444 Marlin vs. 45-70 for hogs
A buddy is contemplating buying either a 444 or 45-70 for hog hunting. I know that the 45-70 is a time proven cartridge but I have heard that the 444 is about the same as far as power, trajectory and recoil. I just wanted your opinions to use when I consult him. I at first advised him to look at the 45-70 but he makes a good argument for the 444. I thought your expertise and opinions were a better source of research than just my opinions. Thanks in advance for the replies. 257
You're a statistic whether you want to be or not.
You're a statistic whether you want to be or not.
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For hogs, the effects shouldn't vary that much. You'll be shooting pretty much well withing 100yds. Its gonna kick ya in the sholder hard, and put the hog down.
In my opinion you'll get the same hog putting down effect without the kick ya in the shoulder hard part if ya just get a .30-30win. Unless your planning on hunting something a little bigger like a buffalo, then a .30-30win would be alot cheaper and more pleasant to shoot.
But if the heart is set on the bigger caliber gun, I'd probably get a .45/70 due to a wider choice in factory produced ammunition.0 -
the 444 had it all over the 45-70 because the 4570 only shot the 405 grain they sinse have come out with the 300 grain bullet and it in proves the 45-70 a lot. but i agree with the other guy you dont need much to shoot a hog if you angle a shot behind there shield. they are. good luck both great bullets but the 444 has been great from the start . it hits hard. good luck ..... rifflemagnet 0 -
I prefer the .444 as the selection of bullets for .429 bore reloading is quite large, but either is more than sufficient. 
"Invincibility is in oneself, vulnerability is in the opponent." -Sun Tzu0 -
I prefer my Winchester Defender with 12 gauge slugs. Most shots will be under 100 yds. 0 -
Shot Hogs down South, Buddy of mine took a Model 12 Winchester (everybody born in Louisiana had a Model 12 and a GMC, 12 foot John Boat, 9.8 Johnson, Hoop Nets, Flag Nets, Trammel Nets, Crawfish Nets, and Skeeter Nets.)
I took my Trusty Old Browning Auto 5, we somehow got separated along the DarBonne (Darbone) River. The river snakes around real bad over toward "Nip & Tuck".
Suddenly I heard Hogs (sounding like theys across the River) then a shot from a shotgun, the most damndable Squealing, you ever heard then another shot.
I go to hollerin, Hey! You get him? And How'd you git across the River? The Reply: "Yes! We got him, but we an't crossed no River".
I took my chances and veered right, following the snake as best I could, between the Pin Oaks, Beech, Red Maple, and Sweet Gum trees. (Red Maple never breaks through the Canopy in Louisiana, can't take that much Sun). I know I am getting very close, cause I can hear Floyd and Glenn Allen panting hard. Then all Hell broke loose, the wee about 5 Hogs comming straight toward me, the lead Hog was a Large Sow, (bout 350lbs), When the Sow saw me she turned and I shot her through the Late shoulder and Ribs, pushing a hole as large as my fist through one side. The Big Sow, broke over on one side and kept running on two legs on the same side, making a large circle in the sandy soil. She never made a sound.
The other Hogs left during the excitement, I go find Floyd and Glenn. When I finally Pull on these Rascals, there lays a Boar, about 2/3rds the size of my Sow. "Hey Man! What was all of the squealing about?" Then I noticed: A 1 inch or better, groove, directly across the top of the Boars head. The Bar Ball (slug) had cut a path about 1 1/2 inch deep, from right to left, gave that Hog one hellova Headache, and he went after Glenn. Floyd was standing rite still, as the Hog had Glenn on his mind and was in "HOT PURSUIT". So! Floyd is standing Stark Still as the Hog Passes within a foot or so. Floyd dang near touches the Boar with the Barrel of his Model 12, and puts a load of 00 Buck into the Heart. (needless to say: Glenn is Pleased).
Now the real Chore begins, we drag near 600lbs of Hairy, Stinkun, Bleeding, Hogs about a mile or two, to the 12 foot John Boat, load them in. Glenn and Floyd climb in the John Boat too, (Hummmmm, I don't think that boat was designed to carry an excess of 1,000 lbs)?
Them two Ya Hoos, paddled that Little Boat down River as I walked the bank. (I don't get in Boats drafting all but 1/4th inch of water) especially with a pair of Rednecks). They crossed the River where the GMC was parked, shucked one Hog (the smallest one) then Glenn came back for me.
That night: We cleaned them Hogs, (it gets kinda cool at night in Louisiana, humidity I think), I had grease from my arm pits to my knees, (them boys weren't much at skinnin, 6 Jax Beers each, may have been why). Glenns Momma Cooked as we cleaned, the Meat tasted good, (but anything taste good after spending the Day Huntin Hogs, Running from Hogs, Dragging Hogs, and skinnin Hogs - Plus a case of beer to nullify the Fat Content of them groceries).
So I reckon I agree with "Select Fire", Close Range (often: Very Close Range) 12 Ga. Model 12 Winchester and sum Bear Balls!
Ronnie G. Perkins0 -
Thank goodness you don't live up here in the NW.(Pa) We call groundhogs ,"hogs" too ! and hog hunting means making long shots with a 22/250 , 220 swift. a 6mm or a caliber like that . If some one saw you in the field hunting "hogs" with either a 45/70 or 444 , they would haul you off in the patty wagon . I shoot both, my vote is for the 444 . 0 -
Anybody ever notice that when you do finally get onto a nice size critter, they usually have an attitude and decide to go off and die the furthesr, most miserable place to do it? Must be one of those "last acts of defiance things". Nice tale, well spun. Thanks for the grins Delta514. 0 -
The .444 is what I'd take if I didn't reload (which I currently do not, but will be soon) and the 45-70 if I did reload. Mainly because it seems most 45-70 ammo is downloaded so to speak for the older guns. Another round not to overlook is the .450 Marlin. If memory serves, it is supposed to be the equalivant of a hand-loaded full-power 45-70 but in an "out of the box" setup.
I used to have a .444 and used it for deer, it's a great carbine cartridge. I eventually sold it in favor of a Ruger .44 mag semi-auto carbine since when I need a "brush gun" I rarely shoot very far - 60 yards is the top when I hunt the thick stuff. If I need a longer shot then I'll pull out my muzzleloader (for up to 125 yards) or my .300 for beyond that. (sorry, I got a little off the subject)0 -
Both used up here a lot on bear.If it was me,I'd take 45-70..course I am an old fart at heart anyhow,either will do the job and then some. 0 -
countershaft, that is "Paddy" wagon. As in the nickname for the Irish man. 0 -
Thanks for all your inputs. 257
You're a statistic whether you want to be or not.0
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