Testing Black Hills Ammo’s 5.56 Loads

Published on August 20, 2024
Duration: 5:41

This video provides an expert-level comparison of various Black Hills Ammunition 5.56mm and .223 Remington loads through ballistic gel testing. Jeff Hoffman of Black Hills Ammunition explains how different bullet constructions, such as V-Max, Soft Point, and TSX, are designed for specific purposes and demonstrates their terminal ballistics. The testing highlights significant differences in penetration, expansion, and temporary cavity effects, offering valuable insights for selecting appropriate ammunition for defense or hunting.

Quick Summary

Black Hills Ammunition offers diverse 5.56mm and .223 loads with distinct bullet constructions. V-MAX loads fragment for varmints, Soft Points provide balanced performance, and monolithic TSX bullets excel in deep penetration and controlled expansion, retaining 100% weight for defense and hunting.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction to Black Hills Ammo Testing
  2. 00:33Bullet Design Purpose Explained
  3. 01:08TSX Monolithic Bullet Performance
  4. 02:05Live Fire Gel Testing Setup
  5. 02:3060gr V-MAX .223 Gel Test Results
  6. 02:4060gr Soft Point .223 Gel Test Results
  7. 02:4550gr TSX 5.56 Gel Test Results
  8. 02:5062gr TSX 5.56 Gel Test Results
  9. 04:52Conclusion: Choosing the Right Ammo

Frequently Asked Questions

How does bullet construction affect terminal ballistics in 5.56mm and .223 Remington loads?

Bullet construction significantly impacts terminal ballistics. V-MAX bullets fragment rapidly for varmints, Soft Points offer a balance of penetration and expansion, while monolithic TSX bullets are designed for deep penetration and controlled mushrooming, retaining 100% of their weight.

What are the performance differences between Black Hills 50gr TSX and 62gr TSX 5.56mm loads?

Both 50gr and 62gr TSX loads from Black Hills offer excellent weight retention and expansion. The 50gr TSX penetrates 14-15 inches, while the heavier 62gr TSX achieves nearly 18 inches of penetration, making it the choice for maximum depth.

What is the intended purpose of a 60gr V-MAX .223 Remington load?

The 60gr V-MAX .223 Remington load is specifically designed for small varmints like prairie dogs. Its lightly constructed design causes it to come apart quickly upon impact, creating a significant temporary cavity with minimal retained mass and shallow penetration.

How does a 62gr Barnes TSX 5.56mm bullet perform in ballistic gel?

The 62gr Barnes TSX 5.56mm bullet demonstrates impressive performance, penetrating nearly 18 inches in ballistic gel. It exhibits excellent expansion, mushrooming to nearly .50 caliber while retaining 100% of its original weight, making it a robust choice for defense and hunting.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Gun Talk Media

View all →