I used a .30-06 for two of the deer and the hog, and i used a .223 for a deer and the turkey. the .223 was a test for a friend actually, he was curious how well the caliber would do. I personally dont mind it. It worked well its just i like a larger bullet. The .30-06 left its usual 2 1/2" exit wound while the .223 disintegrated inside the spine and one backstrap. For whitetail deer the .223 is fine but for hogs or some larger deer .30-06 will never let ya down.
As far as taste of wild hogs vs. store bought, the wild hog is a different kind of pork its more of a stronger muscle and will have more of a gamey taste. I use it to help with processing. They need pork to mix with the venison to make sausage, and if you dont have some of your own then they charge you for some. But there isnt anything wrong with eating wild hogs but you usually want to go with piglets 35 - 50 pounds. the meat is much better tasting.
Never tried apple juice but i sure will.