I've seen hogs go down and get back up and run away never to be found when shot with a 25-06, 270, and 7mm-.08. Some of these pigs were hit multiple times. I have never seen one get away from either a .308 or .30-06- although I have seen some need follow up shots. I know it's done successfully by lots of hunters but I feel like a .243 is too light for pigs. As for doing it with the .223, I've seen the videos on you tube and they are incredibly cruel and unusual. You might as well tie those pigs up and start cutting off their body parts while they're still alive- then the animal rights activists would really have something to complain about! If you want to use a .223 please make sure you also have a thirty round mag because your going to need it! I know head shots are different, but i personally would not want to limit my opportunity to harvest an animal to strictly taking head shots.