Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Reloading
o

Notices

Reloading All Reloading Topics Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 06-17-2018, 07:38 PM
Eddietruett Eddietruett is offline
Member
Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 1,705
Likes: 1,049
Liked 3,510 Times in 957 Posts
Default Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question

Finally got a place secured to start Hog Hunting as soon as this heat wave lets us breath. I will be hunting using a Model 686 with 8 3/8" Barrel and another with a 7" Barrel. It has been recommended by many to use a heavy cast bullet for penetration. Been working on Loads with Missouri Coated 180 gr and have come up with several really accurate loads. Yesterday in conversation with another handgun hunter, he thinks the Missouri Bullet with hardness of Brinell 18 is too hard and I should use one with a Hardness of around 10-12. I really like the Missouri bullet as I load it to around 1250fps and get great accuracy. So I'll put this out to the experts here. Should I drop down to a "softer" Lead bullet that will give the penetration but at the same time give some expansion or am I overthinking this too much? The GT Bullets are around Brinell 11 and the ones I've tried are very accurate. Leading even at this velocity wouldn't me a major concern as there would not be a lot of shooting between cleanings.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #2  
Old 06-17-2018, 07:53 PM
Rpg Rpg is offline
Member
Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Denver area
Posts: 6,221
Likes: 20,240
Liked 13,057 Times in 4,157 Posts
Default

I’d stick with the hard cast bullet.

After hitting in the right place, penetration is king.

If you think you need a bigger hole, get a 44 mag. Use hard cast bullets in that too.

Last edited by Rpg; 06-17-2018 at 07:57 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 06-17-2018, 08:33 PM
iouri iouri is offline
Member
Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,149
Likes: 452
Liked 668 Times in 359 Posts
Default

You've stated you wanted penetration; 18 bnh will give you that. If in addition you want bigger hole - go bigger bore
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 06-17-2018, 08:43 PM
LoboGunLeather's Avatar
LoboGunLeather LoboGunLeather is offline
US Veteran
Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 7,518
Likes: 19,273
Liked 32,340 Times in 5,474 Posts
Default

Feral hogs are pretty tough critters. Getting the bullet through the hide, bone, and gristle with enough 'ooomph' left to penetrate vital organs sounds like the best recipe for putting one down.

Bullet expansion is fine, if and when it really happens. Shot placement in the boiler works is what takes down the tough critters.

Hard cast bullets are big medicine for tough critters.
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 06-17-2018, 09:24 PM
df06 df06 is offline
Member
Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question  
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 2,636
Liked 2,268 Times in 863 Posts
Default

I have shot one hog and I used a cast bullet. Hog was facing me at 40 yards. Bullet went in just above the right eye. Gun was a 50/70 shiloh sharps. Bullet was a 425 gr cast.
He never heard the shot.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 06-17-2018, 09:30 PM
6518John's Avatar
6518John 6518John is offline
SWCA Member
Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question  
Join Date: May 2014
Location: AR—Town & Country
Posts: 7,478
Likes: 80,267
Liked 26,094 Times in 5,948 Posts
Default Shoot behind the ear.

If you miss forward, you get the ear hole. If you miss back, you take out the shoulders. It you miss high or low you will likely still shock the spine and knock him down for a follow-up. They are so hard to hit because they are moving so much that the behind the ear shot gives you the greatest margin for error—especailly using a revolver.

Wild Hog Hunting Tips: Where To Shoot Them | Outdoor Warrior
__________________
Possum—The other white meat!
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 06-17-2018, 09:37 PM
cowboy4evr cowboy4evr is offline
Member
Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: for now ,Texas
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 185
Liked 3,297 Times in 1,523 Posts
Default

I have shot a 180 gr hard cast ( water quenched) . At 80 yds , it penetrated a 16" section of a creosoted pole completely and hit the hill side 25 yds past it . I used a max load of W296 , using current load data . These were fired from a 6.5" barrel model 28 HP . I would think that on hogs , penetration is most important . Good Luck , Paul
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 06-18-2018, 10:52 AM
fredj338's Avatar
fredj338 fredj338 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kalif. usa
Posts: 6,836
Likes: 2,665
Liked 3,927 Times in 2,366 Posts
Default

I'm not a fan of hard cast bullets for anything in a handgun. If the 12bhn bullets shoot, I would be fine with those at 1250fps, of course bullet fit is most important.
Btw, a bullet penetrating dirt or wood has little reference to what happens in meat. A solid lead bullet, even soft, isnt likely staying inside a 300# pig shot broadside.
__________________
NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Last edited by fredj338; 06-18-2018 at 10:54 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 06-18-2018, 11:37 AM
Nevada Ed's Avatar
Nevada Ed Nevada Ed is offline
US Veteran
Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Reno Nv
Posts: 13,376
Likes: 3,183
Liked 12,712 Times in 5,669 Posts
Default

I have dropped Big Nevada Mule deer bucks with the old Speer 160 gr. SJSP bullet but....
they are not built like the hide, muscle and bone that comes with a Hog.

I think the larger 180 coated will do fine......... FN ?
Give it a try and find out.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 06-18-2018, 12:05 PM
cowboy4evr cowboy4evr is offline
Member
Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: for now ,Texas
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 185
Liked 3,297 Times in 1,523 Posts
Default

Well Eddie , you have 2 different opinions , mine and Freds . My bullets , I cast myself . They were cast from wheel weights and just a tad of tin added . The water quenching only hardens just the shell of the bullet . BTW , they were gas checked . I seriously doubt that you will take a shot @ a hog from 80 yds with a handgun . Most 180 gr cast bullets that you buy will be bhn 18 . Those would be harder than mine were . Again, good luck Paul
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 06-18-2018, 01:35 PM
Eddietruett Eddietruett is offline
Member
Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 1,705
Likes: 1,049
Liked 3,510 Times in 957 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by cowboy4evr View Post
Well Eddie , you have 2 different opinions , mine and Freds . My bullets , I cast myself . They were cast from wheel weights and just a tad of tin added . The water quenching only hardens just the shell of the bullet . BTW , they were gas checked . I seriously doubt that you will take a shot @ a hog from 80 yds with a handgun . Most 180 gr cast bullets that you buy will be bhn 18 . Those would be harder than mine were . Again, good luck Paul
I plan to stick with cast. While I’ve never killed a hog with a handgun, I’ve killed at least 10 over 300lbs with buckshot and a bunch smaller. Back when we hunted deer with dogs, all we used was buckshot and I’ve seen several instances where 3” mag 000 Buck would penetrate the skin and stop in the fat without getting close to the vitals from 25 yards or less! One old timer I knew shot wheel weight cast bullets loaded hot in a 30-30. He shot for the shoulder to “break ‘em down” as he called it and finished them off with a head shot. From my experience I don’t think I will have to worry about over penetration.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 06-18-2018, 02:10 PM
mikld's Avatar
mikld mikld is offline
Member
Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: S. Orygun
Posts: 2,461
Likes: 1,962
Liked 1,827 Times in 987 Posts
Default

IMO, for a 357 Magnum cast bullet, 12-14 BHN is plenty hard. Too hard and if not perfectly sized or with decent lube, hard bullets will often lead the barrel. The 18 BHN will have less obturation and possibly less accuracy, but I haven't tested any bullets that hard in a revolver. For hunting hogs, I too would go for penetration with a good bullet profile; a SWC with a big flat nose or a RNFP (I have a mold for Ranch Dog 44 cal RNFP bullets that, designed for hunting; they have a big flat nose to impart a lot of tissue damage without depending on expansion).
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #13  
Old 06-18-2018, 02:52 PM
fredj338's Avatar
fredj338 fredj338 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kalif. usa
Posts: 6,836
Likes: 2,665
Liked 3,927 Times in 2,366 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddietruett View Post
I plan to stick with cast. While I’ve never killed a hog with a handgun, I’ve killed at least 10 over 300lbs with buckshot and a bunch smaller. Back when we hunted deer with dogs, all we used was buckshot and I’ve seen several instances where 3” mag 000 Buck would penetrate the skin and stop in the fat without getting close to the vitals from 25 yards or less! One old timer I knew shot wheel weight cast bullets loaded hot in a 30-30. He shot for the shoulder to “break ‘em down” as he called it and finished them off with a head shot. From my experience I don’t think I will have to worry about over penetration.
Buckshot is not known for penetration, each pellet weighs very little compared to even a single 9mm. I doubt a reasonably hard lead solid bullet, driven above 1100fps, 357mag & up, stays inside a deer at pretty much any angle.
__________________
NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Last edited by fredj338; 06-18-2018 at 02:53 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 06-18-2018, 03:32 PM
rwsmith's Avatar
rwsmith rwsmith is offline
Member
Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: (outside) Charleston, SC
Posts: 30,906
Likes: 41,494
Liked 29,147 Times in 13,778 Posts
Default Hard cast.....

Hard cast Keith style or flat nose bullet.
__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 06-18-2018, 05:03 PM
Eddietruett Eddietruett is offline
Member
Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 1,705
Likes: 1,049
Liked 3,510 Times in 957 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by fredj338 View Post
Buckshot is not known for penetration, each pellet weighs very little compared to even a single 9mm. I doubt a reasonably hard lead solid bullet, driven above 1100fps, 357mag & up, stays inside a deer at pretty much any angle.
While I agree that I would never depend on buckshot for penetration, as a comparison, I have seen deer killed at 75+ yards with buckshot obviously penetrating the deer hide enough to damage vitals, while the same load might not penetrate a hog hide enough to get through to the vitals at 25 yards. I was not praising buckshot for what it can do, just a comparison of how tough it is to kill a grown hog.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 06-18-2018, 08:05 PM
DumpStick DumpStick is offline
US Veteran
Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question Cast Bullet for Hog Hunting Question  
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Oklahoma, on a dirt road.
Posts: 389
Likes: 214
Liked 606 Times in 220 Posts
Default

My opinion, for whatever it's worth :

You have an accurate, hard-hitting load.

Take it out and shoot something with it.

Report back.

I think that what you have developed will do fine. Go shoot a pig.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
500 magnum 565 grain cast bullet question. D10 Reloading 3 03-09-2014 07:55 AM
.25-20 cast bullet size question bigmoose Reloading 2 05-28-2013 10:21 AM
Hunting Bullet Question? Lineman73 Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 3 07-13-2012 11:20 PM
Cast bullet question??? texasjarhead Reloading 18 01-27-2012 03:21 AM
A online Cast Bullet Book from Ingot to Target. A cast bullet Guide Rule3 Reloading 2 09-19-2011 04:26 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:48 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)