So there was a fairly lengthy conversation on another forum I was on about the legalities, moralities and efficiency of hunting large game such as pigs with a 5.56/.223 ar-15 rifle.  And well, there wasn't any real agreement on ANYTHING. 

We all know that Hawaii law says a rifle needs 1,200 ft/lbs at the muzzle to be legal for large game.  Certain loadings of 5.56/.223 just make the cut.  Hornady 75 grain TAP, and Black Hills 77 grains SMK are two that come to mind.  They both push just a bit past 1,200.  I'm sure someone who reloads could come up with something just fine as well.

So I have a question for the local hunters, has anyone here used an ar-15, or a 5.56/.223 to hunt pigs here?  If so what did you use?  Pre panic, had anyone found either of these rounds available locally, or did you reload them yourself to fit accordingly.

Obviously its not an ideal cartridge for big tough boars, but smaller pigs should fall just fine in my opinion.  After all, isn't it all about shot placement anyways?

Thoughts, comments?

I thought TAP was a polymer tip.  I wonder how the DLNR looks at the new generation of polymer tip ammo for hunting.

I've used 55gr. soft point Federal TRU ammo on pigs.

A lot of our customers use 556 55 gr hollow points and soft points with good results.  FMJ is a ear shot to the brain....

I've shot a lot of pigs with a .223 over the years (I used to grow sweet potatoes commercially), and it's an unreliable round.  Sometimes, one well placed shot and the pig drops, but a lot of the time, a fatal shot won't drop the pig, and it will run just far enough into the forest that I can't find it until it starts to smell.  I've seen bullets bounce off the skull, but I've also dropped a 350 lb pig with one shot to the neck. 

I've also used a 7.62X39 and a .30 Carbine at various times.  I've also seen a 7.62X39 (from an SKS with a 20" barrel) bounce off a pigs skull.  I think I've just been lucky with the carbine; they've always dropped, even the one I hit at 180yds.

The last few pigs I've gotten have been with a .308, and I'm much happier with that cartridge.  I haven't had any pig that I hit with it take so much as a single step.

PS All the hunting I've done has been on private land. and I always use a semi-auto.  I got charged once by three pigs and dropped two of them at 8 and 10 paces...I hit the third one, too, but I had a (16") .223 and it got away.....

and I always use a semi-auto.

FULL AUTO Pig hunting.....I would love to see that!

So there was a fairly lengthy conversation on another forum I was on about the legalities, moralities and efficiency of hunting large game such as pigs with a 5.56/.223 ar-15 rifle.  And well, there wasn't any real agreement on ANYTHING. 

We all know that Hawaii law says a rifle needs 1,200 ft/lbs at the muzzle to be legal for large game.  Certain loadings of 5.56/.223 just make the cut.  Hornady 75 grain TAP, and Black Hills 77 grains SMK are two that come to mind.  They both push just a bit past 1,200.  I'm sure someone who reloads could come up with something just fine as well.

I believe 55 gr soft point is stil legal as most manufacturers report a muzzle energy 1282 ft/lbs at the muzzle.  FMJ is illegal.

I'm not saying it's an effective round, but it appears to be a legal one.

I've hunted pig, goat, and deer with my AR. I've used 55 gr soft points with good results. My only complaint was the rifle was bulky with the mag in and would get caught up in the brush. The SKS with a folding stock is another great gun to use. It was my favorite for years. Nice and compact plus it's a 30 cal.

FULL AUTO Pig hunting.....I would love to see that!

Did you get that video from Aimpoint with their pig hunts?  Frikken spectacular pig hits man..............amazing..........pigs plowing the fields, pigs rolling after being hit at full tilt...........

slidefire pig hunting? I'm in!

slidefire pig hunting? I'm in!

now were talking

The 30-30 Winchester is one of the best all around rounds to take game in the us.  They family lever gun has taken pig, deer amd bear without missing a beat.  But shot placementis everything.  Many guys take deer with a very accurate .22 lr due to thier soft skin.

I just went to a LGS and was asking about hunting rounds for .223 and 5.56.  None were available except the Hornady brand 5.56 with a heavier weight that what I'm used to seeing.  Of course I got lectured about using a heavier round for hunting, being a responsible hunter etc which I understand being a Bow hunter 1st then a rifle hunter 2nd.  I"m a patient hunter and pass up many shots because the placement isn't right.  From what I got from my Hunter's Ed class was that rounds must have a muzzle energy of 1200 ft/lb, soft tipped, and dog hunters can use a .22 magnum round.  The sales man said I must use the heavier weight 556 to be in compliance and that anyone using a 223 round is in violation, and using .22 are illegal.  I was ready to say BS to his face but went the higher road and decided to look it up in the State hunting website.  I didn't see anything about bullet weight but everything else was that same as I remembered .  Has anything been revised recently that isn't reflected in the website? BTW I'm hunting pigs in the bush that are 10 ft away.  The reason I asked about the ammo was that I'd like to take something with my AR once in my life.

I just went to a LGS and was asking about hunting rounds for .223 and 5.56.  None were available except the Hornady brand 5.56 with a heavier weight that what I'm used to seeing.  Of course I got lectured about using a heavier round for hunting, being a responsible hunter etc which I understand being a Bow hunter 1st then a rifle hunter 2nd.  I"m a patient hunter and pass up many shots because the placement isn't right.  From what I got from my Hunter's Ed class was that rounds must have a muzzle energy of 1200 ft/lb, soft tipped, and dog hunters can use a .22 magnum round.  The sales man said I must use the heavier weight 556 to be in compliance and that anyone using a 223 round is in violation, and using .22 are illegal.  I was ready to say BS to his face but went the higher road and decided to look it up in the State hunting website.  I didn't see anything about bullet weight but everything else was that same as I remembered .  Has anything been revised recently that isn't reflected in the website? BTW I'm hunting pigs in the bush that are 10 ft away.  The reason I asked about the ammo was that I'd like to take something with my AR once in my life.

Yes go for it I have taken pigs with my Ar-15 5.56 but on larger pigs I have had to go looking for them that's one reason why I built a 300 blackout better choice of hunting rounds and alot more impact energy.
Legal Hunting Animals and Weapons When hunting with dogs where permitted, hunters may use any muzzeloading rifle with a minimum of 0.45 caliber bore diameter; any rifle using at least a 0.22 caliber magnum load or center fire cartridge; shotguns loaded with slugs or 00 or larger buckshot or spears or knives. When hunting without dogs, hunters may use any rifle with a muzzle energy rating of 1,200 foot pounds or more; shotguns loaded with 00 or larger buckshot and muzzleloader rifles with a minimum of 0.45 caliber bore diameter (Breech loaders may not be used during muzzleloader only designated hunts)

AR's are fine for small to medium soft bodied game like spanish goats, feral sheep or even small axis does when shooting for its vitals.  I recommend that u use a good hunting round 62 grain or heavier to assure good penetration and a humane kill.  As far as pig hunting, using this round is adequate for small immature pigs which by the way should be allowed to mature before being harvested unless absolutely necessary. When shooting mature pigs through its vitals this round will more likely injure the pig reducing ur chances of recovering it.  The only humane way to kill a mature pig with this round is with a brain shot.  Some people do recommend neck shots to bring down large game but sometimes miss its intended spine also injuring the fleeing animal. If u are unable to make an accurate brain shot with an AR then u should invest in a hunting rifle with a larger adequate cartridge for the game u wish to hunt.  I have hunted all of our game mammals in Hawaii and have observed individuals using all types of methods but have come to realize that its better to be safe and make a humane kill then waste or maim an animal for your mere entertainment. 

Totally agree with Huntum808.  I have had my AR 10 built to replace an old Savage 99F .308.  It is probally hard to find good hunting factory ammo in .223 unless you reload your own.  I don't reload so I rely on store bought ammo.  Regardless of the high cost I am sticking with factory ammo loaded with Barnes Triple Shock X bullets made by Federal or Pierce (Ted Nugent Ammo). We don't hunt with dogs anymore so I'd like to make sure that the animal drops at the spot or close by and not spend time looking for it after it takes off.  Happy Hunting...

I thought TAP was a polymer tip.  I wonder how the DLNR looks at the new generation of polymer tip ammo for hunting.

Just like any other bullet that expands...
Check section 22-123-13b item 5.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=hawaiian%20hunting%20bullets&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdlnr.hawaii.gov%2Fhuntered%2Ffiles%2F2013%2F05%2FMammalHuntingRegs_Chap123.pdf&ei=EH_KUf_9H4n3iwLCmYDYDg&usg=AFQjCNGzWtlPK7B_3er6l5zlxCzDpu-KMQ&sig2=P4L44JaIkzepbVbxJJhC9A&bvm=bv.48340889,d.cGE

The only restriction mentioned regarding rifle ammo is, it must have 1200 pounds of muzzle energy, and possesion of FMJ rounds is prohibited while hunting the law does NOT specifically specify a hollow or soft point bullet.
Ergo: Soft point, hollow point, ballistic tip, and even unjacketed lead swc, round nose, or flat point bullets are leagal.