It is my understanding that all AN swivel fittings are to be drilled for safety wire provisions. I am dealing with an automotive, not aeronautical application. I am looking to get a primer on best practices, can't seem to find a leak.

I know that the fitting is to be tied the torquing direction, such that it cannot backoff. Given that I don't want to go through the hassle of drilling the fittings, can I just go ahead and take a hose clamp, tighten it down on the hex and use that for my attaching point?

If your hoses are set up properly (not twisted, pulled tight) AN fittings should stay snug and not leak. safety wire is not a means of keeping fittings tight, it is a backup

I have to agree with Rumrunner. A properly tightened b-nut should not leak, unless perhaps the face of the flare fitting is damaged?

AN fittings come in both varieties, drilled for safety wire and not drilled. On the typical aircraft installation you'll find both types used throughout. Safety wire is simply a means of insuring the b-nut does not back off due to vibration. It does not add to the tightness of the seal of the fitting.

I am worried about vibration and the pulsation of the hoses causing lose of torque on the fitting.

If you're using it in a racing application where safety wire is required, you can buy jigs from summit, jegs, or aircraft spruce and specialty company to allow you to drill non-drilled an fittings.

or just use a #30 drill bit and a steady hand.

+2 drill bit and steady hand + Practice . Aluminum AN B nuts are easy to drill for safety wire . I start drilling a divot perp to a flat then drill across peak using divot as starting point leaving enough meat that the wire won't tear out.

AN fitting B nuts generally aren't safety wired or come pre drilled for safety wire, properly torqued ( using torque wrench or Flats from finger tight method ) they will stay tight and not leak. Generally they will be safety wired on engines or Hydraulic/Fuel applications were they are in places not normally accessed regularly or are in VERY high vibration areas .