ORIGINAL: MM4L
I know many people cannot wrap their minds around the physics of real-world wound ballistics, particularly hunters that tend to think "bigger is always better." The fact is, if you have never seen the results of a .40 S&W on a flesh target, you don't really know what it will do. It is easy to jump to conclusions and fall back on "common knowledge" but basic physics will trump you every time.
Just a few points for clarifications.
I can wrap my mind around the physics and you're wrong. A 308 bullet passing through a hog STILL expends more engery in the target than a 40 that expends all of its energy inside the animal. Why... because the 308 starts with massive engery advantage overa 40.
I have shot and killed numerous smaller pests withmy 40 and I still wouldn't dream of using a 40 on hogsif I had also had 308 in the safe.
I'm not a "bigger is better" type of hunter but I absolutely do believe that every hunter should always use enough gun to get the job done. What is enough gun... well each person needs to decide that for themself and IMO a 40 for hog hunting is not enough gun.