Is 30-30 Adequate for Black Bear and Wild Hog?

[Tuur]

Title says it all. I know that it greatly depends on shot placement, but is it adequate for black bear and wild hog. It would be for encounter situations, not hunting black bear and hog from something like a stand.

 

[AlexB23]

Title says it all. I know that it greatly depends on shot placement, but is it adequate for black bear and wild hog. It would be for encounter situations, not hunting black bear and hog from something like a stand.

I do not hunt nor does my family, but used to live in a small town where some of my friend's parents hunted. So, to do a good service to you, I asked some AI to help. Hopefully the robot that lives on my laptop can help you make the right decision on the type of hunting firearm you need.

Mistral 7B Response:
A 30-30 rifle can be adequate for hunting both black bears and wild hogs, but it depends on various factors such as the specific caliber of the 30-30 (Winchester or Marlin), the distance of the shot, and the size of the animal being hunted.

For black bears, a minimum caliber recommendation from many hunting organizations is a .308 Winchester or larger for safety reasons and to ensure quick and humane kills. However, a well-placed shot with a 30-30 can still be effective, especially at closer ranges.

For wild hogs, a 30-30 is generally considered a suitable caliber for hunting these animals due to their relatively small size and the fact that they are not known to be particularly hard to kill. However, larger wild hogs or boars may require a more powerful cartridge for a quick and humane kill at longer ranges.

It's important to remember that hunting regulations vary by location, so it's always a good idea to check local laws and consult with experienced hunters or wildlife experts before heading out into the field. Proper shot placement is also crucial, regardless of caliber or animal size.

 

[Tuur]

Glad some find this humorous.

 

[AlexB23]

Glad some find this humorous.

Hey, thank you. Wait, you were playing a joke on us the whole time? You knew which calibers to use on bears and hogs from the get-go?

 

[Tuur]

It's a serious question. If some find it humorous, so be it.

 

[AlexB23]

It's a serious question. If some find it humorous, so be it.

I find it serious. I think the 0.308 could work well for you.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Here in Canada, the .30-30 has been used successfully for deer and black bear. It would be fine for tough animals like bear and hog at ranges up to 100 yards. If being used for animal defense, use open sights. It is a good choice IMO; moderate recoil as well.

 

[Unqualified]

I like something a little larger. Revolvers for close in like a 41 magnum or larger with heavy bullet. The 30-30 is adequate but bear are tough so are pigs. I like larger caliber carbines too like a 45-70. Seems close up you want to stop them fast and have knock down power. 100 yds is too far to feel like you’ll be attacked, just exit quietly. But if you want a predator or pest and don’t want a confrontation then what about a 35 Remington lever action marlin. Sounds like you want something fast and light. I suggest something heavier.