Jakeb, I have shot a 25-06 for years. I liked it until I recently bought ammo ($45/box)! At that point I switched to a .223. I have a six yr old son and it will be a great starter load for him. We have shot many hogs with a .223. As you have read, placement is the key. But, with little recoil and a flat shooting gun, placement should not be a problem w/ the .223.
For the p-dogs, we use a 17HMR. I refer to it as a high powered pellet gun. Low noise, no recoil, cheap ammo, and will fold up a p-dog. It is a great fun for everyone but the p-dog!
Here in Texas, we have bad problems with the hogs. Unfortunately, to ultimately solve our problem, a rifle is not going to get it done. We need a weapon of swine mass destruction!
