It's a good choice if you compare it to other 308 semi-auto rifles like the M1A, FAL, CETME, and HK 91. It's a AR-15 on steroids with the receiver assembly (mostly the bolt) weighting a pound more and about an inch longer. Barrels are typically heavier than AR-15 barrels but don't have to be. They use the same stocks and grips. The factory trigger is a mil-spec AR-15 trigger but it can be improved with an after market trigger to give lighter release, less over travel, and/or faster lock time.
DPMS offers (or has offered) the LR-308 in 243 Win, 260 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 300 SAUM, and 338 Federal. Each has it's advant ages for wind performance, recoil, and delivered. energy. The 6.5 Creedmoor and 300 SAUM offer the longest range, around 1400 yards supersonic. The latter with much more short range energy.
I suppose which is better for hogs would depend on what weight of hogs. Likewise for target shooting which is best depends mostly on the distance. The 6.5 Creedmoor will likely be the most accurate at 1000 yards or a kilometer if only for it's lowest wind deflection.
The LR-308 does not qualifiy for Service Rifle competition. Not all AR-15s and M1As do either. Check the rules for any type of formal competition. They're all fun plinkers, but what rifles aren't?