Gun for dispatching hogs?

[secuono]

Would a rifle be strong enough to take down a PB that is around 35-45 lbs?
If not, what would I need?
Also have two hand guns, but I've never shot those, Glocks of some kind.

 

[cjhubbs]

It would depend on the type of rifle. I wouldn't try to shoot a hog with a 22 rifle because it's not powerful enough to go through all the bone, organs and other stuff the bullet may encounter, meaning the animal would probably suffer and either not die right away or at all. I would suggest using a 30/30 rifle or a shotgun with a slug if I have some although that isn't a rifle.

 

[brentr]

When we butchered hogs on the farm I grew up on, Dad always shot them with a .22. Point blank, in the forehead (you know, make an imaginary X between ears and eyes, aim for the crossing point). Never failed to drop any of them, no issues. These were full size hogs. I'm pretty sure a .22 in the same location would handle your PBP with ease.

 

[PendergrassRanch]

A .22 works perfectly fine. Give them a bit of grain and aim well.

 

[OneFineAcre]

When we butchered hogs on the farm I grew up on, Dad always shot them with a .22. Point blank, in the forehead (you know, make an imaginary X between ears and eyes, aim for the crossing point). Never failed to drop any of them, no issues. These were full size hogs. I'm pretty sure a .22 in the same location would handle your PBP with ease.

That's the way I've always seen it done. My granddaddy was killing hogs when I was very young, 40 plus years ago.

 

[jhm47]

I just bought a 380 lb gilt from a neighbor. I shot it with my .22. One shot in the forehead. Made an imaginary X between the left ear, right eye, right ear, and left eye. BANG! Dropped her and bled her out right in the trailer. Took her to the butcher right away, and the meat should be done later this week.

 

[Straw Hat Kikos]

I agree with what has been said. A .22 will work great and is probably the best possible choice.

 

[Cricket]

I'm not the 'dispatcher' on our place. The one time when I had to shoot one of my calves, I found that using a rifle was a whole lot easier. You can put the barrel pretty much on your target. I agree with everyone that it's more important to have good aim than high power. I've seen someone use a 38 pistol on one of my pigs and not have good aim--it's not good. Our butcher uses a 22 rifle.

 

[Heirloom]

22LR (long rifle) is all you need. If you have a big one (500lbs) a 22 magnum might be good insurance. But the 22LR is all I've ever seen used. When taking aim, be sure to hit the X as mentioned, but also imagine aiming for the spine....sort of down the back. What you want to avoid is too much of a downward angle. If you shoot too steep at a downward angle you can blow through the roof of the mouth and miss the brain completely. Then you have a hog that's not stunned, but hurt , scared and pissed off. Not good.

EDIT: Quick note. 22LR is about the most common 22 ammo. However there are lots of different 22 ammo styles. Do not get CB caps, 22 short, bird shot or anything else (for this purpose). And always make sure your rifle/gun is rated for the ammo you plan to use.

 

[Four Winds Ranch]

We use a 22 pistol, in the ear angled toward the forhead. Ours are fairly quiet so it is easy to get right close!!!