{"id":195745,"date":"2026-05-04T19:10:35","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T00:10:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=195745"},"modified":"2026-05-04T19:10:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T00:10:47","slug":"hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-estimated-reading-time yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time: <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">13<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since regular hunting seasons are winding down, many of us are looking forward to chasing some non-traditional game or exotics. Wild boar or feral hogs are probably our most hunted exotic game. The topic of what is the best caliber for wild boar gets brought up nearly every time hunters get together during one of our pig hunts. I get asked some variation of \u201cif you could have any caliber, what would you choose?\u201d. I don\u2019t like using minimal calibers. The vast majority of shots presented to me are short range, under 150 yards. I can only recall two times where shots were over 200 yards, because of this, I tend to use big bullets from easy shooting calibers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h1>Table of contents<\/h1><ul><li><a href=\"#h-precision-is-key-for-wild-boar\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">Precision is Key for Wild Boar<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-projectile-weight\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">Projectile Weight<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-parameters\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">Parameters<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-short-action-only-for-wild-boar\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">Short Action Only for Wild Boar<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-35s\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">The .35s<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-33s\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">The .33s<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-30s\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">The .30s<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-7mms\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">The 7mms<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-6-5mms\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">The 6.5mms<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-25s\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">The .25s<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-ideal-caliber-for-wild-boar\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">The Ideal Caliber for Wild Boar<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-308-win-wild-boar-caliber-that-wins\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">308 Win. &#8211; Wild Boar Caliber that Wins<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"301\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3564-1024x301.jpeg\" alt=\"Wild Boar skulls\" class=\"wp-image-195770\" style=\"width:874px;height:auto\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle caliber for Wild Boar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3564-1024x301.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3564-400x118.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3564-150x44.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3564-768x226.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3564-1536x452.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3564-2048x603.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3536-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"rifles over a log\" class=\"wp-image-195746\" style=\"width:509px;height:auto\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle caliber for Wild Boar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3536-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3536-400x300.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3536-150x113.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3536-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3536-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A pair of favorite walking around guns for short to average range, Merkel 9.3x74r double rifles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-precision-is-key-for-wild-boar\">Precision is Key for Wild Boar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>My opinion and experience are from 45 years of chasing wild boar and feral hogs. Twenty or so were spent actively culling and working with farmers and ranchers during destructive animal abatement. While doing that, I also guided others and have been able to see firsthand many effective and ineffective calibers. The most important aspect is always the shooter&#8217;s precision. If you remain precise, then minimal calibers will work. We are still taking a life, and that life needs to be taken quickly and ethically. Larger bullets will allow more room for error, by penetrating deeper or doing more destruction. However, we always need to deliver proper bullets accurately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"727\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3541-1024x727.jpeg\" alt=\"hunter with Wild Boar and rifle\" class=\"wp-image-195747\" style=\"width:499px;height:auto\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle caliber for Wild Boar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3541-1024x727.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3541-400x284.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3541-150x106.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3541-768x545.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3541-1536x1090.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3541-2048x1454.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A pic from the late 80\u2019s with a big south Texas boar taken with a 338wm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-projectile-weight\">Projectile Weight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When asked by hunters what gun\/caliber to bring for wild boar, my recommendation is always to bring something that shoots at least 120 grains of bullet. That requirement eliminates .22 calibers and .24 calibers. I am assuming a lot when I make that statement. First, I&#8217;m assuming that hunters will be buying their ammunition and that it will be standard grade bullets. Second, I&#8217;m assuming that they are of average hunting experience and quite possibly never hunted pigs. The stories and videos of charges and ferocious animals are inevitably watched and listened to just before arrival. This will elevate even experienced hunters&#8217; anxiety and can cause precision issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"661\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3557-1024x661.jpeg\" alt=\"rifle ammo\" class=\"wp-image-195769\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle caliber for Wild Boar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3557-1024x661.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3557-400x258.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3557-150x97.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3557-768x496.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3557-1536x991.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3557-2048x1321.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">All of these are suitable for wild boar, but only one is Ideal. 9.3&#215;64, 338-06, 30-06, 270, 8&#215;57, 6.5&#215;55, 257 Rob., 308, 300 Sav., 7mm-08, 260 Rem.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-parameters\">Parameters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>My thoughts on caliber are that it needs to be easy shooting, and easily found for those cases where you forgot to pack your ammo and need to run to the nearest possible source. It also needs to deliver enough bullet weight for every conceivable animal presentation. Broadside, quartering towards, quartering away, in-line facing and the infamous Texas heart shot scenario. It should also be effective at Close range, 0-50 yards, Average range, 75-150 yards, and a Maximum range of 150-250 yards. <br \/><br \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-short-action-only-for-wild-boar\">Short Action Only for Wild Boar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>My feeling is that the caliber does not need to be large. It just needs to be enough for every previously mentioned presentation. To me, a standard short action round fills the requirement for wild boar. That parameter eliminates a lot of great calibers: the 30-06, 270, 7&#215;57, and the 6.5&#215;55, which is one of my favorite hunting calibers. I\u2019m going to eliminate the various short action magnums now, because they&#8217;re not easy to shoot and they do not fall into what I consider a standard short action round, or easily found when needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3549-1024x597.jpeg\" alt=\"rifle ammo\" class=\"wp-image-195767\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle caliber for Wild Boar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3549-1024x597.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3549-400x233.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3549-150x87.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3549-768x448.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3549-1536x895.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3549-2048x1194.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A lineup of very good calibers that just don\u2019t quite hit all of our parameters. 44 Rem. Mag, 25&#215;45 Sharps, 250 Savage, 6.5 Grendel, 30-30, 35 Rem., 358 Win., 350 Rem. Mag, 444 Marlin, and 45-70.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-35s\">The .35s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Enough with the setup and parameters. Looking at suitable short action calibers, my mind goes straight to the larger short action rounds, the 35 calibers. The 350 Rem Mag and 358 Win each possess suitable attributes for wild boar. Ample bullet weight, useful trajectories to 250 yards, each capable of handling any animal presentation to 250 yards. In the deficit column, I wouldn\u2019t call either easy shooting for the average person. Also, good luck locating ammunition should you need more or any at all. If the 356 Win. is your sentimental favorite, it falls into a deeper hole than the 358 Win. Not that it is any less capable. The classic 35 Remington falls short on its effective range, being better suited to less than 200 yards. Although it is another favorite of mine and does a wonderful job at 150 yards and less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"716\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3546-716x1024.jpeg\" alt=\".35 caliber rifles\" class=\"wp-image-195757\" style=\"width:385px;height:auto\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle caliber for Wild Boar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3546-716x1024.jpeg 716w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3546-210x300.jpeg 210w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3546-105x150.jpeg 105w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3546-768x1098.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3546-1074x1536.jpeg 1074w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3546-1432x2048.jpeg 1432w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3546-scaled.jpeg 1790w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 716px) 100vw, 716px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Browning BLR 358win., Remington 600 350rm, <br \/>Ruger 77 350rm, and Marlin 35rem. Nice handy <br \/>rifles for .35\u2019s<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-33s\">The .33s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sadly, what is said of the 350RM and 358Win can be said for the caliber that was to replace and revolutionize big bore short actions, the 338 Federal. It is perhaps a bit easier to shoot since it relies on lighter bullets. Everything else said about the 35s goes for the Federal round also. It is probably even harder to locate ammunition should the need arise. The 338 Marlin Express is another good round that just isn\u2019t going to make the grade. Availability eliminates both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"298\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3552-1024x298.jpeg\" alt=\"30cal. projectiles\" class=\"wp-image-195763\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle caliber for Wild Boar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3552-1024x298.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3552-400x117.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3552-150x44.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3552-768x224.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3552-1536x447.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3552-2048x597.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Some of my most used 30cal. projectiles. Win. 150gr.ST, Sierra 165gr. Gameking, Speer 180gr. SP, Barnes 150gr. FP, Hornady 125gr. and 165gr. GMX, 165gr. and 180gr. Interlock, Nosler 150gr, 165gr. and 180gr. Partition. Those cover all my 30cal. needs from 300BO and 30-30 to 300 magnums.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-30s\">The .30s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Several .30 calibers fit our wild boar search parameters. The 30-30, 307 Win., 308 Marlin Express, 300 Sav., 30AR., and 308 Win. The 30AR, fits our parameters but is so obscure as to be virtually unknown. It provides 300 Savage ballistics, which are more than adequate. The 300 Sav. is a great round that suffers only from being eclipsed in all categories by its supposed offspring, the 308 Win. The .30s generally offer bullet weight, bullet selection, suitable trajectory, easy shootability, and are available in a wide variety of platforms. The most popular of the class are the 30-30 and the 308 Win. Only the 308 Win. delivers in all parameters, the 30-30 suffers in range, and has suitable accuracy as distance increases beyond 150 yards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"875\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3550-1024x875.jpeg\" alt=\"rifle ammo wild boar\" class=\"wp-image-195762\" style=\"width:456px;height:auto\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle caliber for Wild Boar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3550-1024x875.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3550-351x300.jpeg 351w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3550-150x128.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3550-768x657.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3550-1536x1313.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3550-2048x1751.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">7mm08 loaded with Hornady ELDX 150gr., flanked by <br \/>140gr. and 150gr. Nosler Partitions and Speer 160gr. on left,<br \/>Barnes 160gr. TSX and Hornady 154gr. SP on right.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-7mms\">The 7mms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is only one suitable offering of the 7mm class since the 7&#215;57 is like the 6.5 Swede and not really a short action round. The 7mm-08 is like the 308 Win. in that it ticks off all of our criteria,\u2026 almost. It meets all the parameters except falls a bit short on availability. It is most definitely easy shooting, uses suitable bullet weight and provides excellent trajectory. The 7-08 is a great caliber and a good choice for wild boar if you can find the ammunition. Once on a foreign my loaner rifle ammunition couldn\u2019t be found, so I looked for the 7-08. After several stressful phone calls to stores with no positive results, my ammo was located in another vehicle. While it is quite suitable, its popularity has waned since the 1990s, losing market share to the 308 Win. and those in our next class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"444\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3555-1024x444.jpeg\" alt=\"rifle ammo hornady nosler wild boar\" class=\"wp-image-195764\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle caliber for Wild Boar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3555-1024x444.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3555-400x173.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3555-150x65.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3555-768x333.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3555-1536x666.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3555-2048x887.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 6.5mm is a great bore size and very easy to shoot. L to R: Hornady 129gr. Interlock and 120gr. GMX, Remington 120gr. CoreLokt, Swift Scirocco 130gr., Sierra 140gr. Gameking, and Nosler 100gr. 125gr. and 140gr. Partitions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-6-5mms\">The 6.5mms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The small 6.5s have gained prominence in the US lately and rightly so. The 6.5&#215;55 has been around as long as dirt, it seems. In modern rifles the 6.5cm and 260rem. offer no improvement over it, other than true short action status. The Scandinavians have been taking moose with the 6.5&#215;55 and 6.5&#215;54 well before Remington or Hornady developed their rounds. They are definitely easy shooting, they use enough bullet, and they possess very suitable trajectories. Using good bullets, I would not hesitate to tackle a Hogzilla sized wild boar with a small 6.5mm. Currently, availability for all rifles except the Creedmoor can be questionable. I\u2019ve found the 6.5CM in such out-of-the-way places as grocery stores in Kaycee, Wyoming, although not in the numbers I\u2019ve seen in the past. It may join the 7-08, as popularity seems to have lessened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"325\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3183.jpeg\" alt=\"Wild Boar and rifle\" class=\"wp-image-195748\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle caliber for Wild Boar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3183.jpeg 325w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3183-152x300.jpeg 152w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3183-76x150.jpeg 76w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 325px) 100vw, 325px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A medium size boar taken with the Savage 99 shown in 250 Savage at 160 yards.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"471\" height=\"314\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-0077.jpeg\" alt=\"Wild Boar and rifle\" class=\"wp-image-195749\" style=\"width:546px;height:auto\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle caliber for Wild Boar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-0077.jpeg 471w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-0077-400x267.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-0077-150x100.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 471px) 100vw, 471px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A nice 200 pounder that fell to a 90gr. Hornady GMX from a 25&#215;45 Sharps, taken at 100 yards.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-25s\">The .25s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As previously stated, the minimum requirement of 120 grains of bullet brings us to our last suitable class, the .25s. There are only a couple that fall into our definition of short action rounds. One is the 25 Sharps or 25&#215;45, the other is the 250 Savage. The Sharps suffers in the availability column, as it is only available from the parent company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using a 120gr. Partition style or 100gr. mono metal bullet, I would have no issue with any pig, at any angle out to 150 yards. Yes, the 100gr. bullet violates my parameter, but that was for a standard construction bullet. Still, there just isn\u2019t enough oomph provided to allow the small .25s to reliably make the grade at 250 yards and all animal presentations. Also, finding ammunition outside of a well-supplied US store can be difficult. Both are adequate for wild boar with carefully picked shots and distances less than 200 yards, and I enjoy using mine with premium bullets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3556-1-1024x273.jpeg\" alt=\"rifle ammo\" class=\"wp-image-195766\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle caliber for Wild Boar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3556-1-1024x273.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3556-1-400x107.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3556-1-150x40.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3556-1-768x205.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3556-1-1536x409.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3556-1-2048x546.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Available all around the globe, with premium bullets used in factory loadings, easy shooting and effective, the 308 Winchester.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-ideal-caliber-for-wild-boar\">The Ideal Caliber for Wild Boar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So what is the most ideal cartridge for wild boar??\u2026.. My choice is the <a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/rifle\/308-win-ammo\\\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar\">308 Winchester<\/a>. Using standard bullets of at least 165gr. it will adequately handle any pig out to 250 yards. Should you choose to go with 150gr. bullets&nbsp; I would suggest a premium bullet like a mono metal or partition style. If you have the possibility of truly large pigs, go with a 180gr. bullet. If the terrain you\u2019ll be hunting is thick and ranges short, again a 180gr. or 200gr. should be perfect. I initially used 150gr. standard construction bullets for my 308s. A few rounds failed to fully penetrate big pigs and left no blood trail. Thankfully, the pigs were found. I changed to 165gr. bullets and have not had that issue again.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"659\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-7178-659x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"308 Winchester hole in a Swedish Moose\" class=\"wp-image-195773\" style=\"width:487px;height:auto\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle caliber for Wild Boar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-7178-659x1024.jpeg 659w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-7178-193x300.jpeg 193w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-7178-97x150.jpeg 97w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-7178-768x1193.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-7178-989x1536.jpeg 989w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-7178-1318x2048.jpeg 1318w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-7178-scaled.jpeg 1648w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 659px) 100vw, 659px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Swedish moose taken with 308win. entry hole visible in left <br \/>rear quarter. Impressive penetration to reach vitals.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ MORE HERE: <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/henrys-spirit-of-the-corps-tribute-rifle\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar\">Henry\u2019s \u2018Spirit of the Corps\u2019 Tribute Rifle<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-308-win-wild-boar-caliber-that-wins\">308 Win. &#8211; Wild Boar Caliber that Wins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 308 Win. provides everything needed for wild boar. Ample bullet weight, suitable trajectory, Worldwide availability, easy shooting, and multiple choices in platforms. I gained even more respect for the \u201clowly\u201d 308, while I was in Sweden on a moose hunt. The terminal performance provided by a pair of Norma 165gr. bullets delivered to a moose in the Texas heart shot presentation proved sufficient to penetrate the vitals and break some of the large bones along the way. If I could only use one bullet in all my 308\u2019s for every animal, it would be a mono metal 165gr. It provides excellent velocity, and the terminal performance is outstanding.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"248\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3568-1024x248.jpeg\" alt=\"Winchester 308 with scope\" class=\"wp-image-195828\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle caliber for Wild Boar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3568-1024x248.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3568-400x97.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3568-150x36.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3568-768x186.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3568-1536x371.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG-3568-2048x495.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A fast, light and accurate old school 308win. A great general-purpose rifle for a great general-purpose round.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking everything into consideration, the 308 Win. meets and sometimes exceeds all the parameters. I have a friend who is recoil sensitive and chooses to use 130gr. mono metal bullets for most of his 308 hunting. The performance delivered by these small premium bullets easily equals heavier standard construction bullets. The possibilities and options available to 308 Win. users are tremendous. Its versatility is limited only by the user&#8217;s imagination. You can find it loaded with bullets ranging from 110gr. to 200gr., and available over the counter with standard or premium bullets. I have found it on shelves in stores from Brownsville, Texas, to Havre, Montana, as well as Greece, Italy, Germany, UK, Spain, Denmark, Hungary, Sweden, and Namibia. It is the Ideal rifle caliber for Wild boar, Feral hogs, or swine of any kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><em>*** <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\" title=\"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;If you could have any caliber, what would you choose\u201d. Taking everything into consideration, the 308 Win. meets and sometimes exceeds all the parameters. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":126,"featured_media":208327,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"manual","footnotes":""},"categories":[282,4305,4321,1217,4320],"tags":[1442,343,4301,746],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-195745","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-columns-ammo-tests","8":"category-expert-guides","9":"category-guns","10":"category-hunt365","11":"category-hunting-hunt365","12":"tag-hunt","13":"tag-rifle","14":"tag-wild-boar","15":"tag-winchester-ammunition"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Ideal Rifle Caliber for Worldwide Wild Boar Hunting<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Get ready for the thrill of hunting wild boar. Learn about the best caliber for short-range shots and maximize your success in pig hunts.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-wild-boar-ideal-rifle-caliber\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Ideal Rifle Caliber for Wild Boar\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"&quot;If you could have any caliber, what would you choose\u201d. 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I\u2019d be called a traditionalist. I like and appreciate the latest tech, but really enjoy doing things the old ways. Experience\\\/Qualifications -USAF small arms instructor and competitor since the mid 1980\u2019s and continue providing small arms training to this day. -Started competing in archery and held state records, as well as part of the Texas state \u201cAll Recurve\u201d 3D team. Progressed to practical shooting competitions with handgun, rifle, and shotgun, and in early long range competitions. -Have represented the USA several times in international practical shooting. -Developed the best functioning and most reliable shortened stroke or \u201cstroke timing system\u201d modification for 3 gun-type Benelli Nova\\\/SuperNova shotguns. -Have hunted from Texas north to Montana and east to Minnesota plus some international hunts. -Currently retired after 27+ years as a firefighter, medical first responder. -Started a company that specializes in \u201cdestructive animal abatement\u201d, focusing on Canine, Feline, and Swine. Trapr Ltd. has been in operation since 2007.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/author\\\/trapr-swonson\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Ideal Rifle Caliber for Worldwide Wild Boar Hunting","description":"Get ready for the thrill of hunting wild boar. 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I\u2019d be called a traditionalist. I like and appreciate the latest tech, but really enjoy doing things the old ways. Experience\/Qualifications -USAF small arms instructor and competitor since the mid 1980\u2019s and continue providing small arms training to this day. -Started competing in archery and held state records, as well as part of the Texas state \u201cAll Recurve\u201d 3D team. Progressed to practical shooting competitions with handgun, rifle, and shotgun, and in early long range competitions. -Have represented the USA several times in international practical shooting. -Developed the best functioning and most reliable shortened stroke or \u201cstroke timing system\u201d modification for 3 gun-type Benelli Nova\/SuperNova shotguns. -Have hunted from Texas north to Montana and east to Minnesota plus some international hunts. -Currently retired after 27+ years as a firefighter, medical first responder. -Started a company that specializes in \u201cdestructive animal abatement\u201d, focusing on Canine, Feline, and Swine. 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