Best AR 15 5.56 bullet for hog/deer hunting

[Boomer79]

Best 5.56 bullet for hog/deer hunting
What weight and manufacturer (that is available). I have hunted with bolt riffles but never with AR 15. My AR is rated for 5.56.

 

[searcher]

One can't legally hunt deer where I live with a .223/.556. If I could, and a .556 were my choice, I'd look at the Barnes 70 grain tsx. You need a twist of at least 1-8" or so, I believe - so best to check that first. If your twist is slower than than, I'd look at their 62, I believe it is. These bullets give great penetration and open reliably. I'm sure there are plenty of others - but I know these to be good.

 

[RJinTexas]

I've taken several large hogs up to 280 lbs with .224 caliber bullets using everything from bolt rifles, AR-15's and even a XP-100 chambered in 221FB. It hard to find a bullet that will out preform a Nosler 60gr Partition.

RJ

 

[nastynatesfish]

I'd look at the 65gr game king. I've used them on javelina pretty well

 

[Ledd Slinger]

One can't legally hunt deer where I live with a .223/.556....

Good point.

Boomer79,
Definitely check your regs or other states you may want to hunt to make sure it's legal if you haven't already. I have been applying for a non-resident Mule Deer hunt in Colorado. Colorado does not allow any rifle smaller than .243 with a minimum bullet weight of 70gr for deer, pronghorn, and bear and at least 85gr for elk and moose. It also has to produce at least 1000 ft lbs at 100 yards.

Also check your regs for maximum number of rounds allowed in a magazine. Colorado also restricts any semi-auto weapon to 6 rounds including one in the chamber. Just some things I noticed the other day while reading their hunting regulations. Other states may have similar regs.

If hogs are considered a varmints in the state you are hunting, the regs may not have rifle restrictions.

You could always change your upper to a 6.8 SPC or 300 Blackout and have a better hunting bullet selection and more energy.