One Of America's Largest Varmints By Michael D. Faw

Goofycat · #8 06-20-2009, 02:43 PM

Sierra makes the Game King in the SBT (Spitzer Boat Tail) and the HPBT (Hollow point boat tail) in the 140-grain weights. Which one would you suggest? And...do you think a 130 is too light for pigs? What about a 150 Gameking? I have not looked at the ballistics at any of these bullets, but would imagine that Texas pigs would be shot at closer ranges in the brush and longer ranges in the open. So, if in the brush, why not a 150 grainer?
Or do you like the 140-grain bullet because it is just a "happy medium?"

trebark · #9 06-20-2009, 05:12 PM

I would recommend the 140 SBT. It will hold-up better than the hollow-point if it hits bone. The basis for my recommendation is that the 'standard' load for the a non-magnum 270 is the 130. So going to the 140 is a bit of a heavier bullet. Given the ranges you might engage pigs, the 140 will have more knock-down power. You could certainly try the 150, but as you say, I think the 140 is a happy medium.

GUNNER 1 · #10 06-20-2009, 09:00 PM

ive used 130 gr. alot on pigs works fine for me but havent tried 140 or 150 in my 270 , good luck on your hunt.

Goofycat · #11 06-21-2009, 08:28 AM

Thanks, guys. I will load up some 140 SBTs. Interestingly, I saw a TV documentary last night on the huge feral pig problem in Texas and Florida. I have seen hillsides roto-rooted by these animals locally here in California, but evidently it is not nearly the problem as it is in Texas and Florida. They used dogs to track down the porkers and were luring the pigs into pens for a more "humane" treatment. A well-placed bullet is even more humane in my opinion.

The host of the show was an alligator wrestler and he seemed to get all excited about catching the pigs by the hind legs to immobilize them. The guy had guts to do a stunt like that. He later interviewed a physician at a local hospital who showed some gruesome photos of deep slices in arms and legs of people who had been attacked by pigs. The physician mentioned that several people had died due to wound infection from the tuskers that even antibiotics couldn't help.

trebark · #12 06-21-2009, 09:49 AM

Goofy...search for pig hunts on YouTube. You will find plenty of videos of people cornering pigs with dogs, then finishing them by hand with a big knife. Crazy.

Goofycat · #13 06-21-2009, 11:59 AM

I checked out Google for free pig hunts in west Texas and found nothing but ads for guided hunts. I don't get it. If there is such a problem on ranches with pigs rooting up the place, it seems that the ranchers would almost pay hunters to come in and control their pig population. Instead, all I see are ranches and outfitters that want to make a buck. Can't blame them, but is it possible to just contact a chamber of commerce in west Texas and find out if there are ranches that allow unlimited hunting. I have a self-contained motorhome and know the ropes about what NOT to do on cattle ranches.

trebark · #14 06-21-2009, 05:07 PM

I bet if you keep digging you might be able to find an opportunity. My experience in finding a place is hunt is by referral. You have to know somebody that knows somebody. Maybe someone from TX can chime-in with some ideas.

I've hunted feral hogs here in VA (paid, guided hunt). If you like pork, feral hog is waaaaaaay better.