I've always shot for the kill zone and not taken head shots. My first hog was a good size one with 2.5" tusks and I had the head mounted. Not the wife's favorite mount but it sure brings back good memories of a fun hunt. I agree that a .270 can take hogs as I've taken a 270# and 175# hogs with a .270. However, both hogs required multiple shots to take them down. Partly it's because the hogs are amazingly vital and strong animals (they keep running even when you put a round through the heart). And partly it's their body armor which does stop smaller bullets from going through and through. From what I've seen so far, .30 rounds tend to dump them quicker, pass through and through and leave a better blood trail. Of course, this could be just an excuse to buy a new gun.