alberta/sask. boar hunting
 

looking at getting into boar hunting what would be a good caliber that is i could end up using for other animals later on? 45-70?

Which is better? Ford/GM/Dodge? That's about the answer you'll get on a caliber for pig hunting. I know several people in Texas etc take them with a .223 from an M4. Others say that's to small and you need a .30cal min. Its all personal preference and depends on your skill level. From the sound of your initial post it sounds like your wanting a rifle for big game as well so that would rule out anything lower than a .243Win if I recall properly. (Haven't hunted in AB for 5+ years) If you want a good all around you can't go wrong with a .260 rem, 7mm-08, .270win, .308, 30.06, 30/30, .300 win mag etc... Once again it all depends on your skill level and personal preference as Caliber is only one aspect. Do you want a single shot, bolt gun, lever gun, semi auto?? The 45/70 you mentioned would certainly do the trick but its not without its limits, being its not a long range gun. Personally I have a RRA A4 in 5.56 and a Marlin 336 in .35 cal that are my go to guns for hunting. (Please note I don't have a caliber restriction where I live so while I don't use it for deer etc.. my 5.56 is legal if I chose to use it).

I have shot them with a 270 7mm and a 3006. All seemed to work the same and any would work on other stuff as well.

Man, you guys are lucky to have them there. I wish we did around here in the Okanagan.

Good luck

Pascal

Yes invasive species are great.

Caliber is the least of your concerns. You've gotta find them first, and it ain't easy in AB!

Or SK!!!

Know any good starting points in ab?

Last I heard was somewhere around lac st anne
Anyway just use whatever you use for deer hunting.

For less than the price of the gas you will buurn up to locate them here in Alberta or Sask you can fly to Texas or the Carolinas, hunt them for three days, shoot all you want and bring back some meat.

Anything bigger than 243 will work fine. Over bait, the 45-70 is great. If you are having to reach out and touch them something flatter shooting works better. For alround use, I like a 7x57 or 308 with Barnes TSX, covers both long and far.

If you are going after them in real tight heavy cover, whether wounded or not, you will want the option to use open sights or be able to turn your scope down to no more than 2 power, 1 power is better.