450Bushmaster.net

I have a friend considering hog hunting ( in Texas) with a model 94 30/30.
I have never hog hunted.
I would like some input if the round will stop the hog, 94 issues, any legal issues with using it for hogs.

Thanks guys!

Ammo choice is most important...what is he planning on using? Personally, I'd use one of the 170-190gr, 2200fps loads, if buying commercial ammo.

Inside 70 yds he should be fine. I'd look for a little more if its a big boar, those shields they have are impressive..

Buffalo Bore makes a really interesting load for 30/30s if he can find it, 190gr. Made for punching through.

No legal issues here in TX. You can use 5.56 if you want.... But I would suggest at least a .243/6.5 Grendel type round. People do use SKSs for hogs here, but I would prefer a 30-30 180 grain pill preferably a Core Locked unless you handload. There are other options if you do but always remember its a tube style mag so bullet selection is limited.

commander faschisto wrote:Buffalo Bore makes a really interesting load for 30/30s if he can find it, 190gr. Made for punching through.

Midway has these rounds in stock for about 56.99 a box of 20! I can't bring myself to spend that for 30-30 ammo right now, but it does look interesting. I first heard about it from a hunting program, the guy is trying a North American grand slam with an open sighted Winchester 94 30-30 and has used the ammo successfully on a bull moose. Try you tubing 30-30 moose hunt.

B.

I've taken black bear and mule deer with an old 94 .30-30. I think it could handle a hog just fine if you step up to the 170 gr bullets.

The 30-30 is one of the prime reasons for the 450 Bushmaster.

Consider: I have always been told .."the 30-30 has killed more deer, than all the other rifles, put together". Which is prolly true, more or less and I have personally seen some pretty big bears and moose fall to it. However, having spend a life time hunting Big-Game (w/25yr as a PH), killing or watching the various caliber/cartridges working there brand of Terminal Results, I'd also say .."the 30-30 has wounded and had more game get away, than all others put together".

Now then, don't get me wrong, I think the 30-30 is mighty-fine, it and the a 22lr will kill a Pig or an Elephant and has. But, when the shots are marginal and they always are, take enough gun! Let's face it, Pigs are dangerous and as such treat them so and be prudent and very cautious.

Using, sub-caliber practice munitions (on dangerous game), as I call them, is a exercise that can be death-defying. One must choose the exact load/bullet combinations for the conditions and then shot placement is extremely vital. What happens if the conditions change during the hunt, you'd better have more than one load, if safety is a concern. Heck, Connie, over at Barnes was on a Guided Hunt and shot an 800lb pig which promptly charged her and the guide, with murder on its mind (both where using the 450 Marlin/Lever-guns). She did not have sufficient time to reload for a second shot (even large pigs are quick, when they start out very close to you) and luckily, the Guide's one and only back-up shot ruled the day, with the pig mere inches from it's intended victims. Needless to say, from then on they were using 450 Bushmasters w/Barnes Buster loads. I'd say they finally .."Got It"!

Now then, use the 30-30 if you must, but I pray that you don't .."Get It", got it!!

..t

Thank you every one for the advice.
Wc you have an excellent feel for the situation .
I have shared your post with my friend.
All advice aside I think the poor 94 will be out of the hunt
due to mechanical issues.
It got a round stuck ( while being unloaded for transport) between the feed ramp and lever .
( forgive my parts terminology on the 94, and I'm sleepy)

Haven't the time to fix it.

Thank you

We have pigs everywhere at are ranch in May, TX. We use everything from bows to 223/5.56 to 7.62 x39. 30/30 is more than enough to lay out a hog. Only one way to shoot'em though HEAD Shot Behind the ear.