{"id":197497,"date":"2025-06-02T16:47:33","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T21:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=197497"},"modified":"2025-10-10T06:11:02","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T11:11:02","slug":"hunt365-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar\/","title":{"rendered":"Handgun Hunting: The Ideal Handgun 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\">12<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the same theme as \u201cThe Ideal rifle caliber for wild boar\u201d. Let\u2019s look at traditional straight-walled handgun calibers and pick one from our most popular choices. In the rifle article, I looked at worldwide availability and swine from around the world. However, the ability to hunt with a handgun outside of the US, is not widespread. I\u2019ll cover using handguns for US hogs, however, the info can be used for worldwide swine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-parameters-for-handgun-hunting\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar\" title=\"Handgun Hunting: The Ideal Handgun Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">Parameters for Handgun Hunting<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-precision-first-when-handgun-hunting\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar\" title=\"Handgun Hunting: The Ideal Handgun Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">Precision First When Handgun Hunting<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-sentimental-favorite-for-handgun-hunting\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar\" title=\"Handgun Hunting: The Ideal Handgun Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">Sentimental Favorite for Handgun Hunting<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-44s\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar\" title=\"Handgun Hunting: The Ideal Handgun Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">The .44s<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-a-stellar-performance\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar\" title=\"Handgun Hunting: The Ideal Handgun Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">A Stellar Performance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-45s\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar\" title=\"Handgun Hunting: The Ideal Handgun Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">The .45s<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-47s\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar\" title=\"Handgun Hunting: The Ideal Handgun Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">The .47s<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-fifties\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar\" title=\"Handgun Hunting: The Ideal Handgun Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">The Fifties<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-ideal-for-handgun-hunting-wild-boar\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar\" title=\"Handgun Hunting: The Ideal Handgun Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-level=\"2\">The Ideal for Handgun Hunting Wild Boar<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_2689.jpeg\" alt=\"handgun Hunting wild boart\" class=\"wp-image-197554\" style=\"width:536px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_2689.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_2689-400x300.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_2689-150x113.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"513\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3561.jpeg\" alt=\"wild boar head wall mount\" class=\"wp-image-197556\" style=\"width:509px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3561.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3561-374x300.jpeg 374w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3561-150x120.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">My first nice toothed wild boar, taken almost 30 years ago.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-parameters-for-handgun-hunting\">Parameters for Handgun Hunting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The parameters focus on: 1) Availability, in other words, can ammunition be found easily and readily in case it is needed? 2) Ease of shooting, can the handgun be fired easily without excessive recoil and muzzle blast by someone with some handgun experience? 3) Effective distance: is the caliber effective on all sizes of wild boar out to 75 yards, and in any presentation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be it broadside, quartering towards or away, in line facing, or in line going away. The chosen distance of 75 yards is, in my opinion, a maximum distance for use with iron sights on game. If you are using an optic, 75 yds is a fair distance, not far and not close.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_2496-1.jpeg\" alt=\"wild boar\" class=\"wp-image-197516\" style=\"width:515px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_2496-1.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_2496-1-150x117.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">One of my favorite angles for taking wild boar with a handgun, this big guy takes a 270gr. Hawk SP from my 414sm just a minute or two after this pic was taken, he is 80ish yards away.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-precision-first-when-handgun-hunting\">Precision First When Handgun Hunting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several newer factory ammunition choices that are proving very effective and suitable for pigs of any size. Locating them might be a chore, but having them is worth it since they should work well on pigs of any size. Many would be considered premium ammunition selections, when dealing with animal presentations other than broadside these would be my choices. As with rifle calibers, precision is paramount, with bullet selection being almost as important. The toughest shot presentation would be directly going away, and most likely only needed when engaging a fleeing previously hit animal. Breaking the pelvis should anchor the animal, allowing a follow-up shot if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"634\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3608-634x1024.webp\" alt=\"federal ammo and revolver in front of cactus\" class=\"wp-image-197501\" style=\"width:368px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3608-634x1024.webp 634w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3608-186x300.webp 186w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3608-93x150.webp 93w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3608.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 634px) 100vw, 634px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Federal HammerDown bonded ammunition makes great wild boar ammo, accurate and effective.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pigs are tougher than deer, so while some of our personal defense handgun calibers are suitable for deer, they are minimal for feral hogs.&nbsp; Using careful shot selection, prudent bullet choices and limited distances, they can be considered adequate but not ideal. The 40sw, 10mm, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=45acp\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar\" title=\"Handgun Hunting: The Ideal Handgun Caliber for Wild Boar\">45acp<\/a> are our best choices but should be limited to less than 50 yards. In the 40 and 10, I\u2019d suggest nothing less than 180gr. bullets, using the 45 my preference would be 230gr. Availability is excellent, choices are plentiful, but you are limited to broadside animal presentation and less than 50 yards. Along the same theme in revolvers, 38special +P with 158gr. bullets or 357magnum with 140gr. or heavier bullets need the same criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3572.jpeg\" alt=\"handgun hunting wild boar\" class=\"wp-image-197502\" style=\"width:461px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3572.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3572-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3572-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ryan Hoover of the new HHI, used his favorite Ruger 357mag to take this nice South Texas boar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sentimental-favorite-for-handgun-hunting\">Sentimental Favorite for Handgun Hunting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our first decent choice for Ideal wild boar handgun hunting caliber is a recent favorite of mine &#8211; the .41 Magnum. It is an excellent choice, for someone who handloads their own ammunition and can select appropriate projectiles. It is hampered by lack of availability and few choices for suitable bullets in factory ammunition. The easy shoot-ability and overall effectiveness on a wide variety of game make it a good choice but the biggest hurdle is availability. One of the top choices in factory ammunition is the Swift Heavy Revolver line with their 210gr. A-Frame bullet. This load as well as some of the Grizzly ammunition, cast bullet loads, are excellent. Be aware that some of the cast loads may be too long for some revolver cylinders.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"530\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_8643.jpeg\" alt=\"handgun hunting wild sow\" class=\"wp-image-197653\" style=\"width:517px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_8643.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_8643-362x300.jpeg 362w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_8643-150x124.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This big sow was walked up and dropped with a quartering away hit from a Speer 210gr. JHP, and Smith and Wesson 657 at 72 yards. It was her first kill with the 41 mag.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-44s\">The .44s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Next is the .44\u2019s which include the .44 Special and <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=.44%20magnum\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar\" title=\"Handgun Hunting: The Ideal Handgun Caliber for Wild Boar\">.44 Magnum<\/a>. The .44 Special has easy shooting going for it, and ample velocity and bullet weights. Even though most factory loads only push bullets in the 1000fps range, with bullets of this weight and size it\u2019s plenty. We don\u2019t need rip-roaring speed to take game at 25-75 yards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Big bullets do really well even when not sent downrange at maximum velocity. A well chosen and accurate 200-240gr. bullet inside 75 yards will kill every pig born and penetrate adequately even from back to front when started at 1000fps. The .44 Special suffers from a lack of availability and representation, much like the .41 Magnum. It is still a decent choice though.<\/p>\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\/2024\/01\/IMG_0077-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"feral hog with revolver handgun hunting\" class=\"wp-image-197504\" style=\"width:437px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_0077-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_0077-400x300.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_0077-150x113.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_0077-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_0077-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_0077-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ruger Super Blackhawk 44 mag has taken more than its fair share of feral hogs. Entrance of bullet was forward of right shoulder and exit is seen at back of ribs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-stellar-performance\">A Stellar Performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The .44 Magnum has been overshadowed by newer calibers, it\u2019s performance hasn\u2019t lessened though. All the positive things I said of the .44 Special goes for the .44 Magnum as well. Except it does not suffer from any of the negatives. I\u2019ve used .44\u2019s to hunt with since the late 1970\u2019s when I was a teenager. Some factory ammo can be a bit daunting to new shooters, given the muzzle blast,t but it is not unmanageable. Mid-range ammunition more similar to .44 Special can be used, and its effectiveness is unquestionable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the better hunting ammo available includes Hornady\u2019s Handgun Hunter line and <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/review-federal-hammerdown-ammunition\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar\" title=\"Handgun Hunting: The Ideal Handgun Caliber for Wild Boar\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"512\">Federal\u2019s Hammer Down<\/a> line. I\u2019ve used both on game out to 75-80 yards and can speak to their effectiveness. Swift offers their 300gr. AF bullet in their Heavy Revolver line, and Federal offers a Swift 280gr. AF bullet in their Premium line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"484\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3761.jpeg\" alt=\"handgun ammo\" class=\"wp-image-197629\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3761.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3761-397x300.jpeg 397w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3761-150x113.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">3 potent and effective .45\u2019s,\u2026.460sw, 454Casull, and 45Colt <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-45s\">The .45s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our next caliber are the .45\u2019s, 45 Colt, 454 Casull, and 460 S&amp;W. The S&amp;W is the most powerful and is the newest of the three. It is suitable for any pig, in any presentation, if you use proper bullets. I would not say it\u2019s easy shooting for those not used to large hunting handguns. However a benefit that \u201cmight\u201d offset availability is that you can safely shoot both 45 Colt and 454 Casull in a 460 S&amp;W chambered gun. Everything said of the <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=460%20s%26w\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar\" title=\"Handgun Hunting: The Ideal Handgun Caliber for Wild Boar\">460 S&amp;W<\/a> goes for the 454 Casull as well, except you can only substitute 45 Colt in a Casull chamber. Neither round is easily shootable and can be flinch-inducing, but both are suitable for any pig on the planet. The Casull and S&amp;W are both available in excellent factory loadings, when you can find them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"564\" height=\"557\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_0037.jpeg\" alt=\"wild boar handgun hunting\" class=\"wp-image-197518\" style=\"width:456px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_0037.jpeg 564w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_0037-304x300.jpeg 304w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_0037-150x148.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 564px) 100vw, 564px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Randy Miller used his 460 S&amp;W, proving its versatility and effectiveness, but it\u2019s just not widely available or easily found.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern guns and loadings have elevated the 45 Colt to universal application for any game. As I said with the 44 special, big bullets do not need a lot of velocity to be effective. Factory offerings for the 45 Colt range in velocity from mild 800fps loads to 1500fps. Bullet offerings vary as well, with soft cast solids to jacketed hollowpoints and mono metal bullets. It is relatively well represented by major manufacturers, but locating the ammo is not as easy as others on our list. It is capable of taking any size pig from any angle.<\/p>\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\/2024\/01\/IMG_3751-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"wild boar hunting\" class=\"wp-image-197514\" style=\"width:490px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3751-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3751-400x300.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3751-150x113.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3751-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3751-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3751.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mike Darbys boar was getting away until a 335gr. cast bullet stopped it by breaking the pelvis from behind and traveling forward into the vitals. Proving the overall effectiveness of a good bullet from the old 45 Colt. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-47s\">The .47s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Enter the .47\u2019s, the 480 Ruger and 475 Linebaugh, both capable of great things. The 480R being easier to shoot and handle. All the while giving up very little to its older, bigger brother. The 475L is far from being in the easy to shoot category. It is a specialists round because of the concentration needed to wield it accurately and the need to build your own ammunition if versatility is your desire. Many users of the 475L load their own ammo down to 480Ruger levels. As I said before, big bullets do not need a lot of velocity to do great things. Less velocity brings less recoil, less recoil brings easier shooting. The 480R performance level will handle any wild boar. Capability-wise, both .47\u2019s meet and exceed parameters, ease of shooting-wise, neither is easy without building experience first. Availability is spotty at best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"546\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_0544.jpeg\" alt=\"bullet after impact\" class=\"wp-image-197505\" style=\"width:435px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_0544.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_0544-352x300.jpeg 352w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_0544-150x128.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Barnes .500 caliber 275gr. XPB, recovered from 200 pound pig, gave good performance but seems to need higher impact velocity to realize its full potential. This is the only fifty caliber bullet I\u2019ve ever recovered from a wild boar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-fifties\">The Fifties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly are the fifties, actually .50 and .51\u2019s. Are the fifties needed for handgun hunting wild boar??..\u2026NO!! Are they easy shooting??\u2026..NO!! Can they be easily found or available??\u2026..NO!!&nbsp; Are they capable of taking any pig from any presentation??\u2026..YES!! Of the .50 caliber choices readily available, we have 50AE, 500JRH, and 500S&amp;W.&nbsp; In the .51 caliber corner there is really only the 500Linebaugh. The 50AE is more like the 480R, easier to shoot than the others in the family but still not for the inexperienced.&nbsp; Factory ammunition for all the 50\u2019s and .51\u2019s is quite capable of handling any pig placed in front of you. Just don\u2019t run out or lose what you\u2019ve brought because locating backup or spare ammo is quite nearly impossible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3764.jpeg\" alt=\"pistol ammo\" class=\"wp-image-197634\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3764.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3764-400x141.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3764-150x53.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 45 and 44 family with proven loads used on wild boar. 460sw and Barnes 225xpb, 454Casull and Swift 300AF, 45Colt with 325wfn, 305lfn\/hp, and Hornady 300xtp\/mag. The 44\u2019s are 250wfngc, 300lfn\/hp, Hornady Handgun Hunter 200monoflex, SSK320tc, and Hornady 240xtp.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-ideal-for-handgun-hunting-wild-boar\">The Ideal for Handgun Hunting Wild Boar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What is our most ideal caliber for feral hogs with a handgun?? My choice is one I\u2019ve probably used the most, it is definitely the first big hunting handgun caliber I ever owned. However it is one that I currently use very little, because I\u2019ve become more specialized.&nbsp; The ideal choice is a great general purpose round, one that can and has done it all. Selecting the ideal, is like getting started in handgun hunting and looking for a gun to start with. What is out there that will do what I want, from any distance I deem practical, on any animal, and with a great selection of bullets and ammo?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"344\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3766.jpeg\" alt=\"pistol ammo\" class=\"wp-image-197637\" style=\"width:486px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3766.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3766-400x215.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3766-150x81.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The bullets that help make the 44mag, Ideal. 250wfngc, 250sp Fury, 270sp Speer, 280AF Swift, 300xtp, and 320tc SSK.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It is the original big-bore handgun hunting magnum, the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.midwayusa.com\/44-remington-magnum\/br?cid=21830&amp;srsltid=AfmBOorys6Vs5eqWuTj1SrfAE3xpDhYtawcC5eNR2FdHmsVmipi0TOo3\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar\" title=\"Handgun Hunting: The Ideal Handgun Caliber for Wild Boar\"> 44 Remington Magnum<\/a>. I\u2019ve found 44 mag ammo in gun shops in the UK, and they can\u2019t own repeater handguns!! The worldwide availability rivals that of our rifle, ideal caliber the 308 win. It is available in a wide variety of guns, a wide variety of bullets, from a wide variety of manufacturers and it has a proven record.&nbsp;It has quite literally been there and done it all, time and again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 44 Remington Magnum, is the Ideal handgun caliber for wild boar and feral hogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"294\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3768-1.jpeg\" alt=\"pistols in front of wild boar tusks\" class=\"wp-image-197745\" style=\"width:666px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3768-1.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3768-1-400x184.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3768-1-150x69.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">My two current 44\u2019s, effective, accurate, efficient, and ideal for wild boar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\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-the-ideal-handgun-hunting-caliber-for-wild-boar\" title=\"Handgun Hunting: The Ideal Handgun 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>The ability to hunt with a handgun outside of the US, is not widespread.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":126,"featured_media":208333,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1258,4305,4321,1217,4320],"tags":[299,2900,1209,4301],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-197497","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ammo","8":"category-expert-guides","9":"category-guns","10":"category-hunt365","11":"category-hunting-hunt365","12":"tag-ammo-2","13":"tag-handgun-hunting","14":"tag-hunt365","15":"tag-wild-boar"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Handgun hunting-wild boar<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"hunting-revolver-wild boar-feral hog-44 magnum-best caliber-big bore 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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\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_3768-1-1-150x69.jpeg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/197497","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/126"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=197497"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/197497\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":230681,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/197497\/revisions\/230681"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/208333"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=197497"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=197497"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=197497"},{"taxonomy":"featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured?post=197497"},{"taxonomy":"hunt365","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hunt365?post=197497"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}