If you’ve ever gone after wild hogs, you know they’re no joke. Tough, fast, and sometimes aggressive, they can take a hit and keep running. That’s why your choice of cartridge really matters. You need something with enough punch to drop a big boar, even if the shot isn’t perfect. Here are seven cartridges that hunters keep going back to because they simply work when it counts.
.308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester has been around forever, and for good reason—it just works. It hits hard, carries well through brush, and has no problem putting down big hogs. You’ve probably got a rifle chambered in it already.
It’s a solid choice for folks who want power without jumping to a magnum. Ammo is easy to find, and you can pick from all kinds of loads depending on how far out you’re shooting. It’s reliable and proven in the field.
.30-06 Springfield
This one’s a classic, but don’t let the age fool you. The .30-06 still delivers plenty of power, especially with heavier bullets. It’s more than capable of punching through thick hide and bone.
It’s great if you want a little extra reach or are taking on some serious hogs. Plenty of hunting loads are out there, and if you reload, you’ll have even more flexibility. It’s not flashy—it just gets the job done.
.300 Blackout
If you’re hunting hogs with a suppressed rifle, the .300 Blackout is worth a look. It was made for short barrels and works well in tight spots like thick brush or night hunts.
Now, it doesn’t have the long-range punch of a .308, but for close shots, it’s more than enough. Especially with expanding bullets or supers, you can drop pigs clean with good shot placement. It’s quiet, handy, and practical.
.223 Remington / 5.56 NATO
A lot of folks will tell you the .223 isn’t enough for hogs—but with the right bullet, it can be. Think head or neck shots, or well-placed heart shots with quality ammo.
It’s perfect for fast follow-ups if you’re clearing out a group of pigs. Light recoil, cheap ammo, and a familiar AR platform make it a go-to for some hunters. Just know its limits and pick your shots carefully.
6.5 Grendel
The 6.5 Grendel doesn’t get as much attention as it should in the hog-hunting world. It hits harder than a .223 and keeps more energy at distance, which comes in handy on open land.
It’s also super accurate. If you’re set up in a blind or taking longer shots, the Grendel makes a lot of sense. And it still works in AR platforms, which keeps things simple.
.450 Bushmaster
If you’re looking to knock pigs flat, the .450 Bushmaster is hard to beat. It’s a big, slow bullet with serious stopping power. This thing was made to hit hard at close range.
A lot of guys running ARs like it because it drops pigs fast without needing multiple shots. It’s perfect for thick cover or areas where shots are under 150 yards. Just be ready for the recoil.
.45-70 Government
The .45-70 isn’t subtle, but it sure is effective. It’s an old-school cartridge that still drops big animals with authority. If you’re carrying a lever gun, this one’s a fan favorite.
It hits like a truck and works great in the woods. The range is limited, but inside 100 yards, it’s devastating. If you like a classic setup and want to make sure that pig stays down, this one won’t let you down.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
