Light BP load for hogs

USMC_tedod · 08-13-2009, 03:04 AM

I'm trying to work up a light load for hogs for recoil sensitive female hunters that are kin of mine, I'm thinking abot 60 to 70 grains of FFg over a heavy for caliber conical out of a .50 cal TC Arms Hawken. Shots are usually around 75 meters and under, what does everyone think on this load?

SWThomas · 08-13-2009, 03:50 AM

How big are the hogs? Hogs are extremely resilient animals and I wouldn't go too light on the load. I've killed a lot of hogs and most of the big ones were able to make a run for it even with their pump-station disconnected and shredded. I think you'll be fine using what you're planning to use at that range.

lemoyne · 08-13-2009, 04:59 AM

Remembering that hogs can be dangerous and have a cartilage shield over their vitals, I would want at least 80 gr and a FPB.

oldsmellhound · 08-13-2009, 05:05 AM

I'd suggest a 350 grain FPB (conical) which is a very tough bullet. 60 - 70 grains of powder should get the job done for close range shots. It still may have a bit of kick to it for a recoil sensitive person though, so I'd try it out first. Another option would be a saboted bullet like a 250 or 300 grain XTP with the same powder charge - also should get the job done at close range.

lemoyne · 08-13-2009, 10:56 AM

Actually the load I used for kids was 90 gr RS and a 200gr XTP in a Blue MMP 50/40 sabot. recoil is real decent and it does a good job on deer, bear and boar. Lee

falcon · 08-13-2009, 02:12 PM

My favorite small game load is 70 grains of Pyrodex RS along with the Hornady 240 grain .430 XTP in the short black sabot. My CVA Stag Horn weighs just over 7 pounds with scope: Recoil was very light.

Have killed quite a few hogs with that load while hunting squirrels and rabbits. A couple of those hogs went over 250 pounds on the hoof. All hogs shot with that load were at 50 yards or less and they rarely went over 25 yards after being shot.