Looking for guidance from AR rifle hunters (ammunition)

[LD36]

I was recently invited to go on a hog hunt this fall in TN. Right now, the only rifles that I would take and already own are AR style rifles in 5.56 and 7.62x39. I was thinking of adding 300 AAC Blackout to the list; though my good friend is trying to talk me into the 350 Legend. My hesitation with the 350 Legend is that it would require new magazines, where the 300 AAC uses standard AR mags. Also, though the ammo selection for 350 Legend is growing, it is still nowhere near the variety of the 300 AAC.

So, first question, is there any good significant reason to lean towards the 350 Legend?

For those who recommend the 300AC, what ammunition would you recommend? I am estimating that I will keep shots within 300 yards; so is bullet weight a significant factor? I appreciate any advice the community has to offer. I'll also be looking at online forums, but figured I'd reach out to the INGO community first. Thank you!

 

[Cavman]

Barnes vortex 110 grain for 300blk. 300 yards might be pushing its limit though

 

[jagee]

I was researching 300 BO for deer hunting and found this article. Might be helpful.

Best 300 Blackout Hunting Ammo For Deer, Hogs, Varmints & Other Game

There are many great 300 Blackout hunting ammo options that work great on game like hogs and deer. The best 300 Blackout ammo is

thebiggamehuntingblog.com

 

[Jaybird1980]

I say just stick with the x39 if it runs good in your gun.

300 yards is a stretch for all of those choices

 

[cg21]

I was recently invited to go on a hog hunt this fall in TN. Right now, the only rifles that I would take and already own are AR style rifles in 5.56 and 7.62x39. I was thinking of adding 300 AAC Blackout to the list; though my good friend is trying to talk me into the 350 Legend. My hesitation with the 350 Legend is that it would require new magazines, where the 300 AAC uses standard AR mags. Also, though the ammo selection for 350 Legend is growing, it is still nowhere near the variety of the 300 AAC.

So, first question, is there any good significant reason to lean towards the 350 Legend?

For those who recommend the 300AC, what ammunition would you recommend? I am estimating that I will keep shots within 300 yards; so is bullet weight a significant factor? I appreciate any advice the community has to offer. I'll also be looking at online forums, but figured I'd reach out to the INGO community first. Thank you!

Proper shot placement distance and ammo any of those calibers would be sufficient I’d bet.

I like my 350 a lot and a couple new mags don’t hurt.

 

[roscott]

7.62x39 will cover 300BLK territory. 350 Legend will get you a bit more energy but the ballistics aren’t impressive.

IMO it sounds like 6.5 Grendel or 6.8SPC fit the bill much better. I like Grendel for hogs. Have killed a slew of them with Hornady SST and Black.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

I get great results from Federal 110 gr. from 16" barrel. NOTE: have not shot anything live.

LWRCI M6 in .300BO with PA GLX 2X

 

[BigMoose]

Stick with what you got (Unless there is a law against it)

Good 223/556 ammo will kill hogs just fine.

 

[LD36]

I get great results from Federal 110 gr. from 16" barrel. NOTE: have not shot anything live.

LWRCI M6 in .300BO with PA GLX 2X

View attachment 260983

Thats gorgeous!!

 

[LD36]

I say just stick with the x39 if it runs good in your gun.

300 yards is a stretch for all of those choices

I have one in a standard AR platform and a pistol in the PSA hybrid platform. The AR has an 18" barrel, but the scope that is currently on top isn't adequate for distance hunting. I may just upgrade the glass on that one.

 

[LD36]

Stick with what you got (Unless there is a law against it)

Good 223/556 ammo will kill hogs just fine.

I may end up doing just that... all of my 5.56 guns are very accurate and have run flawlessly

 

[LD36]

7.62x39 will cover 300BLK territory. 350 Legend will get you a bit more energy but the ballistics aren’t impressive.

IMO it sounds like 6.5 Grendel or 6.8SPC fit the bill much better. I like Grendel for hogs. Have killed a slew of them with Hornady SST and Black.

The only reason I haven't looked much at those rounds is the price. From what I see, the those are a bit more pricey from the LGS around me. Maybe I'll have another look

 

[BigMoose]

I may end up doing just that... all of my 5.56 guns are very accurate and have run flawlessly

My current load is 223 Winchester Silver tip 64 grain. Its a defense load, but it slams hogs down good.
Heavier the bullet the better. I have used other stuff. Usually 60 grains and higher that expands. Wham hog dirt nap.

 

[DadSmith]

I was recently invited to go on a hog hunt this fall in TN. Right now, the only rifles that I would take and already own are AR style rifles in 5.56 and 7.62x39. I was thinking of adding 300 AAC Blackout to the list; though my good friend is trying to talk me into the 350 Legend. My hesitation with the 350 Legend is that it would require new magazines, where the 300 AAC uses standard AR mags. Also, though the ammo selection for 350 Legend is growing, it is still nowhere near the variety of the 300 AAC.

So, first question, is there any good significant reason to lean towards the 350 Legend?

For those who recommend the 300AC, what ammunition would you recommend? I am estimating that I will keep shots within 300 yards; so is bullet weight a significant factor? I appreciate any advice the community has to offer. I'll also be looking at online forums, but figured I'd reach out to the INGO community first. Thank you!

7.62x39mm ballistics
I adjusted velocity to what it would be from a 16" barrel approximately.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

Thats gorgeous!!

Thanks, my first 3 hun-dirt blackout.

I have Project Grendel photos too (a Centurion build) if you want them.

Centurion upper and lower, ALG-ACT trigger, Craddock barrel, 13.9", Radian CH, Radian 90 safety, Magpul grip and trigger guard, B5 stock, Magpul Tres BUIS, and a rail for bipod. Still no optic . . . yet. May put Steiner prism on it, but really who knows what I will decide.

 

[DadSmith]

Here is the ballistics on 6.5 Grendel.
I put the velocity for a 20" barrel on the conservative side.

 

[DadSmith]

This is for the 300 Blkout
150gr I lowered the velocity to what a 16" barrel would be approximately.

 

[Limpy88]

350 legend is cheaper new.
Reloading about a wash

The variety of 350legend is 115gr to 280gr if you reload.
Factory i think there is 124gr to 255gr for sub sonic. 165gr-180gr sweet spot for hunting.
Great round you can pick up at nearly every walmart and big box store across the usa.
350 legend is legal in alot of states where 300blk isn't, to hunt.
Yes different mags. 20rds max at the moment. But same bolt face as 223/556.

I have a few 350 legend. Like it alot.

 

[Squid556]

+1 For sticking with 5.56 and using a 64 grain soft point. 75 gr BTHP may also yield decent results.

If you were going to stay within 200 yard's, just use the 7.62x39.

I really appreciate @DadSmith posting the charts. To simplify what he showed...
At 300 yards.....
- 7.62x39 drops 2 ft, drifts 1 ft, hits @ 600 ft/lbs
- 300 BLK drops 3 ft, drifts 1 ft, hits @ 700 ft/lbs
-6.5 Grendel drops 1 ft, drifts 6 in, hits @1000 ft/lbs.

If nothing else it reminds me how efficient and badass the Grendel cartridge is.

 

[two70]

I was recently invited to go on a hog hunt this fall in TN. Right now, the only rifles that I would take and already own are AR style rifles in 5.56 and 7.62x39. I was thinking of adding 300 AAC Blackout to the list; though my good friend is trying to talk me into the 350 Legend. My hesitation with the 350 Legend is that it would require new magazines, where the 300 AAC uses standard AR mags. Also, though the ammo selection for 350 Legend is growing, it is still nowhere near the variety of the 300 AAC.

So, first question, is there any good significant reason to lean towards the 350 Legend?

For those who recommend the 300AC, what ammunition would you recommend? I am estimating that I will keep shots within 300 yards; so is bullet weight a significant factor? I appreciate any advice the community has to offer. I'll also be looking at online forums, but figured I'd reach out to the INGO community first. Thank you!

Are you willing to take head/neck shots? If so, then 5.56 will be fine and I would choose it over 7.62x39 or .300 BO. If you're going to stick with normal body shots, it'll still work but you need to put more effort into picking a good bullet, IMO. Personally, although I usually try for head/neck shots I still use Barnes ammo in case I need to take a body shot.

I think there are good reasons to pick up a .350 Legend but not overwhelming ones. A 6.8 or 6.5 would really make more sense unless you plan to hunt with the .350 L on public land in Indiana or one of the other states that allow it for deer.

Whatever you choose don't be a cheap *** on ammo. You're planning on taking the live(s) of animal(s) and likely expending time, money, and effort to do so, cutting corners on ammo cost is beyond foolish. Also, spend some time studying hog anatomy diagrams. They are built differently than deer and a typical lower 1/3 chest shot equals a gut shot hog unless it is placed tight to the shoulder.