Hog hunting has gained considerable popularity in the United States, particularly in regions where wild boars pose a threat to local agriculture and ecosystems. The .223 Remington is one of the most commonly used calibers for hunting a variety of game, but its suitability for hog hunting often raises questions. Wild hogs are known for their tough skin, thick bones, and often aggressive behavior, making them more challenging to hunt compared to smaller game. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right .223 ammunition to ensure a humane and effective hunt.
This article will explore the considerations you should keep in mind when choosing the right .223 for hog hunting, including bullet types, velocity, and shot placement, along with some recommendations for top-performing .223 ammunition.
Understanding the .223 for Hog Hunting
The .223 Remington is a popular rifle round, widely used for varmint hunting, target shooting, and even self-defense. It is favored by hunters due to its relatively low recoil, affordability, and availability. However, when it comes to hunting large, tough animals like wild hogs, the .223 Remington requires careful consideration of the specific ammunition and rifle setup.
While hogs are often hunted with larger calibers such as the .308 Winchester or .30-06 Springfield, a well-placed shot from a .223 can be effective, especially when using the right bullet type and load. It’s important to note that a wild hog’s thick skull, heavy bone structure, and tough hide can make for difficult penetration if not approached properly.
Bullet Type: Soft Point, Hollow Point, and Full Metal Jacket
When considering what .223 to use for hog hunting, bullet selection is one of the most important factors. The .223 Remington offers a wide range of ammunition types, and each type has its own strengths and weaknesses.
- Soft Point (SP) Bullets
Soft point bullets are one of the best choices for hog hunting. These bullets are designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and delivering greater stopping power. The expansion of the soft point bullet helps ensure a more humane kill, as it maximizes tissue damage and reduces the risk of the hog fleeing with minimal damage. A soft point bullet is particularly effective when targeting the vital organs or the heart and lungs of the hog. - Hollow Point (HP) Bullets
Hollow point bullets are similar to soft point bullets but with a hollow cavity at the tip, which helps them expand more rapidly upon impact. This makes them effective for taking down hogs, especially when shooting at closer ranges. However, the rapid expansion of the hollow point may lead to less penetration, which can be problematic if the shot does not hit vital organs. Hollow points are best for shots that aim for the softer areas of the hog’s body, such as the lungs or neck. - Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Bullets
Full metal jacket bullets are often used for target shooting and training because they are inexpensive and provide consistent accuracy. However, they are not ideal for hunting, particularly when targeting tough animals like wild hogs. FMJ bullets are designed to maintain their shape upon impact and do not expand. This limits their stopping power and can result in a less effective kill shot. They are not recommended for hog hunting, as they are less likely to inflict the necessary damage to take down the animal.
Considerations for Shot Placement
When hunting hogs with a .223, shot placement is critical to ensure a quick and humane kill. A hog’s skull is thick and heavily armored, and shooting at it with insufficient penetration can lead to the bullet bouncing off or not reaching the brain. For this reason, hunters should aim for softer, more vulnerable areas of the hog’s body, such as the heart, lungs, or neck.
Here are some of the most effective shot placement options:
- Heart and Lungs: A shot to the heart and lungs is one of the best ways to quickly take down a hog. This area provides a large target for hunters and is often the most accessible in a standing or broadside position. A .223 shot to this area will usually result in rapid blood loss and a quick death.
- Neck and Spine: The neck and spine are also effective targets for a clean kill. A well-placed shot to the neck can sever the spinal cord, causing immediate paralysis and a swift death. The neck offers a relatively small target but is highly effective for those who are confident in their accuracy.
- Shoulder or Ribcage: For close-range shots, targeting the shoulder or ribcage can cause significant internal damage, leading to a fatal outcome. However, hunters must ensure that their bullet has the penetration needed to reach the vital organs.
Ideal .223 Ammunition for Hog Hunting
Now that you understand the importance of bullet type and shot placement, it’s time to look at some of the best .223 ammunition options for hog hunting. The right ammunition should combine effective penetration with reliable expansion, and several manufacturers produce rounds that fit these criteria.
1. Federal Premium Vital-Shok 62-Grain Trophy Bonded Tip
This round is specifically designed for hunting large game like wild hogs. The 62-grain Trophy Bonded Tip features a polymer tip that enhances expansion and accuracy. Upon impact, the bullet expands rapidly, delivering maximum energy transfer to the target. The bonded core ensures deep penetration, even into thick hides and bone, making this an excellent choice for hunters who want reliability and stopping power.
2. Hornady 55-Grain GMX Superformance
Hornady’s GMX (Gilding Metal eXpanding) bullets are ideal for hunters who want a non-lead, environmentally friendly option. The 55-grain GMX bullet is a copper monolithic design that retains 100% of its weight and offers impressive expansion upon impact. It provides consistent accuracy and deep penetration, making it a solid choice for hog hunters.
3. Remington 62-Grain Premier AccuTip
The 62-grain AccuTip is another excellent choice for hog hunting. It features a polymer tip that ensures controlled expansion upon impact, coupled with a copper jacket for maximum penetration. Remington’s AccuTip round is designed for hunters who want the perfect blend of accuracy and stopping power, even in tough conditions.
4. Winchester 64-Grain Power Max Bonded
Winchester’s 64-grain Power Max Bonded ammunition is another solid choice for wild hog hunting. It features a bonded bullet design that ensures deep penetration, even through tough bone and hide. The bonded core prevents core separation, providing greater terminal performance. The 64-grain bullet offers a good balance of accuracy and expansion, making it suitable for a wide range of hog hunting scenarios.
Velocity and Range Considerations
While the .223 Remington is often seen as a short to medium-range hunting round, velocity and range play a significant role in its effectiveness. The higher the velocity, the more energy the bullet delivers upon impact, which is crucial for stopping a hog quickly.
Most .223 rounds for hog hunting have a velocity in the range of 2,700 to 3,200 feet per second, depending on bullet weight and load. For hog hunting, you should aim to shoot within a range of 100 to 300 yards, depending on your rifle’s accuracy and the type of ammunition you use.
The closer you are to the hog, the more effective the .223 will be. If you plan to shoot at longer distances, opt for a heavier bullet, as it will retain energy better over longer ranges.
Conclusion
So, what .223 do I use for hog hunting? The answer depends on the type of bullet you choose and how well you place your shots. For wild hogs, a 62- to 64-grain bullet with a soft point or hollow point design is recommended, as it provides the necessary penetration and expansion to ensure a humane and effective kill. Ammo from manufacturers like Federal, Hornady, Remington, and Winchester are all solid choices for hog hunters.
Ultimately, shot placement is just as important as bullet selection. Always aim for vital areas such as the heart, lungs, neck, or spine, and ensure that your shot has adequate penetration to reach the target’s critical organs. With the right ammo, rifle, and technique, the .223 Remington can be an effective choice for hog hunting, allowing you to take down this challenging game with confidence.
