ScottyD wrote:We've got an issue with pigs and wild dogs coming down through a gully right next to our new house most nights,
Our place is open countryside down around our house/yards, but quickly rises up into mountainous terrain with thickish bush.
Anyway looking forward to hearing your suggestions..
Die Judicii wrote:ScottyD wrote:We've got an issue with pigs and wild dogs coming down through a gully right next to our new house most nights,
Our place is open countryside down around our house/yards, but quickly rises up into mountainous terrain with thickish bush.
Anyway looking forward to hearing your suggestions..
Welcome Mate,
With a backyard like that, I'd venture to say you will ALWAYS have vermin/feral dogs coming in/down.
You'll never get rid of em,,,,,,,, but good luck trying.
.308 although a bit overkill for dogs will get the job done, also great on pigs, and is readily available and at a reasonable cost (over the counter)
SCJ429 wrote:I have shot a heap of pigs with a 243 up to 80 kilos or if you want some more grunt there are some 6.5mm options like the 260 which are pretty effective. If you get close enough you could knock down most things with a 222 or 223. Bigger pigs are not ideal for them, how big are the pigs that visit you?
GQshayne wrote:I could not say how many pigs I have shot with a .243Win. Started using one in 1985. I do hear people say it is too small for big pigs, but I will disagree. I wonder if they have used a .243 themselves sometimes. I have shot plenty of big pigs with it, many with only one shot. It is also a good choice for dogs, as it has a good trajectory, which 30/30 etc do not have. Good calibre to cover both in my opinion.
RoginaJack wrote:Welcome to the forum.
Suggest a 243Win for the pigs and dogs and also foxes. Could be a bit hard on foxes but the skins aren't worth anything nowadays.
For the cats and foxes a 22lr would be handy too.
If you're really keen on the No.4, have a look at a 303/25 or 303/27. Down side expensive ammo, hard to get and you may need to take up reloading...
RoginaJack wrote:Welcome to the forum.
Suggest a 243Win ...snip...
If you're really keen on the No.4, have a look at a 303/25 or 303/27. Down side expensive ammo, hard to get and you may need to take up reloading...
deanp100 wrote:Just keep it simple. Your interest in a Winchester model 70 is justified. If you like old school tradition chase up an old model 70 308 and go kill things. Nearly everything from 223 up will serve you well. Some are harder to get ammo for, some are commonplace, some only come in lever actions etc etc . In my opinion for your first bigger banger get a good solid gun you find interesting and learn to use it . A good solid bolt gun designed for field use that you enjoy carrying and you get good with will kill a lot more than some new fangled device that doesn’t quite suit. Ability and confidence trumps most other things
SCJ429 wrote: how big are the pigs that visit you?
SCJ429 wrote:The 260 is a 308 case necked down to 6.5mm. It is almost identical in performance to the Creedmoor and the 6.5x55 Swede. While not giant killers they would do the job for you. Many manufactures offer them with a 1:8 twist barrels and they can shoot 140 grain projectiles well.
If it were me starting out I would buy a 222 or 223 and shoot those dogs and pigs in the brain at ranges under 200 metres. Then move up to something bigger if or when you find those Razorbacks running around your place.
duncan61 wrote:plus one for .243W
SCJ429 wrote:I'm not going there.....
If I was starting out I would stay away from lever actions, big bores like 45/70s and old military rifles. A nice modern bolt action will build confidence and allow you to hit things with precision. Ruger also make a mini Mauser action if you like the look of the control feed M70 Winchester. Ruger have really picked up their act in regards to their barrel making. On this forum, others will tell you about some outstanding results they have had with their Rugers.
SCJ429 wrote:No, you don't have Razorbacks prowling around. An 80 kilo pig is a pretty big pig for me and I would have no qualms shooting it with a 243. I shot one about this size a while ago with a 7mm Rem Mag and it did not much more damage than I have seen with the 6mm. Of course the extra power is handy for difficult shots or when you don't hit them exactly where you planned to. Keep the ranges sensible and place your shots and the 243 is fine for heart lung or brain shots.
bigfellascott wrote:Just get the 308 cheap to run, ammo's available in every gun shop I've ever been in and a good variety of projectile options too.
KISS!
SCJ429 wrote:bigfellascott wrote:Just get the 308 cheap to run, ammo's available in every gun shop I've ever been in and a good variety of projectile options too.
KISS!
You don't think that the 222 is a good choice for a bloke starting out with his first centrefire?
bigfellascott wrote:SCJ429 wrote:bigfellascott wrote:Just get the 308 cheap to run, ammo's available in every gun shop I've ever been in and a good variety of projectile options too.
KISS!
You don't think that the 222 is a good choice for a bloke starting out with his first centrefire?
No not for use on pigs I don't.