Re: Whistle Pigs - Best Caliber
I settled on a .223 Remington years ago because brass was easy to get vs. the more commercial/civilian calibers. I reload so I can tailor loads to get accurate (more so that factory loads in my opinion) rounds for my rifle, a Remington Model 700 Varmint Special.
I always try for head shots, not necessary unless you want to minimize meat damage, which I do. I've never hit one that got away and I've only hit a little low once, ruinged the whole top end of that sucker. For me its not about laying in one spot to take the shots, it's about seeing one and then trying to sneak up on it as close as possible before taking the shot.
Oh, I use a different bullet than most folks (probably). I use the little 45 grain thin jacketed bullets meant for the .22 hornets, .222's etc. that are supposed to give you increase expansion at lower velocities. According to the reloading manual the muzzle velocity is supposed to be 3600 fps with these bullets, the powder I used and the 24" barrel.