep the rifle in a short action too boot.
I have used a Glock19 for that purpose, but simply prefer how my XD feels in my hand while shooting it.
Have also used my Ruger GP100 using my reloaded 38spl "economy" wadcutters for the same purpose.....as well as a few different types of sidearms chambered in 22lr.
Nothing wrong with hunting hogs with a Ruger M77 compact if that is what you like.
I prefer rifles with factory iron sights...regardless of if I'm planning to use optics with a particular rifle.
Something else you might be interested in is the Savage Hog hunter rifle.
You can get one chambered in 223, it sports iron sights, has a threaded bbl, and costs less than the M77.
The synthetic stocks are butt ugly, but then again, this rifle is made to be used instead of hung on a wall, and not just for stand hunting, but as a truck/ATV gun, as well as a brush hunting rifle.
I would also suggest a larger caliber since you described your hunting area as well as the distances involved. 243, 260, 7mm08, or 308 would be good choices for your hog hunting area, and keep the rifle in a short action too boot.
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der Teufel
Member
I used to carry a 9mm for just that purpose, but I now just use a .22 pistol. I figure that if I find a wounded hog, the fact that I found it means it's not very mobile — or it would still be moving — and a .22 to the head is sufficient to finish off pretty much any hog.
But if what you have is a 9mm, any bullet should do.
788Ham
Member
I've got a Win. .375 with 200 gr. FN Hornady's, 'spose that'll do the trick on a head shot? 
der Teufel
Member
Yep, but that can be hard to do when they're quartering away from you at a trot. In that case I'm glad to be carrying my .308.
black_powder_Rob
Member
I currently use a .223 in a handi Rifle as my pig rifle. cheap Monarch brass SP's 55gr to the head and DRT. I do agree that a head shot would be harder on a hog in a trot heading away from you. It depends on what you plan on doing with the hog I guess. If you really want to get a .223 go for it, it will work you just have to be a little pickier with your shots.
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