Super sonic 300blk rolls them over pretty good even through their armor plated shoulder. 6.8 and 6.5 are better but generally going to take a little more than 500 to get a mildly reliable set up rolling.
No argument from me, but from when I was researching my trip in 2017, a lot of the places I looked at wouldn't allow .300 or 5.56. Some of the places and outfitters were very particular on equipment, and the number of hogs shot.
I actually like M&P Sport. I’ve never had an issue and for range time and plinking it is great. I like it better than the Ruger that was too tight to take down. Is it top of the line? Absolutely not. But I’d take it over no AR. However, I like the gun. Someday I will build my own or buy a higher end AR but for now this suits me fine. I feel the same about my Bushmaster.
I too am planning a TX hog hunt and bought a .308 for that purpose. Most of these hog ranches say .223 is the smallest they recommend. Since I’ve hunted a lot with the .308 that is what I thought would be best.
The difference between a 77gr 5.56 and a 125gr .300 super is about 50 ft/lbs. the .300 super is 1/2 that of a .308I've seen a few outfits that won't allow 300subs, and generally don't specify. 300blk supers have quite the following in north Texas south central oklahoma where ive been hunting for them. Personally I'll take my grendel next time, 223 was not effective my pigs ran a long way and recovered the next morning with the dogs after i was gone.
.308 is ideal, until you have to carry the gun. Size and weight are the only downside.I was wondering, "Why not 308?" myself. I've got a PA-10 that I built, and while I've only shot steel with it, it would easily shoot minute of hog at 350 yards even with surplus 7.62x51, but it would be a little over the OP's budget of $500.
The difference between a 77gr 5.56 and a 125gr .300 super is about 50 ft/lbs. the .300 super is 1/2 that of a .308
Neiher the 5.56 or the .300 is ideal, but they will work, given excellent shot placement. .300 offers very little over 5.56, except quiet. Quiet, it is the ballistic equal to .45 acp. It doesn't fill any niche I have.
The 77gr is faster by 550fps, but gives up only 50 ft/lbs of energy. It's a a wash, at best.
.308 for comparison
AR does not mean it has to be .223 and in fact I would not suggest that at all. Wild hogs can get VERY large. 6.5 Grendel and 300 Blackout are the rounds you want to look at. Blackout will be your 300 yard gun AND you can easily go subsonic with it as it is designed for that. Probably the most iconic hog setup is going to be a silenced 300 Blackout with subsonic ammo and some kind of night time capability. 6.5 Grendel is more versatile. 700 yard gun, will take anything from moose on down and deadly accurate if you've bought a decent setup.
Production would be BushMaster or Windham. Custom would be ZRTS
I've also gotten uppers from Hardened Arms for a reasonable amount with BCG/CH.
https://www.hardenedarms.com/ecProd.../7 12" HD Quad Upper w/bolt carrier group CH