- Thread starter Friday4me
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Gentlemen,
I didn't mean to stir a stick in a beehive. I think everyone presented a sound opinion based on a combination of factors. I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and recommendations. I am still leaning towards a 30-06 or 7 mm mag. Presently I am leaning more towards the 7mm mag. Regardless of which I chose, it will either be a savage or a tikka and I plan to install a limbsaver.
After the rifle purchase, I will begin a serious search for a place to hunt pigs here in California, hopefully Southern California. Due to my lack of any hunting experience (snibble, snibble) and the fact that I don't know anyone with pig hunting experience (sob, sob), I am considering a guided hunt. It would be nice to tag along/team up with a veteran (wink, wink). Wishful thinking but not something I am getting worked up over(really, I'm not crying. It's just I have something in my eye). Being the poor bastard that I am, of course I will be looking for value (who doesn't?). I have read guided hunts cost around $700, but once again I really haven't looked. I hope they come cheaper as I don't make much like most people out there during these economic times. Any suggestions?
I didn't mean to stir a stick in a beehive. I think everyone presented a sound opinion based on a combination of factors. I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and recommendations. I am still leaning towards a 30-06 or 7 mm mag. Presently I am leaning more towards the 7mm mag. Regardless of which I chose, it will either be a savage or a tikka and I plan to install a limbsaver.
After the rifle purchase, I will begin a serious search for a place to hunt pigs here in California, hopefully Southern California. Due to my lack of any hunting experience (snibble, snibble) and the fact that I don't know anyone with pig hunting experience (sob, sob), I am considering a guided hunt. It would be nice to tag along/team up with a veteran (wink, wink). Wishful thinking but not something I am getting worked up over(really, I'm not crying. It's just I have something in my eye). Being the poor bastard that I am, of course I will be looking for value (who doesn't?). I have read guided hunts cost around $700, but once again I really haven't looked. I hope they come cheaper as I don't make much like most people out there during these economic times. Any suggestions?
weekender21
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Great choice, you'll be happy with either of those calibers for elk and large pigs. Don't overlook the "right" bullet when it's time to start hunting. You can get away with a lot when hunting deer or other medium sized game, elk and pigs will test your terminal bullet performance as well as anything else on this continent. If you're hunting pigs on the central coast you won't have many choices....copper or copper. Barnes TSX would be an excellent choice for either caliber. I watched a nice bull elk fall on Fort Hunter Ligget two years ago to a well placed Barnes TSX from a 7mm WM. The bull took about ten steps and tipped over.
As far as guided pig hunts go there are quite a few great guides out there. The best I've hunted with is David Rossi. He owns and operates a 5,000 acre cattle ranch east of San Ardo, CA on the central coast. He and his wife Kathy are two of the kindest people you'll ever meet and you are all but guarenteed a shot at a hog. David guided me to my first hog in 2003. His hog hunts are $500 for a 2.5 day hunt with rustic accomidations and $400 for a semi guided archery hunt. Good luck!
Pancho Rico Creek Ranch - Guide Service
Andy
As far as guided pig hunts go there are quite a few great guides out there. The best I've hunted with is David Rossi. He owns and operates a 5,000 acre cattle ranch east of San Ardo, CA on the central coast. He and his wife Kathy are two of the kindest people you'll ever meet and you are all but guarenteed a shot at a hog. David guided me to my first hog in 2003. His hog hunts are $500 for a 2.5 day hunt with rustic accomidations and $400 for a semi guided archery hunt. Good luck!
Pancho Rico Creek Ranch - Guide Service
Andy
weekender21,
Does Pancho Rico Creek Ranch offer a cleaning service? Regardless, I realize I am asking a lot here, what would you recommend as necessities for bagging, cleaning, and butchering the game for transport home? Someday (which may be soon) I will have to be doing this and I like to be best prepared. Block and tackle, butcher kit, bags . . . ?
Does Pancho Rico Creek Ranch offer a cleaning service? Regardless, I realize I am asking a lot here, what would you recommend as necessities for bagging, cleaning, and butchering the game for transport home? Someday (which may be soon) I will have to be doing this and I like to be best prepared. Block and tackle, butcher kit, bags . . . ?
richracer1
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Yep, 7 Mag is a great choice. As for bullets, your choices are slim, Barnes, Nosler E-Tip, and I think Hornady may have a GMX for 7mm. I know there's more unleaded bullet manufacturers, but the names escape me.
As for weight, if you can get a 150 - 160 grain bullet to shoot well, you'll be hooked up for anything in California.
Don't worry about stirring up a beehive, stuff like this is great as long as the participants keep it clean and respectful. We all have our own way of doing things.
Oh, and stir up the hive more, yes the 308 Win (7.62 version specifically) was designed to be a military cartridge (kill people), so was the 30-06 -- and it's considered to be the "best all around hunting caliber".
As for weight, if you can get a 150 - 160 grain bullet to shoot well, you'll be hooked up for anything in California.
Don't worry about stirring up a beehive, stuff like this is great as long as the participants keep it clean and respectful. We all have our own way of doing things.
Oh, and stir up the hive more, yes the 308 Win (7.62 version specifically) was designed to be a military cartridge (kill people), so was the 30-06 -- and it's considered to be the "best all around hunting caliber".
myfriendis410
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As was the 45-70 and the 8mm Mauser. Back in those days they treated men like they were big game and killed them instead of wounding (which is the intent of the modern battle cartridge).
Sorry, very common misconception.
But we're here to talk hunting game animals.
DK
weekender21
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Friday4me,
You won't need much more than a cooler, rifle, ammunition, and a good pair of boots for a guided hunt with David. The list of "needs" is really endless, I usually take about 30X the amount of hunting gear I actually use or need. Good binoculars, a sharp knife, and game bags should be at the top of your with list.
Andy
You won't need much more than a cooler, rifle, ammunition, and a good pair of boots for a guided hunt with David. The list of "needs" is really endless, I usually take about 30X the amount of hunting gear I actually use or need. Good binoculars, a sharp knife, and game bags should be at the top of your with list.
Andy
weekender21
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oh yeah, don't forget your CA hunting license and pig tag!
i own a savage 116 lefty in '06, and i would buy it again in a heart beat. granted i can't vouch for how it drops a pig (sadly i haven't seen one yet). but the rifle's great, and with a few trips to the range the thing's a comfortable straight shooter at 100+.
vincewarde
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.308 too small - what about the 30-06?
If the .308 is too small, then the 30-06 is too. The '06 is actually slower than the .308 with 150 grain bullets, about the same with 180 grain bullets and only slightly faster with larger bullets. The .308 and 30-06 are basically ballistically identical. (Although smaller, the .308 is loaded to a slightly higher pressure.) Speer got so many questions on this that the put an explanation in their manual.
If the .308 is too small, then the 30-06 is too. The '06 is actually slower than the .308 with 150 grain bullets, about the same with 180 grain bullets and only slightly faster with larger bullets. The .308 and 30-06 are basically ballistically identical. (Although smaller, the .308 is loaded to a slightly higher pressure.) Speer got so many questions on this that the put an explanation in their manual.
