Best Rifles & Calibers for Hog Hunting [Tested]
Like bacon? We go over the best rifles and calibers for hog hunting, from lever action to bolt guns and even AR-15s.
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Are you a fan of pork chops? How about bacon?
Thankfully, with feral hog populations exploding across much of the United States, there’s plenty of pork, ham, and sausage out there for the picking --- no grocery store visits required.
Want to try your hand at helping quell the swelling tide of invasive feral swine (and get some fresh pork loin in the process)?
Read on to find out which rifles are best for popping porkers.
The Quick List
- Editor's Pick: Savage Impulse PredatorJump to details ↓
- Best Lever-Action: Henry X ModelJump to details ↓
- Easiest to Suppress: Ruger American Ranch Rifle Gen 2Jump to details ↓
- Best AR-15: Daniel Defense DDM4 V7Jump to details ↓
- Best AR-10: PSA PA-10 .308, Gen 3Jump to details ↓
- Most Versatile: Ruger MPRJump to details ↓
Table of Contents
Best Traditional Hog Rifles
Around the time feral hogs started becoming a major problem, most hunters were using their deer guns on wild pigs and enjoying respectable results. Not everyone wants or needs a fancy AR for hog hunting, and there are plenty of great alternative options.
1. Savage Impulse Predator - Editor's Pick
Pros
- Threaded barrel
- Excellent trigger
- Fast straight-pull action
- Integrated scope mount
Cons
- Caliber selection for the Predator model is limited
Specs
- Action: Straight pull bolt-action
- Caliber: 22-250 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win
- Capacity: 10 rounds
- Barrel length: 20"
- Weight: 8.6 lbs - 8.8 lbs
Who says you can't add a little speed to your bolt-action rifle?
The Impulse is a relatively new offering from Savage, and it makes use of a very elegant ball-bearing straight-pull bolt design. That's right, no lifting the bolt before pulling back, just a quick back-and-forth motion.
Savage has multiple models, including the aptly named Hog-Hunter, but the one we are looking at here is the Predator model.
With the Predator model, you get a 20-inch threaded barrel coupled with a detachable 10-round AICS magazine. Available calibers include 22-250 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win.
A lightning-fast and buttery smooth action combined with a relatively high capacity makes the Impulse Predator an ideal bolt gun for those who want to try their hand at taking on multiple pigs at once.
Want to learn more? Check out our hands-on review of the Savage Impulse!
2. Henry X Model - Best Lever Action
Pros
- Threaded barrel
- Ability to add accessories
- Solid caliber selection
Cons
- Scope mount not included
- Trigger pull weight can vary from good to not-so-great
Specs
- Action: Lever-action
- Caliber: .357 Mag/.38 Spl, .44 Mag, .45 Colt, .30-30, .360 Buckhammer, .45-70 Govt.
- Capacity: 4 - 7 rounds
- Barrel length: 17.4" - 21.375"
- Weight: 7.3 lbs - 8.07 lbs
Lever-action rifles have been putting food on tables for well over a century. Most of the designs are time-proven and just an outright blast to shoot.
While not as fast as a semi-automatic rifle, lever actions are still typically faster to operate than bolt-action rifles. Quicker follow-up shots are nice when you are potentially dealing with a whole sounder of pigs.
Henry's X Model lineup offers that classic lever-action feel but with some modern niceties that make. Features include a threaded barrel, fiber optic sights, and a forend that has a Picatinny section and M-LOK accessory slots.
All of the X Models have synthetic stocks as well as side-gate and tube-loading capability.
Henry offers large-frame X Models in 30-30, .45-70, and the new .360 Buckhammer. The Big Boy X Model is available in .357 mag/.38 spl, .44 Mag/.44 spl, and .45 Colt.
A decent caliber selection combined with the ability to easily add a suppressor makes the X Model a great option for those wanting to capture that classic feel without sacrificing too many features.
3. Ruger American Ranch Gen 2 - Easiest to Suppress
Pros
- Good trigger
- Some calibers accept AR magazines
- Threaded barrel and/or muzzle brake
- Affordable
- Integral scope mount
Cons
- Stock color is limited to FDE
- Shorter barrel can produce lower velocity for some chamberings
Specs
- Action: Bolt-action
- Caliber: 22 ARC, 5.56 NATO, 6mm ARC, 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7.62x39mm, .300 BLK, .308 Win, .350 Legend, .400 Legend, .450 Bushmaster
- Capacity: 3 - 10 rounds
- Barrel length: 16.10" - 16.40"
- Weight: 5.8 lbs - 6.7 lbs
Ruger introduced their American series of rifles in 2014 to provide an affordable alternative to their venerable but aging M77 lineup of rifles.
They have gone on to expand the American rifle lineup, which now includes the excellent American Ranch. Ruger further updated the American line in 2024 with their improved Gen 2 models.
The Ranch series all utilize 16-inch threaded barrels, which makes for an easy-to-maneuver, handy little carbine that doesn't get overly long if you throw a suppressor on it.
Additionally, these rifles feature the Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger, a factory-installed Picatinny scope base, cold hammer-forged barrels, and a stock with an internal bedding block to maintain true free-floating barrel performance.
As shown in the info above, the American Ranch has a great cartridge lineup when it comes to hog-slaying.
One of my favorite things about the Ranch is the ability for all of the calibers, except 7.62x39 and .450 Bushmaster, to take standard AR magazines.
With a street price of around $500, give or take, the American is tough to beat if you are looking for an affordable bolt gun for hogs.
Be sure to check out our full reviews on the standard American and the American Predator!
What do you think of the Ruger? Rate it below!
Readers’ Ratings
4.99/5 (1969 Votes)Your Rating
Best Tactical Hog Rifles
While there will always be die-hard fans of the traditional hunting rifle, the AR-style rifle is hands-down the current king when it comes to building a solid hog reaper.
A good AR has absolutely everything needed to make a great hog rig: reliable semi-automatic functioning, easy mounting accessories, and higher capacity magazines
4. Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 Carbine - Best AR-15
Pros
- Extremely reliable
- Easily accessorized
- Accurate
- Fast-shooting
Cons
- Expensive
- Sub-par trigger
Specs
- Action: Semi-auto
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Capacity: 30 rounds
- Barrel length: 16"
- Weight: 6.2 lbs
With a short, 16-inch barrel, you’ll never have to worry about bumping your hunting buddies inside a ground blind with this AR-15 carbine from Daniel Defense.
It’s also relatively lightweight. At just over 6 pounds stark naked, this thing weighs less than a gallon of milk. That means you can trick it out to the nines and still have a pig rig you can tote for miles without it wearing you down.
If you’re thinking that .223/5.56 chambering might be a bit of a lightweight for wild boar, don’t worry. The DDM4 V7 has a barrel with a 1:7 twist, so you can load it up with heavyweight projectiles to ensure enough penetration to punch through thick pigskin and still reach deep-set vitals.
You guessed it, we have a hands-on review of this bad guy here!
5. Palmetto State Armory PA-10 - Best AR-10
Pros
- Accurate
- Affordable
- Heavy-hitting
Cons
- Heavier than standard AR-15
- Mixed compatibility with other AR-10 parts
Specs
- Action: Semi-auto
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Capacity: 30 rounds
- Barrel length: 16"
- Weight: 6.2 lbs
When it comes to hogs, virtually any AR-10-style rifle will do the trick. There are plenty to choose from, but the Palmetto State Armory PA-10 stands out from the crowd for several reasons.
It features a six-position telescopic stock, ambidextrous controls (safety, magazine release, and bolt selector), and is chambered in hog-punishing .308 Winchester.
This thing will also eat just about any ammo you feed it, and it’s perfectly capable of dropping a passel of pigs faster than you can recite the words to “This Little Piggy.”
We've tested the gen 2 and gen 3 versions of the PA-10 and have found them to be rock solid and at a great price.
If you need to lay waste to hogs, this is a great option.
6. Ruger MPR - Most Versatile
Pros
- Solid trigger
- Included muzzle brake
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- .450 Bushmaster and .350 Legend versions are more expensive
Specs
- Action: Semi-auto
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO, .350 Legend, .450 Bushmaster
- Capacity: 5 - 30 rounds
- Barrel length: 16.1" - 18"
- Weight: 6.6 - 7.4 lbs
Those looking for something with a little more oomph than 5.56 without stepping up to the larger AR-10 platform will be well-served by the Ruger MPR.
The Ruger MPR (Multi-Purpose Rifle) is available in .450 Bushmaster, .350 Legend, and 5.56 NATO, giving you a few more options when it comes to a heavy-hitting AR.
A full-length M-LOK rail makes attaching lights, lasers, and bipods a no-brainer. Ruger's Elite 452 Trigger offers a nice two-stage 4.5-pound trigger pull that is well-suited to hunting tasks.
Topping everything off is a nice radial muzzle brake and quality Magpul SL furniture.
Overall, the MPR offers a solid feature set at a reasonable price of around $850-900.
Best AR-15 Caliber for Hogs
So you have your eye on a rifle but aren't sure which caliber to go with.
You may have plenty of hunting experience and want to try something new, or perhaps you have heard horror stories of hogs with hide so thick that a tank shell would bounce right off.
Many major ammo makers have taken notice of the growing hog-hunting trend and developed their own hog-specific ammo, like Remington Hog Hammer and Hornady Full Boar.
But the good news is that most common hunting calibers are viable, especially as manufacturers continue to improve the terminal performance of these popular cartridges. Here are a few of our favorites.
5.56 NATO/.223 Rem
Let's go ahead and get our controversial pick out of the way first.
Many people will argue that 5.56 doesn't have enough power or diameter behind it to put down tough beasts like feral hogs.
However, the hundreds of thousands of hogs taken by this caliber would disagree.
At the end of the day, 5.56 remains the most popular hog-hunting cartridge due to its widespread availability in the AR platform, flat trajectory out to 300 yards, and low recoil for fast follow-up shots.
A good rifle with a good shooter behind the trigger can make great use of this round if you know where to hit them.
6.5 Grendel
Another relative newcomer, 6.5 Grendel, is made from a necked down 7.62×39 AK case to accommodate a .264 caliber (6.5 mm) bullet.
Why a 6.5 mm projectile? I’m glad you asked.
6.5 mm projectiles are esteemed for their superior ballistic performance. With high sectional density, 6.5 mm are incredibly aerodynamic, slow to shed velocity, and much less affected by wind.
Because 6.5 Grendel likes to flex on other AR-15 cartridges, it effortlessly achieves supersonic flight past 1,200 yards.
These qualities all make the 6.5 Grendel perfect for popping pigs across longer distances.
7.62 NATO/.308 Win
For those who want to make sure they have plenty of energy to knock over a hog at just about any reasonable hunting distance, the classic .308 is your guy.
Widely available in both AR-10 and bolt-action rifle platforms, the .308 packs a strong mixture of muzzle energy, good ballistic coefficient, and strong terminal performance.
Another huge benefit of the .308 is the insanely wide variety of .30 caliber projectiles. You can get just about anything from ultra-fast 100-grain bullets all the way up to 230-grain subsonics. Talk about versatility.
While it may be a bit heavier on the recoil side, there is absolutely no hog that a .308 can't take down.
.300 AAC Blackout
This is the current hot cartridge all the cool kids are running in their ARs. It’s basically a .223 casing necked up to accommodate a .30 caliber projectile.
This baby was specifically designed to allow your AR-15 to run a more powerful cartridge without sacrificing magazine capacity. In fact, all you need is a barrel swap to convert your standard AR-15 to .300 BLK.
You’ll just want to keep your shots within 200 yards or so because once you get out past 250 yards, this one sheds speed faster than a Golden Retriever sheds hair on the living room carpet.
However, if you want to run a short-barreled AR, especially one with a suppressor, this is the best cartridge for the job. .300 BLK teamed with a suppressor and some subsonic ammo is deadly quiet.
The keyword here is “deadly.” If you want to drop several pigs in a single sounder, this is the way to do it. The loudest sound the hogs will hear is the thud their buddies make when their bodies hit the ground.
.450 Bushmaster
Not all hogs are created equal. If you’re going after heavy hogs, you’re going to need a heavy hitter.
Those massive mature boars you often see gracing the covers of outdoor magazines are tough, dangerous, and hard to kill. They have a thick cartilage shield that protects their deep-set vitals.
If you want to take down the mob boss without risking it on a headshot, you might want to step up from something like a 5.56 AR-15.
The .450 Bushmaster pushes big, heavy bullets with a ton of energy for some serious hog-thumping performance. We are talking about 2700 ft/lbs of energy at the muzzle, nearly twice that of most 5.56 rounds.
Oh, and the best part? It can still fit in a standard-sized AR-15.
.350 Legend
A relative newcomer to the market, the .350 Legend was designed for states that have restrictions on hunting with a rifle requiring a "straight-wall" design.
It has quickly proven to be an effective hunting cartridge and has gained massive popularity among hunters nationwide, even those without cartridge restrictions.
The .350 Legend provides a large diameter round moving at a good velocity but offers a flatter trajectory and notably less recoil than big cartridges like the .450 Bushmaster or .458 SOCOM.
Between 50-200 yards, with the right ammo, you are going to get near or 100% energy transfer, massive expansion, and excellent penetration. If you don't hunt past 200 yards, this is a near-perfect cartridge.
Whether you are in a "straight-wall" hunting state for rifles or not, we highly recommend taking a look.
And, of course, we have a complete guide on the .350 Legend!
Why You Should Trust Pew Pew Tactical
Authoring this article is Alice Jones Webb. Alice is a lifelong hunter and experienced shooter who grew up flinging arrows and bullets at Virginia whitetails, turkeys, and game birds. Her most recent favorite hunting experience, though, is chasing bull elk in the Colorado backcountry.
Editing and adding to this article is Wyatt Sloan, Jr. Editor. Wyatt is an NRA-certified instructor and an avid hunter with over 20 years of experience. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms, many of which are purpose-built for hunting. He uses his knowledge of different platforms and accessories to help readers find out what works and what doesn’t.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of gun reviewers. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her extensive professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards.
Final Thoughts
Hog hunting is seriously fun, but it’s also like community service since you’re helping cull the population of an out-of-control nuisance species.
And as a major bonus, a successful hunt results in copious amounts of bacon and barbecue.
Luckily, there are plenty of awesome hog-hunting rifles and calibers on the market today. But space is limited, so we’ve only listed a few of our favorites.
Hit us up with your favorite hog slayer in the comments! Got a great recipe for wild hog? Let us know! Need to figure out how to take those suckers out at night? Check out our article on the Best Night Vision Scopes & Capable Optics!
Latest Updates
- October 2024 Update: Updated Ruger American Ranch with Gen 2 release.
- November 2023 Update: 4 new rifles and 2 new calibers were added.