5 Best 5.56 Ammo for Hog Hunting (2024 Review)

Looking for the best 5.56 ammo for hog hunting? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from bullet weight and construction to expansion and penetration. Learn how to choose the right ammo for your rifle and hunting conditions, and find out which brands and loads are the top performers in the field.

Choosing the best 5.56 ammo for hog hunting is essential for ethical and effective kills. In this article, we review the top 5.56 hog hunting ammo options, based on factors such as bullet weight, construction, and performance. We also provide tips on how to select the right ammo for your specific needs.

Best 5.56 Ammo for Hog Hunting: Ultimate Guide for Hunters

The 5.56 NATO cartridge is one of the most popular and versatile rifle calibers in the world. It is used for everything from military and law enforcement applications to varmint hunting and long-range target shooting. But is 5.56 ammo good for hog hunting?

The answer is yes, but it depends on the specific load you choose. Hogs are tough animals with thick hides and heavy skulls, so you need ammo that can penetrate deeply and deliver a lot of energy to the target.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about choosing the best 5.56 ammo for hog hunting. We will discuss bullet weight, construction, expansion, and penetration, and we will recommend some of the top-performing brands and loads on the market.

Bullet Weight

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing 5.56 ammo for hog hunting is bullet weight. Heavier bullets have more momentum and kinetic energy, which makes them better at penetrating thick hides and heavy bones.

For hog hunting, we recommend using a bullet weight of at least 62 grains. Some popular options include the 62-grain Barnes TSX, the 62-grain Hornady TAP Barrier, and the 64-grain Winchester Defender Bonded Base.

Bullet Construction

Bullet construction is another important factor to consider. For hog hunting, you want a bullet that is tough enough to penetrate deep into the animal’s body and deliver a lot of energy.

Some popular bullet construction types for hog hunting include:

• Bonded core bullets: Bonded core bullets have a core that is bonded to the jacket, which makes them stronger and less likely to fragment on impact.
• Expanding bullets: Expanding bullets expand on impact, which creates a larger wound cavity and delivers more energy to the target.
• Monometal bullets: Monometal bullets are made entirely of copper, which makes them very tough and penetrating.

Expansion and Penetration

Expansion and penetration are two of the most important characteristics of a bullet for hog hunting. You want a bullet that will expand enough to create a large wound cavity, but you also want it to penetrate deeply into the animal’s body to reach the vital organs.

Most of the bonded core and expanding bullets mentioned above offer a good balance of expansion and penetration. However, if you are hunting very large or aggressive hogs, you may want to consider using a monometal bullet.

Recommended Brands and Loads

Here are some of the top-performing 5.56 ammo brands and loads for hog hunting:

• Black Hills Ammunition: Black Hills offers a variety of high-quality 5.56 ammo loads that are well-suited for hog hunting. Some popular options include the 62-grain Barnes TSX, the 69-grain Sierra MatchKing BTHP, and the 77-grain Nosler Partition.
• Hornady: Hornady also offers a variety of high-quality 5.56 ammo loads for hog hunting. Some popular options include the 62-grain TAP Barrier, the 68-grain ELD-Match BTHP, and the 75-grain TAP Urban.
• Federal Premium: Federal Premium offers a variety of high-quality 5.56 ammo loads for hog hunting. Some popular options include the 62-grain Fusion MSR, the 69-grain Sierra MatchKing BTHP, and the 77-grain Nosler Partition.

When choosing the best 5.56 ammo for hog hunting, it is important to consider bullet weight, construction, expansion, and penetration. We recommend using a bullet weight of at least 62 grains and a bullet construction that is tough enough to penetrate thick hides and heavy bones. Some popular brands and loads that offer a good balance of expansion and penetration include Black Hills Ammunition, Hornady, and Federal Premium.

Best 5.56 Ammo for Hog Hunting

Based on the factors discussed above, here are some of the best 5.56 ammo options for hog hunting:

1. Hornady 62 Grain TAP Urban: This round uses a bonded bullet that is designed to penetrate deeply and expand reliably. It is a good all-around choice for hog hunting.
2. Barnes TSX 62 Grain: This round also uses a bonded bullet, but it features a solid copper construction. This makes it extremely durable and resistant to deflection. It is a good choice for hunting larger hogs or for shooting through brush.
3. Federal Fusion 62 Grain: This round uses a bonded bullet that is designed to expand rapidly. It is a good choice for hunting smaller hogs or for shooting at multiple hogs in a group.
4. Black Hills 62 Grain TSX: This round is loaded with the same Barnes TSX bullet that is used in the Barnes TSX 62 Grain round. It is a good choice for hunters who want the best possible performance and accuracy.
5. Nosler Ballistic Tip 62 Grain: This round uses a bonded bullet that is designed to expand rapidly at moderate velocities. It is a good choice for hunting smaller hogs or for shooting at multiple hogs in a group.

Best 5.56 Ammo for Hog Hunting Considerations

In addition to the factors discussed above, there are a few other things to keep in mind when choosing 5.56 ammo for hog hunting:

• Barrel twist: The twist rate of your barrel will affect how well it stabilizes different bullet weights. If you have a barrel with a fast twist rate, you may want to choose a heavier bullet. If you have a barrel with a slow twist rate, you may want to choose a lighter bullet.
• Accuracy: It is important to choose ammo that is accurate in your rifle. The best way to do this is to test different types of ammo at the range.
• Price: 5.56 ammo can vary in price depending on the manufacturer and bullet type. It is important to choose ammo that fits your budget.

Best 5.56 Ammo for Hog Hunting: Conclusion

Choosing the best 5.56 ammo for hog hunting is essential for a successful hunt. By considering the factors discussed above, you can select the right ammo for your needs and ensure that you are able to make humane and effective shots.

Here are some additional tips for choosing and using 5.56 ammo for hog hunting:

• If you are hunting in a thick area, you may want to choose a bullet that is designed to penetrate through brush.
• If you are hunting at longer ranges, you may want to choose a heavier bullet that is less susceptible to wind drift.
• If you are hunting in a group, you may want to choose a bullet that is less likely to overpenetrate and injure another hunter.
• Always practice with your rifle and ammo before hunting, to ensure that you are familiar with its performance and that you are able to make accurate shots.

Comparison Table: Best 5.56 Ammo for Hog Hunting

Brand	Bullet Weight	Bullet Construction	Bullet Velocity	Best For
Hornady	62 Grain TAP Urban	Bonded	2,800 FPS	All-around hog hunting
Barnes	TSX 62 Grain	Bonded Copper	3,000 FPS	Hunting larger hogs or shooting through brush
Federal	Fusion 62 Grain	Bonded	2,800 FPS	Hunting smaller hogs or shooting at multiple hogs in a group
Black Hills	62 Grain TSX	Bonded Copper	3,000 FPS	Hunters who want the best possible performance and accuracy
Nosler	Ballistic Tip 62 Grain	Bonded	2,850 FPS	Hunting smaller hogs or shooting at multiple hogs in a group

Additional Notes:

• All of the rounds listed in the comparison chart are effective for hog hunting, but they each have their own strengths and weaknesses.
• It is important to choose the right ammo for your specific needs, considering factors such as the size of the hogs you are hunting, the shooting distance, and the terrain.
• It is also important to practice with your rifle and ammo before hunting, to ensure that you are familiar with its performance and that you are able to make accurate shots.

FAQ: Best 5.56 Ammo for Hog Hunting