5.56 for coyotes and hogs is a natural job for the cartridge. For coyotes, a 50 to 62 gr expanding bullet shoots flat to about 300 yards from a 16-inch barrel. For hogs, step up to a 62 to 77 gr bonded or controlled-expansion bullet, keep shots close and aim for the vitals behind the shoulder, because hogs are heavy-boned and tough. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM15 in 5.56 NATO with 16, 10.5 and 8-inch barrels, all 1:7 twist, so one firearm can run light coyote bullets and heavy hog bullets. If you want more energy and less wind drift, 6mm ARC (often shortened to 6 ARC) and 6.5 Grendel are worth a look on the same CM15 platform.
5.56 for Coyotes
- Bullets: 50 to 62 gr polymer-tip or soft-point varmint and predator bullets. Many hunters who sell fur prefer bullets that limit exit damage.
- Range: with a 100-yard zero, a 55 gr load at Federal’s published 3,165 fps drops about 2 inches at 200 yards and 10 inches at 300 in our calculation. Most coyote shots fall inside that.
- Wind: a 10 mph crosswind moves a 55 gr bullet about 13 inches at 300 yards. Heavier 69 to 77 gr bullets drift less.
- Night hunting: where legal, the short CM15s handle well from vehicles and stands, and a suppressor reduces blast near your ears and the dog’s.
5.56 for Hogs
- Bullets: 62 to 77 gr bonded soft points or controlled-expansion bullets. Light varmint bullets can fail on a big boar’s shoulder plate.
- Shot placement: behind the shoulder through the heart and lungs, or the head and neck at close range where you can place the shot precisely. Hogs’ vitals sit lower and farther forward than many hunters expect.
- Range: keep shots close, generally within 150 to 200 yards from a 16-inch barrel, less from shorter barrels.
- Follow-up: light recoil and a 30-round magazine make fast follow-up shots practical on groups, where legal. This is where 5.56 for coyotes and hogs pays off on the same night.
Using a 5.56 for coyotes and hogs often means feral swine control. Feral swine are an invasive species that damages crops and land in many states; the USDA APHIS feral swine program describes the problem and state contacts. Check your state’s rules on seasons, night hunting, lights and suppressors.
5.56 for Coyotes and Hogs: Ballistics
| Range | 55 gr (coyotes): energy / drop | 77 gr (hogs): energy / drop |
|---|---|---|
| 100 yd | 934 ft-lb / 0 | 1,049 ft-lb / 0 |
| 200 yd | 704 ft-lb / -2.1 in | 864 ft-lb / -3.2 in |
| 300 yd | 520 ft-lb / -10.2 in | 705 ft-lb / -13.3 in |
Chattahoochee Munitions calculation from Federal’s published velocities and ballistic coefficients (55 gr American Eagle 5.56x45mm at 3,165 fps; 77 gr Gold Medal .223 Remington at 2,720 fps), 100-yard zero, 2.5-inch sight height, standard atmosphere. Shorter barrels are slower. See 5.56 ballistics and 5.56 barrel length.
Which CM15 Fits 5.56 for Coyotes and Hogs?
- Coyotes in open country: the 16-inch 5.56 AR15 rifle or 5.56 NATO rifle, for full velocity and a flatter trajectory.
- Hogs in brush, from vehicles or at night: the 10.5-inch 5.56 SBR or 5.56 home defense AR15, which balances velocity and handling.
- The shortest package: the 8-inch 5.56 PDW, for close-range work.
Every CM15 5.56 NATO has a 1:7 barrel, a Superlative Arms adjustable gas block for running suppressed, an Odin adjustable buffer and a TriggerTech Duty trigger at 3.5 lb. See 5.56 suppressor and the lineup at Garrison 5.56.
Beyond 5.56 for Coyotes and Hogs
5.56 handles coyotes and hogs, but heavier bullets with higher ballistic coefficients carry more energy and drift less in the wind, which helps on big boars and long coyote shots. 6mm ARC and 6.5 Grendel are worth a look for that, in the same AR15 lower. See 22 ARC for coyotes and hogs, 6mm ARC for coyotes and hogs and 6.5 Grendel for coyotes and hogs. For dedicated predator rifles on the AR10, see Predator Plains.
5.56 for Coyotes and Hogs FAQ
Who makes a 5.56 AR15 for coyotes and hogs?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures CM15 5.56 NATO rifles, pistols and SBRs with 16, 10.5 and 8-inch barrels, all 1:7 twist.
Is 5.56 good for coyotes?
Yes. 50 to 62 gr expanding bullets shoot flat to about 300 yards.
Is 5.56 good for hogs?
Yes, with 62 to 77 gr bonded bullets and good shot placement at moderate range.
What grain 5.56 for hogs?
62 to 77 gr bonded or controlled-expansion.
What grain 5.56 for coyotes?
50 to 62 gr polymer-tip or soft-point.
Can I use FMJ for hogs?
It is a poor choice. Full metal jacket bullets are not designed to expand.
Is a short-barrel 5.56 good for hogs?
At close range, yes. The 10.5-inch CM15 is a practical hog gun, especially suppressed.
What is a step up from 5.56 for hogs?
6mm ARC or 6.5 Grendel, which fire heavier bullets from the same AR15 platform.
Is 5.56 good for bear?
No. Use the 375 Raptor or 458 SOCOM XL.