I know there are better/more efficient AR calibers out there for taking down pigs (not trying to have that discussion here; I am planning on buying another upper in 6.5 grendel eventually anyway), but in the meantime, being that my AR is chambered in 5.56...what are the best ammo options for maximum hog lethality? Just speaking purely ballistics/bullet performance/wound channel/etc...I realize accuracy and shot placement are going to be paramount with this caliber and there's no substitute for that, but looking for as lethal of a hog round as possible in 5.56/.223.

Additional data: shooting with an 18" barrel with a 1:7 twist.

62 grain and up.

Stay away from fmj.

Good staring point federal fusion.

Others can add to the list .

Can go to hornady and look up application

Large game/medium game/personal defense will all work.

https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/rifle/#!/

SteveMedina said:

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Stay away from fmj.

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Nonsense. Load those 30 rd mags up cheaply and fire away.

You are going to want to use Varmint Grenades targeted at their nuts.

You picked a really bad time to acquire some good hog ammo (or any ammo?).

SG Ammo used to have various 62gr (and heavier) SP or HP ammo (Federal, Speer, Armscor, etc), but appear to be wiped out.
The generic 55 gr ammo (I suppose even FMJ's, though their accuracy is always suspect..) will kill a majority of pigs encountered, as they are often under 100 lbs (sometimes WAY under a 100 lbs). The big `uns need the extra horsepower.

As I am a reloader, options for the 223/5.56 are plentiful. But my Commie-round AR (with reloads), or my 6.8SPC get most of the pig duty.

I've had really good luck with the Frontier 62 grain in my 5.56. It might not be ideal, but it sure works and cheap so it's not a big deal to fire a few "mail marry" shots when they're on the run.

BurrOak said:

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SteveMedina said:

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Stay away from fmj.

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Nonsense. Load those 30 rd mags up cheaply and fire away.

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That too

boxes of green tips.

Furlock Bones said:

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cases boxes of green tips.

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FIFY

Shoot them at the base of the ear, their spine exits much higher than a deer on its way to the thorax. They usually drop in their tracks w good shot placement in this location. Google has some nice shot placement diagrams for hogs.

BurrOak said:

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SteveMedina said:

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Stay away from fmj.

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Nonsense. Load those 30 rd mags up cheaply and fire away.

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Yep. Shot one with .223 FMJ that cost like $6/box from about 50 yards away. Made it about 25 yards before it died. Did some pretty gnarly bull bucking circles before taking off. Probably cost it a good 15 yards.

dr_boogs said:

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Shoot them at the base of the ear, their spine exits much higher than a deer on its way to the thorax. They usually drop in their tracks w good shot placement in this location. Google has some nice shot placement diagrams for hogs.

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That's a great plan for shot #1 (which may be all that's needed for the solo boars we often see)...those shots that follow as the rest run off tend to be less "specific" in aim.

Good point!

Hornady Superformance GMX