Hunting wild hogs requires reliable and effective ammunition. The .308 Winchester, known for its accuracy and stopping power at moderate ranges, is a popular choice. However, selecting the best .308 ammo for hog hunting depends on several factors, including the size of the hog, the range, and your hunting style. This guide will break down the key considerations and recommend some top performers.
Understanding Your Needs: Factors to Consider
Before diving into specific ammo recommendations, let's assess the critical elements impacting your choice:
1. Hog Size & Weight:
Hogs vary significantly in size. A smaller pig might be dispatched effectively with a lighter bullet, while a large boar requires more stopping power. Consider the average size of hogs in your hunting area.
2. Hunting Range:
Your typical shooting distance influences bullet selection. Longer ranges necessitate bullets with better ballistic coefficients (BC) for reduced trajectory drop and wind drift. For close-range encounters, a bullet with rapid expansion is often preferred.
3. Bullet Construction:
Several bullet types are suitable for hog hunting. Each has its pros and cons:
- Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Penetrates deeply but may lack the expansion needed for quick kills. Often a good choice for situations where over-penetration is a concern.
- Soft Point (SP): Expands reliably upon impact, delivering significant energy transfer for effective stopping power. A solid all-around choice.
- Hollow Point (HP): Similar to soft points but often with more aggressive expansion, potentially leading to more rapid incapacitation. Can fragment more easily than SP bullets, which might be undesirable in some circumstances.
- Controlled Expansion: Designed for consistent expansion even at higher velocities, offering a balance between penetration and expansion. This category is particularly popular for hog hunting.
- Bonded Core: The core and jacket are bonded together, maintaining bullet integrity even upon impact with bone, reducing bullet fragmentation. This makes them effective even on larger hogs.
4. Your Rifle & Barrel Twist Rate:
Your rifle's barrel twist rate significantly impacts bullet stability. Check your rifle's manual to determine the recommended twist rate for optimal bullet performance. Using an inappropriate bullet weight can lead to poor accuracy and keyholing (the bullet tumbling in flight).
Top .308 Ammo Choices for Hog Hunting
Based on the above factors, here are several excellent .308 Winchester ammunition choices frequently praised by hog hunters:
For Medium-Sized Hogs (under 200 lbs) at Moderate Ranges:
- Federal Power-Shok Soft Point: A consistently reliable and affordable option, providing good accuracy and expansion.
- Hornady SST (Superformance): Known for its excellent expansion and penetration, offering dependable performance.
For Larger Hogs (over 200 lbs) and Longer Ranges:
- Federal Premium Nosler Partition: A bonded bullet designed for deep penetration and reliable performance on larger game. Excellent for longer shots.
- Barnes TTSX (Triple-Shock X): A copper-alloy bullet known for its consistent expansion and deep penetration, even on bone.
For Close-Range Encounters (under 50 yards):
While many of the above work well at close range, a heavier, more aggressively expanding bullet may be favored by some hunters for maximum stopping power. Always prioritize ethical and humane harvesting practices.
Choosing the Right Ammo: A Summary
Selecting the "best" .308 ammo for hog hunting is a personalized decision. Consider the average hog size in your area, typical shooting distances, the bullet construction, and your rifle's specifications. Start by selecting a reputable brand offering consistent accuracy and reliable expansion, focusing on a bullet construction suitable for the size and range of your typical hog hunts. Always prioritize safe gun handling and ethical hunting practices. Remember to consult with experienced hunters and research specific ammo performance reviews before making your final decision.
