So, I've got a new purpose built 50 Beowulf AR.
And I'm looking to work up some handloads for it for hog hunting. But, I'm not sure about which bullet type I should load for the best Hog Dropping potential. I've got load data for bullets ranging from 300gr up to 500gr in Balistic tip, hollow point, FMJ, and soft point.

Just some generic data:
300 gr Bullet: Velocity +/- 1,800 fps Energy - +/- 2,000 ft/lbf
350 gr Bullet: Velocity +/- 1,700 fps Energy - +/- 2,500 ft/lbf
400 gr Bullet: Velocity +/- 1,500 fps Energy - +/- 2,750 ft/lbf
500 gr Bullet: Velocity +/- 1,400 fps Energy - No data

Drop Chart: (from Alexander Arms using 334gr HP rounds)
o yards -3"
25 yards -1.19"
50 yards -0.04"
75 yards 0.38"
100 yards 0.00"
125 yards -1.26"
150 yards -3.49"
175 yards -6.80"
200 yards -11.27"


What is the best recommendation on Bullet weight and type for dropping hogs at a max range of 100-150yds?

At first I was all about the Ballistic tips, but now, I'm not so certain if a Soft Point would not be better.

OR I might just be over thinking this since I am throwing a fist sized piece of lead down range.
With this caliber does bullet type/weight make that much difference over shot placement?


thanks all!

I have never hunted with a 50 Beowulf on any game, but have taken hogs with 243, 270, 308, and 30.06 with no problem so I would safely assume your workups would do the job.

It may be a little overkill in my mind, but to each his own

Any of those should work. The only thing I would worry about is bullet construction. Just make sure your not pushing it faster then its designed for since it uses pistol bullets. Nothing beats shot placement.

What about bullet type? Soft Point vs. Ballistic tip?

What you have is a great gun for destroying toilet seats and cinder blocks.
If you wanted to hunt hogs, you should have got a 6.5 grendel or a 6.8 SPC,
even a 223 will work out to 200 depending on the bullet.

Don't get me wrong, it going to work just fine, just not an optimal choice.
I'd use the Hornady FTX 300gr flex tipped bullets.

Gravy with a 334-400gr bullet it is a much better choice for shooting hogs out to 150yds than a 223.

I previously owned a BFR in .500 S&W that would send a 400 gr sierra bullet down range at 1600 fps, about the ballistics listed above. I shot a smallish hog at about 25 yards with it, and it put the extreme smack down on the hog, as you might expect. It also did the same on a ram at about 35 yards. I'd start with a middle of the road load that's accurate, shoot a few hogs and then see what happens, My guess is that you'll have dead hogs on the ground with big holes in them.

Let me a ask you a question. What type of shot placement are you wanting to aim for?
A well placed 223 will work and kill a hog. You have way more energy in you 50 Beowulf.
Our gun club had a hog guide from the nail ranch talk to our club.
He said the only bad shot was in the shoulder area, due to biology.
The hog has a massive gristle and bone protecting the heart.
On a shoulder they have tried a 375 hh with the hog running off.
The other thing that you should realize that a hog has a thick hide as compared to Texas deer.
The 50 Beowulf has more power than you need.
Make a good shot and you will drop it.

Where did he suggest you aim, if not for the shoulder?

Take a look at the image the
a hunter will notice that a hog's lungs are well forward, and if he were to place a shot as he would for a lung shot on a deer, the result would almost certainly be a gut shot. a shot on a broadside boar should be placed in below the shoulder area, and lower is preferable. Just be careful not to aim so low that you shoot under the swine. If the animal is quartering towards or away from you, you'll want to place the shot so the bullet will end up in the vitals between the shoulders. Naturally, this requires a bullet that will penetrate well.Some hunters shoot hogs in the head, and that can definitely be a killing shot, provided you hit the brain. Make note of the fact that a hog's brain is a small target, and is well protected by its thick skull. Wild boar american hunter

You need to realize the difference in anatomy and how low the heart is located and the gristle shield is attached to the front legs,

Soft point, ballistic tip, or hollow point should work. Just find what you and your gun likes. At 300 grains and up, you shouldn't have to worry much about penetration. Don't believe all the stories you hear about pigs wearing Kevlar.