Chambering and ammo recommendations for first deer and hog hunt in central TX

Hey all - hoping to glean some wisdom from the group. I'm a long time shooter and bird hunter but am getting ready for my first foray into deer hunting in November through an awesome program we have here in TX that provides mentored hunting opportunities for adult onset hunters.

I recently picked up a Q Fix in 8.6 BLK and an extra proof barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor that I'm hoping to use for this hunt. I didn't buy the rifle explicitly for hunting but I'd love to use it for this first hunt.

Not interested in a debate over which other chambering I would be better suited using. I know a number of folks who hunt in TX that swear by both. Rather am hoping for some advice on selecting which of the two to use and what ammo recommendations people have for either/both chambering.

Hunt is for does and hogs and I've been told most shots are around 100 yards - maybe stretching to 150 tops and mostly from blinds.

I have a Zeiss v8 1.8-14 I'm going to mount on top of the rifle - still evaluating bipod/tripod options but can shoot of bags if needed.

I have a can I can use for the 6.5 but I doubt my 8.6 can gets out of jail in time for the hunt so I'd be shooting unsurpressed with the cherry bomb and a blast diverter if I go with the 8.6.

Thanks in advance for the recos!

At that hunting distance either cartridge will be fine. More importantly, its selecting a bullet your rifle likes and shoots well. Probably have more bullet selection with the 6.5. You invested in one fine optic! Good luck, enjoy, and expect to get hooked on deer and hog hunting!

With hogs being in the mix I'd recommend a bonded or partition style bullet. AIM to break the offside shoulder and they're done. Won't be too tough for deer but should pass through pigs if shoulders are hit.

I've killed quite a few deer & a whole pile of hogs with a 6.5 Creedmoor shooting the 143 ELDx. It is absolutely my go to Texas deer and hog combo. I've never once wished for more. I hand load, but Hornady offers that bullet/chambering in their Precision Hunter line of factory ammo.

Truth is, I'd recommend shooting whatever to are more comfortable with or whatever you like the most.

There are thousands of Gents right here in Texas that have killed exponentially more deer & hogs than I ever will with their trusty 223s & 22/250s, among others, that ride along in their ranch pickups 365 days/yr.

use the cm, killed enough little Texas does and hogs with bergers in a cm to make it my go to. keep it behind the shoulder or in the neck. You can get away with a doe in the shoulder but don't hit the pig in the shoulder.

Just remember hogs kill zone is farther forward. Shoot tight to the shoulder or if the near leg is back shoot just in front. A normal deer behind the shoulder shot on a hog with his leg back will be too far back. Have fun. Ps use the creedmoor.

I like creed with a can and go with a good bullet. I like hammers especially for hog but anything will get the job done with good shot placement

Thanks

Buck

I would use the 6.5 just because you have a suppressor for it. As far as ammo goes if you are only shooting factory ammo go buy a couple different types and see what you're rifle likes best. If you are reloading I would suggest the 130 game changer from Sierra or there 6.5 Gamechanger loaded ammo if you can find it. I have killed a load of pigs and several deer with that bullet. Find pictures of the anatomy of a hog. I almost always shoot for the neck/ head on a pig. Shot three this weekend with a 223 and they were drt.

Hunter of mine shot this 200lb Boar yesterday morning. 100yrds 6.5creed w/143 ELD-X. Heart shot and bled like a stuck pig. He went 64yrds and fell over dead. You don't need anything fancy or bonded to kill pigs. If you want them to fall down right there, shoot them in the neck. Your 6.5 will work fine for both.....don't over think it and enjoy the Hill Country this time of year. Sorry for the heat

Considering most central Texas shots are under 125 yards... pick whats legal and easy to tote around in field.

tydaws said:

I've killed quite a few deer & a whole pile of hogs with a 6.5 Creedmoor shooting the 143 ELDx. It is absolutely my go to Texas deer and hog combo. I've never once wished for more. I hand load, but Hornady offers that bullet/chambering in their Precision Hunter line of factory ammo.

Truth is, I'd recommend shooting whatever to are more comfortable with or whatever you like the most.

There are thousands of Gents right here in Texas that have killed exponentially more deer & hogs than I ever will with their trusty 223s & 22/250s, among others, that ride along in their ranch pickups 365 days/yr.

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I use that same bullet in my 260 Rem for all TX hunting.

308win said:

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Hunter of mine shot this 200lb Boar yesterday morning. 100yrds 6.5creed w/143 ELD-X. Heart shot and bled like a stuck pig. He went 64yrds and fell over dead. You don't need anything fancy or bonded to kill pigs. If you want them to fall down right there, shoot them in the neck. Your 6.5 will work fine for both.....don't over think it and enjoy the Hill Country this time of year. Sorry for the heat

Click to expand...

If that is a 200lbs hog, I have been woefully under estimating my hog weights!
The black band also makes me think a close generation to the Hampshire breed.
I agree, a hit in the neck inline with the snout and below the ear is a DRT button!

I say 6.5CM. If expecting out to 150 I should think the 8.6 will lack terminal performance.

I agree with most of the posts…..but, I always want to be prepared for the "worst case "scenario ". Use a bullet, no matter which cartridge you chose.

Unless you have knowledge that the "hog of all hogs" will never appear….I'd go with an insurance bullet!

I think that my "signature line" while pertaining to cartridges/rifles is very applicable to bullets as well! memtb