I use 5.56 for hogs, (as well as 30 carbine, and 7.62x51). I can offer some observations.
The group I hunt with only allows 5.56 with 20 inch barrels using 62 grain and heavier stuff.
Why? That is the issue with 5.56/223.
55 grainers using a 16 inch barrel. Very much a "peashooter" level, NOT suited for hogs (or deer)
62 grainers using a 20 inch barrel. Different level of power
I personally use 223 Remington, 64 Grain WInchester Silvertips... these work great on hogs.
But that is the issue with 5.56. Unlike a lot of other calibers, 5.56 is fired out of a wildly varying barrel lengths, with wildly varying twists and bullet weights. it makes it hard to quantify in legal terms..
Now 30 carbine. Do not discount it. The Hornady 30 Carbine 110 GR FTX Critical Defense... Hornady made this cartridge a hog slayer. I have an M1 carbine I use this load in, it slams the piggers down good.
The group I hunt with only allows 5.56 with 20 inch barrels using 62 grain and heavier stuff.
Why? That is the issue with 5.56/223.
55 grainers using a 16 inch barrel. Very much a "peashooter" level, NOT suited for hogs (or deer)
62 grainers using a 20 inch barrel. Different level of power
I personally use 223 Remington, 64 Grain WInchester Silvertips... these work great on hogs.
But that is the issue with 5.56. Unlike a lot of other calibers, 5.56 is fired out of a wildly varying barrel lengths, with wildly varying twists and bullet weights. it makes it hard to quantify in legal terms..
Now 30 carbine. Do not discount it. The Hornady 30 Carbine 110 GR FTX Critical Defense... Hornady made this cartridge a hog slayer. I have an M1 carbine I use this load in, it slams the piggers down good.