45-70 Gov't for Hog Hunting: A Powerful Choice?
The 45-70 Government cartridge has a long and storied history, famed for its power and stopping ability. But is it the right choice for hog hunting? The answer, as with most things in hunting, is: it depends. Let's delve into the pros and cons of using a 45-70 for taking down feral hogs.
The Pros of Using a 45-70 for Hog Hunting
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Exceptional Stopping Power: This is the 45-70's biggest advantage. The heavy bullet, typically ranging from 300 to 500 grains, delivers devastating energy upon impact. This translates to significantly increased lethality, especially crucial when dealing with larger, tougher hogs. A well-placed shot will often result in a clean kill, minimizing suffering.
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Effective at Longer Ranges: While not ideal for extreme distances, the 45-70's trajectory is flatter than many other large-bore cartridges, providing reasonable accuracy at ranges beyond what many other hunting calibers offer. This is beneficial in open fields or when hunting from elevated positions.
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Penetration: The heavy bullet's significant penetration is crucial for ensuring a clean kill, even through thick brush or bone. This is a huge advantage when hunting hogs in dense cover where a less powerful round might fail to penetrate sufficiently.
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Availability of Ammunition: 45-70 ammunition is readily available, both in various bullet weights and types (hardcast, jacketed, etc.), making it easy to find the right load for your hunting needs.
The Cons of Using a 45-70 for Hog Hunting
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Recoil: The substantial recoil associated with the 45-70 can be challenging for some hunters, particularly those with less experience or physical strength. This recoil can affect accuracy, especially during rapid follow-up shots.
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Weight and Bulk: 45-70 rifles are typically heavier and bulkier than rifles chambered in lighter cartridges. This can lead to fatigue during extended hunting sessions, especially when traversing rugged terrain.
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Overkill in Some Situations: While the stopping power is a significant advantage, the 45-70 might be considered overkill for smaller hogs. The significant energy transfer can lead to excessive damage, potentially ruining more meat than necessary.
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Cost: Ammunition for the 45-70 can be slightly more expensive than some other common hunting calibers.
Choosing the Right 45-70 Load for Hog Hunting
The selection of ammunition is critical for successful hog hunting. Consider:
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Bullet Weight: Heavier bullets (400-500 grains) offer greater penetration, ideal for larger hogs and shots through thick cover. Lighter bullets offer less recoil but may sacrifice some penetration.
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Bullet Type: Hardcast bullets are favored for their durability and ability to penetrate bone effectively. Jacketed soft points are also a viable option, offering good expansion and stopping power.
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Practice: Practice extensively with your chosen ammunition before heading out on a hunt to ensure accuracy and become comfortable managing the recoil.
Conclusion: Is the 45-70 Right for You?
The 45-70 Government can be a highly effective cartridge for hog hunting, offering impressive stopping power and penetration. However, the significant recoil and weight must be considered. Ultimately, the best cartridge choice depends on your individual physical capabilities, hunting style, and the size of the hogs you typically encounter. If you're comfortable with the recoil and appreciate the added stopping power, the 45-70 can be a powerful tool in your arsenal. If not, other calibers might be a better fit. Remember always to prioritize safety and ethical hunting practices.
