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Hog hunting build

Now that's a hog gun. Back way more years than I care to remember, I lived in hog country in East TN and hunted with what was available - an iron sighted, octagon barreled Model 94 Winchester, new about 1910, in 38-55. It did fine 50 years after it was new, but I always thought of a purpose built hog gun. Now I have an example to base one on, lol.
 
Yes, and a couple other areas a bit north and west that weren't as commonly known in those days (1958-1962) - hogs weren't as common in E. TN back then as I have been told they are now. My hog hunting days ended in that area when I went off to college and ended up relocating a few hundred miles farther north.
 
Well, my hunt was a success. Took a 160 lb. sow and brought home 48 lbs. of sausage. the 45/70 did it's job. One hit and the pig didn't move an inch. Dropped on the spot. Because of the angle and where I hit it took out the heart and lungs. Small hole going in and tunnel coming out. The ranch hand said it looks like I hit that pig with a Redbull can. I was smiling ear to ear for a while (and shaking). Now I have to find a way to do this without spending so much damn money. Don't get me wrong, it was worth it. I enjoyed every second. Also got to spend time with my half brother who just got back from the sand box (somewhere in the UAE). Was a great bonding experience for us and I wouldn't trade that for the world. But now knowing what I know I need to learn more and work out how to do it again but cheaper. Cheers all!!

P.S. If you look close at the middle picture, just behind the shoulder, zoom in and you can see the entry wound. The other side was a mess. The shot was on a quarter angle entering behind the front leg very low and exiting in front of the leg on the other side.
 

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I almost forgot to mention. Since I finished the 45/70 I needed another project. So started buying parts and built my first AR style rifle. This is a heavy barreled (20") .308 WIN. Still working out the kinks as the buffer system is still not functioning properly but it's accurate, very accurate.
 

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Well, my hunt was a success. Took a 160 lb. sow and brought home 48 lbs. of sausage. the 45/70 did it's job. One hit and the pig didn't move an inch. Dropped on the spot. Because of the angle and where I hit it took out the heart and lungs. Small hole going in and tunnel coming out. The ranch hand said it looks like I hit that pig with a Redbull can. I was smiling ear to ear for a while (and shaking). Now I have to find a way to do this without spending so much damn money. Don't get me wrong, it was worth it. I enjoyed every second. Also got to spend time with my half brother who just got back from the sand box (somewhere in the UAE). Was a great bonding experience for us and I wouldn't trade that for the world. But now knowing what I know I need to learn more and work out how to do it again but cheaper. Cheers all!!

P.S. If you look close at the middle picture, just behind the shoulder, zoom in and you can see the entry wound. The other side was a mess. The shot was on a quarter angle entering behind the front leg very low and exiting in front of the leg on the other side.
Regarding the money aspect I hear you. When I first started themal hunting it was with a 308AR and using premium SP hunting ammo taking heart lung shots. Then after a while started having fun seeing how close we could stalk in on them in the fields on foot. Then taking head shots on the first ones(of course it's a free for all after that and you are taking big leads on runners). In the end we ended up with suppressed 7.62x39 PWS builds kiling hogs at ~ 16c/shot. The AK round is highly effective even on a runner at 150 and in. Just thought I'd pass that along if you get into high volume hog hunting where you are coming up on sounders full of them it gets insanely expensive. Have killed literal trailers full piled with x39. Average shot is probably 40 yards? Closest I have ever stalked was a single boar at 12 paces it was hilarious I waited until he stuck his head up, looked right, then looked at me and lights out. Have fun!
 
Regarding the money aspect I hear you. When I first started themal hunting it was with a 308AR and using premium SP hunting ammo taking heart lung shots. Then after a while started having fun seeing how close we could stalk in on them in the fields on foot. Then taking head shots on the first ones(of course it's a free for all after that and you are taking big leads on runners). In the end we ended up with suppressed 7.62x39 PWS builds kiling hogs at ~ 16c/shot. The AK round is highly effective even on a runner at 150 and in. Just thought I'd pass that along if you get into high volume hog hunting where you are coming up on sounders full of them it gets insanely expensive. Have killed literal trailers full piled with x39. Average shot is probably 40 yards? Closest I have ever stalked was a single boar at 12 paces it was hilarious I waited until he stuck his head up, looked right, then looked at me and lights out. Have fun!
Chootem, thank you very much for the comment. I enjoyed reading. Sounds like you found some private land somewhere and have at least some experience hunting. Couple things to clarify. I have zero experience hunting. This was my first time. I am or was a city boy and didn't have the benefit of knowing anyone that hunted. I have always wanted to but never found myself in a situation that allowed it to happen. This "first experience" was with Independance Ranch in Texas outside Gonzales. Between the travel from Virginia, the ranch fees, the processing fees and everything else I spent over a grand. That's what I meant about the cost. I would absolutely love to find some private land closer to me and someone experienced to "show me the ropes" and while I know it won't be free, something less than what I spent on this hunt would be welcomed. Also, my intention when I hunt or my values so to speak, are to not kill what I don't intend to eat. I'm pretty firm on that unless it's a coyote or other predator. I respect other hunters and their goals like trophy and such. It's just not for me. Thanks again.
 
Nice set up, I have been a Henry owner for 30+ years was glad to see side gates and up dated styling. I have been trying to get Henry to make a single shot .500 S&W, so far, the conversations have been positive.

I go hog hunting a couple times a year in GA. My son retired Army lives in Agusta he has friends up north outside the low country where we go hog hunting. The out of state licenses were 75 bucks for 3 days. His friend had 5 acres for sale in Clarksville where we hunt so, I bought it. So now I can buy GA resident licenses and now have a resident GA carry permit.

I use a Henry 45/70 with 350 gr HCFNGC rounds for hog hunting. However, my favorite is my .500 S&W BFR using 375 gr HCFNGC loads.
 

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Will that handle HogZilla??
I think so. A 45 caliber round at 325 grains moving at 2000 feet per second isn't the biggest or fastest but isn't a slouch by any stretch of the imagination. It does serious damage and a massive trauma cavity is the result of a solid hit.
 
Nice set up, I have been a Henry owner for 30+ years was glad to see side gates and up dated styling. I have been trying to get Henry to make a single shot .500 S&W, so far, the conversations have been positive.

I go hog hunting a couple times a year in GA. My son retired Army lives in Agusta he has friends up north outside the low country where we go hog hunting. The out of state licenses were 75 bucks for 3 days. His friend had 5 acres for sale in Clarksville where we hunt so, I bought it. So now I can buy GA resident licenses and now have a resident GA carry permit.

I use a Henry 45/70 with 35 gr HCFNGC rounds for hog hunting. However, my favorite is my .500 S&W BFR using 375 gr HCFNGC loads.
Coasty, any time you guys want some company feel free to give me a shout. I can bring the Henry and the 45 Raptor AR that I'm building now.
 
Will that handle HogZilla??
In 83 I was Hog hunting in LA, I carried a Ruger Single 6 - 44 mag called it my hog leg. Had lots of power, I had one hog charge me I planted my feet and he got about 15 feet bang right between the eyes. My hunting buds said I was crazy. The .500 S&W is 2-fold more powerful. I hit a hog last year and he did a back ward flip. I hit him with a 405 grain HCFNGC. It was funny when I was open carrying you should see the looks It has a 7.5-inch barrel and hangs down to my knees.
 
One of the biggest hogs (350+) I've ever killed was with a 22LR at 80 yards.........put the bullet in his ear, pop, flop....then roll over on his side and kick a few times. Stunk so bad he became coyote and buzzard food.......
 

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