Pharmseller
WKR
I’ve hunted hogs on my place with a 26” 223, 16” 223rem, 16” 5.56 ar, 18” 22creed, 16” 243win, 18” 6.5creed, 12.5” 6.5grendel ar, 16” 30-06 and several more. I have the same thoughts. The 223rem with 80eldms are great if I have a vantage point/field and room for follow up shots but there is def some hogs that would have gone a lot further if I hadn’t got a follow up shot in. The quick recovery after recoil and being able to watch everything in the scope is nice. But when it comes to quick snap shots in thick brush or on the run where you only get one shot. The short 30/06 with 180-220gr bullets is king IMO. A bad shot is a bad shot but with the 06 it can still anchor or slow down hogs easier and give a larger margin for error regarding shot placement. Although I take much riskier shots with hogs than I would game animals. Now that I set up a shorter hunting rig in 223rem and have been using it more the last few years I’ve gained a whole new respect for it and proven to myself how effective it can be especially at killing more multiples on the run simply due to the low recoil, quick follow up shots, and 10rd mags.
I’ve heard some folk say they’re happy if a mortally wounded pig runs off. Saves them the trouble of dragging them away.
P