Much of my hog hunting is on public land with a .22 magnum (Magnum Research carbon fiber bull barrel) during small game season. The .22 mag drops a hog on the spot with most head shots.
During primitive season I use my CVA .444 crack barrel. Possibly my favorite hog gun for the price ($400 for rifle and scope). The .444 will drop a hog as long as you hit it anywhere in the front third of it's body by generating 3180 #s muzzle energy. Love that weapon for when I only have a second or two to acquire and fire. Reliable and powerful but it's only one shot. I'd like to have 3-5 rounds in the event I get charged (and don't want to go for my sidearm) or come up on a few hogs rather than one roaming boar.
I'm convinced velocity is the key to power. Highest possible velocity, within reason, generates muzzle energy. I think the equation is E = M*(V Squared), so velocity is the key.
So I've been looking at a .450 Marlin on consignment at a local gun shop which generates 3572 #s muzzle energy. It has a 2+1 capacity which is fine but I'm a little worried about the kick. It seems the .450 with a 350 grain projectile will generate about 35 feet pounds of recoil energy. The experts seem to agree that 15-20 ft# of recoil energy is about the most an average hunter can endure before starting to develop a flinch which can ruin accuracy. The .444 with a 265 gr projectile generates 22 ft# and I find that comfortable.
The goal is highest possible muzzle energy (since most hogs are shot within 20 yards) with the lowest recoil energy.
So my paper research has led me to think the .300 Weatherby Magnum is the way to go. With a 150gr projectile it will bring 4174 #s muzzle energy (wow!) with only a 25 ft# recoil energy. It has a poor ballistic coefficient at .387 but only drops 2" from 100 yards to 200 yards.
The 45-70 is popular but it only brings 3032 muzzle energy so it's not what I'm looking for.
I'm wondering what you life long hunters out there think. The goal is maximum energy within 100 yards with the lowest recoil energy so I don't develop a flinch with the rifle. Must have capacity for multiple rounds (bolt action probably best) and stainless barrel (or ceramic coated) because I get wet a lot.
During primitive season I use my CVA .444 crack barrel. Possibly my favorite hog gun for the price ($400 for rifle and scope). The .444 will drop a hog as long as you hit it anywhere in the front third of it's body by generating 3180 #s muzzle energy. Love that weapon for when I only have a second or two to acquire and fire. Reliable and powerful but it's only one shot. I'd like to have 3-5 rounds in the event I get charged (and don't want to go for my sidearm) or come up on a few hogs rather than one roaming boar.
I'm convinced velocity is the key to power. Highest possible velocity, within reason, generates muzzle energy. I think the equation is E = M*(V Squared), so velocity is the key.
So I've been looking at a .450 Marlin on consignment at a local gun shop which generates 3572 #s muzzle energy. It has a 2+1 capacity which is fine but I'm a little worried about the kick. It seems the .450 with a 350 grain projectile will generate about 35 feet pounds of recoil energy. The experts seem to agree that 15-20 ft# of recoil energy is about the most an average hunter can endure before starting to develop a flinch which can ruin accuracy. The .444 with a 265 gr projectile generates 22 ft# and I find that comfortable.
The goal is highest possible muzzle energy (since most hogs are shot within 20 yards) with the lowest recoil energy.
So my paper research has led me to think the .300 Weatherby Magnum is the way to go. With a 150gr projectile it will bring 4174 #s muzzle energy (wow!) with only a 25 ft# recoil energy. It has a poor ballistic coefficient at .387 but only drops 2" from 100 yards to 200 yards.
The 45-70 is popular but it only brings 3032 muzzle energy so it's not what I'm looking for.
I'm wondering what you life long hunters out there think. The goal is maximum energy within 100 yards with the lowest recoil energy so I don't develop a flinch with the rifle. Must have capacity for multiple rounds (bolt action probably best) and stainless barrel (or ceramic coated) because I get wet a lot.