Sent this to a friend interested in building an AR15 for night vision hog hunting.
Since that is the PURPOSE for this rifle. MOST shooting scenarios will be between 70-120 yards.
I like to keep bullets above 2000FPS for proper expansion. (Yes, there are many bullets that expand below that range.)
I also like to keep impact velocity at a minimal of 1000 foot pound. (Yes, you can drop hogs below that. Many use an 800 ft.lb. as measurement).
Using ISnipe App. (and its limited bullet choices) I picked what I believe two common bullet weights.
It’s been my experience that boxed ammo printed information is not correct in velocity. Usually a faster speed then actual chrono. info.
I then marked the maxed distance I would feel comfortable shooting that bullet.
Figured this might be helpful for you folks since there are so many different calibers to choose from when it comes to building an AR15 Hog Gun.
The choices of AR15 caliber are numerous. I did not cover many market calibers such as 7.62x39, .50 Beowulf, .458 Socom and others. The list developed below are the calibers my friend is considering.
.223/5.56
55gr Barnes TSX @ 100 Yards Max
62gr Barnes TSX @ 50 Yards Max
6.5 Grendel
90gr Speer TNT @ 215 Yards Max
129gr Hornady SST @285 Yards Max
6.8 SPC
85gr Barnes TSX @ 210 Yards Max
110gr Barnest TSX @ 250 Yards Max
.300 BlkOut
123gr Remington MC @ 130 Yards Max
147gr CMMG FJMBT Unacceptable
There are a lot more bullet options not listed on ISnipe. Look below hand load data for more information
Below is hand loaded bullet, velocities and ft.lb.
.223
69gr SMK @ 63 Yards Max
77gr SMK @ 100 Yards Max
.277 Wolverine (NOT 6.8 SPC but a 6.8x39)
85gr Barnes TSX @140 Yards Max
90gr Gold Dot @ 175 Yards Max
.300 BlkOut
110gr Hornady SP @ 160 Yards Max
130gr Barnes TSX @ 55 Yards Max
Boxed Ammo Comparison
.223/5.56
55gr Barnes TSX @ 100 Yards Max (5th)
62gr Barnes TSX @ 50 Yards Max (6th)
6.5 Grendel
90gr Speer TNT @ 215 Yards Max (3rd tie)
129gr Hornady SST @ 285 Yards Max (1st)
6.8 SPC
85gr Barnes TSX @ 210 Yards Max (3rd tie)
110gr Barnest TSX @ 250 Yards Max (2nd)
.300 BlkOut
123gr Remington MC @ 130 Yards Max (4th)
147gr CMMG FJMBT Unacceptable
Handholds
.223
69gr SMK @ 63 Yards Max (5th)
77gr SMK @ 100 Yards Max (4th)
.277 Wolverine (NOT 6.8 SPC but a 6.8x39)
85gr Barnes TSX @140 Yards Max (3rd)
90gr Gold Dot @ 175 Yards Max (1st)
.300 BlkOut
110gr Hornady SP @ 160 Yards Max (2nd)
130gr Barnes TSX @ 55 Yards Max (6th)
Again this is not an extensive list. But a beginning point.
Hope this is helpful.