The humid air hangs thick and heavy, the scent of the swamp clinging to everything. Heart hammering, you slowly move, the leaves crunching subtly beneath your boots. You scan the shadows, ears straining for the telltale sound of a grunting beast. Then, you see it: a massive form, a silhouette against the fading sunlight. This is hog hunting, a pursuit that demands skill, patience, and the right equipment. And when you talk about the right equipment, the powerful 45-70 cartridge takes its place as a legendary choice.
This article will delve into the world of hog hunting with the 45-70, equipping you with the knowledge to plan your hunt, select the right gear, and ultimately, increase your chances of success in the field.
A Powerful History: Understanding the 45-70
The 45-70 cartridge, a name that evokes images of the Wild West and rugged frontiersmen, carries a rich history. Born in the late 1800s, it was initially developed for the U.S. Army’s Springfield Model 1873 rifle. “45-70-405” as it was first called represented a .45-caliber bullet propelled by 70 grains of black powder, with a 405-grain bullet weight being the standard load. This potent combination proved its worth time and again, not only in combat but also in the hands of early hunters and settlers who relied on its stopping power to take down large game.
Over time, the cartridge evolved, transitioning from black powder to smokeless powders, leading to increases in velocity and performance. The 45-70, however, maintained its fundamental characteristics: a large-diameter bullet and significant mass, offering a potent combination for delivering devastating energy on impact.
The Ballistics Behind the Beast
Understanding the core ballistics of the 45-70 is crucial for effective hog hunting. The cartridge fires bullets typically ranging from 300 to over 500 grains. The heavier bullets, like those around the 400-grain mark, are a popular choice for hunters specifically targeting hogs. They produce a significant amount of kinetic energy, often exceeding 1500 foot-pounds at 100 yards, which is key for anchoring a large hog.
While not a high-velocity round by modern standards, the 45-70’s effectiveness doesn’t rely on speed alone. Its wide, heavy bullets create a massive wound channel, transferring tremendous energy to the target. This combination is what makes it a highly effective choice. The bullet’s relatively slow velocity also tends to reduce over-penetration, which is a valuable safety benefit in dense environments.
Why the 45-70 Excels in Hog Hunting
For the avid hog hunter, the 45-70 offers several distinct advantages:
Stopping Power and Knock-Down Effect
Hogs, particularly big boars, are incredibly tough animals. They possess thick hides, layers of fat, and often, a protective gristle plate over their shoulders. The 45-70’s combination of a large bullet and substantial energy delivers the knock-down power needed to quickly incapacitate a charging or elusive hog. A well-placed shot can instantly stop a hog in its tracks, significantly reducing the risk of a dangerous encounter.
Penetration: Defeating Thick Hide and Bone
The 45-70’s heavy bullets can penetrate the tough hide, thick bone, and dense muscle commonly found on hogs. This penetration is critical for reaching vital organs and ensuring a quick, humane kill. Unlike some smaller calibers, the 45-70 is more likely to reach those crucial spots even if the shot angle isn’t perfect.
Effective Range
While the 45-70 isn’t a long-range cartridge, it excels at the ranges typically encountered in hog hunting. Most shots are taken at distances under 150 yards, and the 45-70 shines in this range. With proper zeroing, the bullet’s trajectory remains relatively flat within these distances, making accurate shot placement easier.
Reliability and Simplicity
45-70 rifles, often lever-action models, are renowned for their mechanical simplicity and reliability. This is a considerable advantage in the field, where a malfunctioning rifle could lead to a missed opportunity or a dangerous situation. The straightforward design means fewer parts to fail and easier maintenance.
Choosing the Right Rifle and Associated Gear
Selecting the right rifle and equipment for hog hunting with a 45-70 is critical for success and safety. Here’s a breakdown:
Rifle Selection
Lever-Action Rifles: The classic lever-action, like the Marlin 1895 and the Henry, is the quintessential 45-70 rifle. Its fast follow-up shots and handling make it an ideal choice for fast-moving hogs in brushy environments.
Single-Shot Rifles: These are known for their accuracy and classic aesthetics. They provide excellent power and control, but require more time for follow-up shots.
Other Options: Bolt-action rifles offer good accuracy, too. However, they are less common chambered in 45-70.
Optical Considerations
Iron Sights: Experienced hunters will often use iron sights for close-range shots. This simplifies the rifle, and when combined with the quick-pointing abilities of a lever-action rifle, can be deadly at close range.
Scopes: A low-power scope (e.g., 1-4x or 2-7x magnification) is ideal for hog hunting. It provides a wider field of view for quickly acquiring targets, plus allows for good light transmission in dim lighting situations. Reticle types such as illuminated duplex are great for those early mornings or late afternoons in the woods.
Red Dot Sights: These are a fast and easy choice for close-range shots. They can be very effective, especially in dense brush.
Ammunition Choices
Bullet weight and type selection is an important decision. For hogs, heavier bullets (300 to 405 grain or even heavier) offer the best stopping power.
Types: Flat-nose bullets are preferred to provide greater impact for reliable penetration.
Essential Gear Checklist
Clothing: The terrain and weather will determine your clothing choice. In warm climates, lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal. In cooler climates, you will need several layers to adjust to the temperature fluctuations, but camouflage patterns are ideal to help blend in.
Boots: Rugged, waterproof boots with good ankle support are essential for navigating rough terrain.
Safety equipment: Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.
Rangefinder: Important for estimating distances to ensure accurate shot placement.
Binoculars: Helpful for scouting and observing the surroundings.
Hunting Pack: To carry ammunition, field dressing supplies, and any other essential gear.
Knife: A reliable knife for field dressing.
Hog Hunting Strategies with a 45-70
Successfully using a 45-70 for hog hunting requires employing specific tactics.
Scouting and Finding the Right Spot
Identifying hog habitats: Look for areas with water sources, food sources (acorns, roots, and grubs), and cover for bedding and protection.
Trail cameras: Trail cameras can reveal hog patterns, feeding habits, and times of activity.
Understanding hog behavior: Hogs are most active during dawn and dusk but can be active throughout the day, especially in cooler temperatures. Their habits differ based on location.
Stalking and Ambush Hunting
Approaching cautiously: Move slowly and quietly, using the wind to your advantage to avoid detection.
Wind direction: Always be aware of the wind and position yourself downwind of the suspected hog activity.
Stand hunting: Setting up a hunting stand, particularly near a food source, can offer an advantage by reducing scent dispersal and providing a clear shot.
Proper Shot Placement
Ideal shot placement: The key is to aim for the vital organs (heart and lungs). The best shot is typically through the shoulder, angling towards the chest cavity. A heart shot will provide an instant kill, but a lung shot is also an efficient choice.
Dealing with angles and cover: Be prepared to adjust your shot based on the hog’s angle and any obstructions.
Dealing with wounded hogs: A wounded hog can be extremely dangerous. Be prepared for a follow-up shot and always prioritize your safety.
Night Hunting Strategies
Legality: Be sure night hunting is legal where you are hunting.
Equipment: Night vision or thermal scopes are essential for seeing hogs at night.
Different strategies: Hunters can bait hogs in areas that are legal for night hunting or actively search for hogs.
Prioritizing Safety
Firearm safety is paramount in hog hunting with a 45-70, and in hunting in general. Always follow these safety precautions:
Safe gun handling is critical
Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, never point the gun at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
Be aware of the surroundings
Identify any hazards or obstacles in the area and be aware of where you are standing.
Local regulations are very important
Always follow the state and local hunting regulations, including bag limits, hunting seasons, and legal hunting methods.
Emergency preparedness
Carry a basic first-aid kit and inform someone of your hunting location and estimated return time.
Field Dressing and Processing
After a successful hunt, following proper field dressing and processing techniques is essential.
Proper field dressing
Field dress the hog immediately after the kill to cool the meat and prevent spoilage. Gut the animal, removing the internal organs.
Transportation
Properly transport the hog back to your processing location.
Butchering resources
Consult a guide on how to butcher the meat from the hog.
Conclusion
The 45-70, with its rich history, stopping power, and reliability, remains a top choice for the serious hog hunter. Its ability to deliver significant energy on impact and penetrate thick hides makes it a devastating weapon, perfect for effectively taking down these tough animals. Whether you prefer the classic lever action or another compatible rifle, the 45-70 can provide the power needed for a successful and rewarding hog hunting experience. If you’re looking for a challenge and a chance to bring home a trophy, consider giving hog hunting with the 45-70 a try. You might just discover a new favorite hunting method.
Embrace the challenge, prepare meticulously, and experience the thrill of the hunt!
Resources
[Example website/forum link] A resource for all things 45-70.
[Example website link] Website dedicated to hunting.
Contact your local wildlife agency for more information on hog hunting regulations and hunting guidelines.
