RE: Caliber selection
Hello neoinarien, You're right on target with your thinking. Most hogs are engaged between 25 and 100 yds. Precise bullet placement is critical and if you are capable, the 6.5 and 30/30 are grocery getters as they have the correct velocity and density for sufficient penetration to take out the plumbing without blowing apart. In the case of heavy cover, low light, unfamiliarity with the gun, or shakey hands,the large heavy calibers can be of benefit in case the shot encounters the plate. As for the cowboy stuff, loaded up .45 colts work well for us as well as standard 45/70s. Bullets designed for dangerous game are consistently the best performers. Ballistic tips and hollow points are responsible for many hogs not being recovered. Yet for culling purposes we use .22 mags or .223s placed appropriately in the ear hole. Even the largest hogzilla can't walk away from that!