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TX, USA
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Posted: 2/16/2024 3:38:18 AM EDT
Hey fellas, I'm goin on 57 and seems like the years are hittin harder and harder. I currently have several .308's a 45/70 and a .357 lever gun. I'm thinking about downsizing my collection and picking up a caliber that will suit my old and aching shoulder for the years to come. My property in east Texas will have shots possibly out to 200 yards for hogs. I know many will say the .357 will take down a pig but I'm thinking 100 plus yards is pushing it, I'm sure many will say even less than that.
So I'm thinking of selling the Henry 45/70 and a couple .308's to fund a new rifle for the future. Looking for opinions on a softer shooting caliber and rifle suggestions. TIA |
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Posted: 2/16/2024 4:08:22 AM EDT
[#1]
My first instinct was a .300 BO but, hogs at 200 yards, look into a 6.5 Grendel. A very versatile round that performs nicely at that range with less recoil than what you own.
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Posted: 2/16/2024 4:34:45 AM EDT
[#2]
put a muzzle brake & gel recoil pad on one of your 308s?
if you just want a new caliber, like above mentioned 6.5 grendel maybe even 6.5 creedmoor 338 federal, .243, 350 legend you really have a bunch of possibilities... might be best to see what is avail in your area & go from there |
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Posted: 2/16/2024 7:20:38 AM EDT
[#3]
You using bolt actions? Switch to a semi-auto.
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Posted: 2/16/2024 8:04:00 AM EDT
[#4]
59 is not old, but my buddy who is in his 70’s shoots a 7mm-08. I think it’s Hornady that makes a mild load. He has shoulder problems and I sight it in for him. Doesn’t kick at all.
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Posted: 2/16/2024 8:05:19 AM EDT
[#5]
Grendel was my first thought.
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Posted: 2/16/2024 9:11:39 AM EDT
[#6]
6.5 CM or perhaps .243
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Posted: 2/16/2024 11:44:16 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By fxntime: You using bolt actions? Switch to a semi-auto. This was my first thought. An AR-10 in .308 with a compensator is pretty tame on the shoulder. OP, I'm a couple of years older than you and hear ya' about recoil. |
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Posted: 2/16/2024 12:57:01 PM EDT
[#8]
The .243 would get my vote…
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 2/16/2024 12:57:25 PM EDT
[#9]
6mm Creedmoor. Your shoulder will thank you.
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Posted: 2/16/2024 1:11:54 PM EDT
[#10]
OP like many have said switch to a semi auto. If you don’t want to get rid of a bunch of ammo get a .308 gas gun. If you’re concerned that will still bother you go to either one of the 6.5s. I have one of each and they are both very mild recoiling. My 6.5 Grendel is relatively heavy so the recoil is really minimal I Ed. The down side is 6.5G ammo is a bit hard to come by. 6.5CM is a lot easier to get right now.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 2/16/2024 1:21:37 PM EDT
[#11]
I never considered the .308 to be especially bad on recoil. If necessary you could always just swap to a lighter .308 bullet. The 125 gr Sierras work just fine for hog.
However, if this is an new gun excuse, .243 or .223. 
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USA
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Posted: 2/16/2024 1:32:50 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SteelonSteel]
[#12]
223
6.5x47/.260/6.5 Creedmoor 6.8 Spec2 upper assuming you have an AR already. 250 Savage 257 Robert’s .243 . You’re from Texas so a nice .30-30 would do. |
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USA
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Posted: 2/16/2024 1:36:09 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By John-in-austin: I never considered the .308 to be especially bad on recoil. If necessary you could always just swap to a lighter .308 bullet. The 125 gr Sierras work just fine for hog. However, if this is an new gun excuse, .243 or .223. When I was younger and owned just one center fire rifle I loaded my .308 with Speer 110 spire points for woodchucks. Also some speer 130 grain hollow points. |
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Posted: 2/16/2024 1:40:40 PM EDT
[#14]
 8.6 blackout shooting ham shreddershttps://www.loaddevelopment.com/8-6-creedmoor-or-8-6-blk-or-8-6-blackout/ |
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Posted: 2/16/2024 2:56:15 PM EDT
[Last Edit: badredfish]
[#15]
My vote would be the Ruger Ranch/Predator's in 556 or Grendel
They are a sweet bolt gun... Red Big thread here..... https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/Ruger-American-Ranch/5-2513605/ |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 2/16/2024 4:16:43 PM EDT
[#16]
My night time hog gun is an AR in 6.8 SPC. I am very comfortable making 200+ yard shots with it.
Recoil is negligible. |
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Posted: 2/16/2024 5:03:38 PM EDT
[#17]
.243 is the old school fudd answer for someone looking for low recoil.
The answer to why it is old school is because it works. Good choice of factory ammo most anywhere , good selection of bullets if you reload . generally can be found in the used racks . Not super super high power but it will reach pretty far out. never sell a gun. 5.56 isn't a horrible answer either . |
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Posted: 2/19/2024 12:41:23 PM EDT
[#18]
300 HAMR is a great choice for your use.
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Posted: 2/22/2024 12:15:19 AM EDT
[#19]
AR 47 in 762x39
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TX, USA
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Posted: 2/22/2024 10:38:27 PM EDT
[#20]
Well I ended up trading my Browning lever action .308 for a Remington Model 700 in 25-06 with my nephew. Both guns stay in the family, his house is on the same property as my weekend/bugout location/hunting place. I can use the .308 if I need it but I still have 2 other .308's.
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Posted: 2/23/2024 8:33:25 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By FloydGeneBallin: Well I ended up trading my Browning lever action .308 for a Remington Model 700 in 25-06 with my nephew. Both guns stay in the family, his house is on the same property as my weekend/bugout location/hunting place. I can use the .308 if I need it but I still have 2 other .308's. Sounds like a good deal. Though I don’t think you gained much in recoil reduction. But you gained some fun factor. |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 2/23/2024 8:44:09 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By coyster: AR 47 in 762x39 yep, this. With a decent thermal scope. OP, I'm older than you and I'm taking mine out to the range right now just for fun. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 2/26/2024 5:50:45 PM EDT
[Last Edit: CanNevrHaveEnuffGuns]
[#23]
I’ve been converted by 6.5 Grendel. Recoils as light as a .223, hits pretty stinking hard on deer, hog and everything smaller.
You can buy or build an ultralight 6.5 and still not pay with recoil. Howa’s ultralight is cheap, to boot! An AR is where it’s sweetest, thought. Can’t recommend it enough. ETA- Just saw your update about the .25-06 and that should also prove to be gentle. Happy hunting! |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 3/24/2024 5:44:41 PM EDT
[Last Edit: VaFish]
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By coyster: AR 47 in 762x39 Excellent option. I normally use a .300 BLK AR. But I found 4 cases of 7.63x39 in my basement I forgot I had, and I was down to just an SKS in that caliber. I picked up a cheap Bear Creek 7.62x39 upper and put an AGM Rattler on it. With the cheap steel case HP's that thing hammers hogs. 
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Posted: 3/24/2024 10:47:35 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By nhsport: .243 is the old school fudd answer for someone looking for low recoil. The answer to why it is old school is because it works. Good choice of factory ammo most anywhere , good selection of bullets if you reload . generally can be found in the used racks . Not super super high power but it will reach pretty far out. never sell a gun. 5.56 isn't a horrible answer either . I agree. 243 kills harder than it should. But 223 head shots works. |
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