HOP Blog
Is 5.56 Good for Hog Hunting? Our Field-Proven Results Say YES
Jul
Originally posted on November 27, 2024 (Updated July 16, 2025)
If you’ve spent any time hunting hogs, you already know they’re tough animals. Tougher than most folks give them credit for. They don’t stop easily, especially when they’re running full tilt, adrenaline pumping, and tearing through thick brush like a freight train.
So the question comes up a lot: Is 5.56 good for hog hunting?
That depends on the load.
Not all 5.56 is built for hunting. But the 62-grain Solid Copper REX from HOP Munitions is a different animal entirely. It’s not just effective—it’s been field-proven in aerial hunts, night ops, and ground-level engagements to drop hogs fast and hit hard, even from shorter barrels.
If you’re running an AR-15 and looking for the best 5.56 ammo for hog hunting, this round was built for the job. And we’ve got the real-world results to back it up.
Why the 62-Grain Solid Copper REX Is the Best 5.56 Ammo for Hog Hunting
HOP Munitions has a reputation for producing high-performance 5.56 ammo for hog hunting, and the 62-grain Solid Copper REX is no exception. This round blends modern engineering with brutal terminal performance, optimized for AR-15 platforms.
Key Performance Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Bullet Type: Solid Copper REX (Rapid EXpanding)
- Grain Weight: 62
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,870 fps
- Muzzle Energy: 1,134 ft/lbs
- Ballistic Coefficient: .300
- Sectional Density: .177
- Packaging: Sold in boxes of 20 and 50
These numbers translate directly to the kind of terminal performance needed for fast, clean, and ethical hog kills, making it some of the best 5.56 ammo for hog hunting available.
Field-Tested: Real-World Results from Aerial and Ground Hunts
Tucker, a former USDA Wildlife Services operator and current owner of Adaptive Improved Management (AIM), has used this round extensively across both aerial hog control and ground-based hunting.
“We specifically used the REX round for feral swine in our aerial program,” Tucker explained. “From 20 yards to almost 300 yards, it performed flawlessly—no pass-throughs on piglets, and complete devastation on big hogs.”
In one case, a 350-pound hog was struck through the shoulder plate. The round shattered the chest and dislocated the far shoulder. “That’s not common for 5.56,” Tucker emphasized. “This round is different. It works.”
Additional takeaways:
- No failures in short-barrel rifles (tested in 10.5″, 14.5″, and 16″ ARs)
- Two-shot kills from a helicopter at pigs running full speed
- Consistent gel block penetration of 14–16 inches with violent expansion, even through barriers
When asked what he’s using now that he’s out of government work, Tucker responded simply:
“I still use the REX round. It’s my go-to for everything I used to do under USDA—only now I can talk about it.”
Devastating Power for Ethical Hog Hunting
Lethal Energy Transfer
With over 1,100 ft/lbs of muzzle energy, the REX solid copper 5.56 hog hunting ammo drops hogs quickly and cleanly. Whether you’re taking shoulder shots or hitting vitals, it delivers reliable takedown power.
Flat Shooting Accuracy
Thanks to a .300 ballistic coefficient and superior sectional density, this round stays flat and accurate from 50 to 300+ yards—critical for both spot-and-stalk hunters and aerial gunners.
- Drag Function: G7
- Zero Range: 100 yards
- Chart Range: 500 yards
Lead-Free & Legal for Hunting
Made from solid copper, the REX round is lead-free and fully compliant in regions that ban toxic ammo. But this isn’t just an eco-friendly gimmick—the copper petals expand violently, creating massive wound channels while limiting over-penetration.
Optimized for AR-15s
Whether you’re running a pistol-length AR or a full 16-inch rifle, the REX is engineered for reliability and accuracy across barrel lengths and twist rates. Unlike heavier rounds that require a 1:7 twist, the 62-grain REX runs flawlessly in most AR platforms.
REX vs the Competition
62-Grain REX vs 55-Grain M193
The 55-grain projectile, like the popular M193, is known for its higher velocity and flatter trajectory at shorter ranges. However, its lighter weight makes it less effective for penetration and energy transfer on larger game, especially at extended distances.
The 62-grain Solid Copper REX bridges the gap by offering:
- Increased sectional density (0.177): Provides better penetration, especially on tough-skinned targets like hogs.
- Enhanced stability: The heavier weight performs better in windy conditions and at longer ranges, maintaining accuracy and energy.
- Controlled expansion: Unlike the fragmentation tendencies of the 55-grain round, the solid copper REX is designed to expand upon impact, delivering ethical kills with minimal over-penetration.
For hunters using AR-15s, the 62-grain REX offers the precision and knockdown power the 55-grain round often lacks, making it the superior choice for medium to large game.
62-Grain REX vs 77-Grain HPBT
The 77-grain projectiles, particularly the 77-grain Hollow Point Boat Tail (HPBT) rounds, are known for their exceptional long-range accuracy and heavier impact. These match-grade bullets are often the choice for precision shooters and long-distance engagements. However, when it comes to hunting applications—especially hog hunting with an AR-15—there are some important considerations:
- Velocity Trade-off: Heavier bullets like the 77-grain HPBT typically have a lower muzzle velocity compared to lighter bullets. This can result in reduced energy transfer at common hunting distances, potentially affecting terminal performance on game at closer ranges.
- Trajectory Arc: While the 77-grain bullets have a higher ballistic coefficient, which helps maintain velocity over longer distances, they also exhibit a steeper trajectory arc. This means more pronounced bullet drop, requiring more precise range estimation and adjustments.
- Overpenetration Risks: The 77-grain HPBT is designed for maximum stability and accuracy, but it may not expand as reliably upon impact when hunting medium-game. This can lead to overpenetration, where the bullet passes through without transferring optimal energy, resulting in less effective terminal performance.
- Twist Rate Requirements: To stabilize heavier bullets like the 77-grain HPBT, a faster barrel twist rate (typically 1:7 or 1:8) is required. Rifles with slower twist rates (like 1:9) may not stabilize these bullets effectively, leading to decreased accuracy.
By choosing the 62-grain Solid Copper 5.56 REX, hunters gain the benefits of higher velocity, reliable expansion, and ease of use in standard AR-15 platforms.
This makes it a more practical and effective choice for hog hunting compared to the heavier 77-grain HPBT rounds, which are better suited for specialized long-range shooting rather than hunting applications.
62-Grain REX vs NATO M855
The NATO M855 (62-grain “green tip”) is a standard military round featuring a steel penetrator core designed for use against lightly armored targets. While it offers adequate performance for general-purpose shooting, it has limitations when applied to hunting:
- Poor expansion: The M855’s steel core reduces its ability to expand, often resulting in over-penetration and less energy transfer on soft targets.
- Environmental concerns: The M855 contains lead, making it less eco-friendly compared to lead-free options.
The 62-grain Solid Copper REX outshines the M855 by delivering:
- Controlled expansion: Its Rapid EXpanding (REX) design ensures devastating energy transfer while minimizing over-penetration, ideal for hog hunting.
- Lead-free construction: Solid copper rounds are safer for the environment and comply with hunting regulations in areas that restrict the use of lead-based ammunition.
- Precision engineering: With a ballistic coefficient of 0.300, the REX round offers superior accuracy and trajectory stability over the M855.
The Verdict: Is 5.56 Good for Hog Hunting?
If you’re using the 62-grain Solid Copper REX from HOP Munitions, the answer is a resounding YES.
Whether you’re in thick woods, open fields, or leaning out of a helicopter, this 5.56 hog hunting ammo performs under pressure. Its lethal energy, rapid expansion, and accuracy make it a top choice for hog hunters who rely on their AR-15s.
Shop the Best 5.56 Ammo for Hog Hunting
→ Buy 62-Grain Solid Copper REX – 20 Rounds – $29.99
→ Buy 62-Grain Solid Copper REX – 50 Rounds – $69.99
Step into the field with confidence. When every shot counts, trust the round that delivers time and time again.
