Black Hills Ammunition is a South Dakota maker known for match-grade, consistent loads. Its Black Hills 5.56 line is small and focused, and the load we stock tells you a lot about the brand’s style. The 62 Grain TSX Lead-Free pairs a Barnes Triple-Shock X bullet with a 5.56 NATO case. It’s a hunting and duty-style round, not bulk range ammo.
This guide covers what that load is built for, how the TSX bullet works, and how it compares with other lead-free and expanding 5.56 and 223 loads we carry. All velocity and energy numbers come from our catalog.
The 62 Grain TSX Load at a Glance
- Bullet: Barnes Triple-Shock X, a solid copper hollow point.
- Weight: 62 grains.
- Listed velocity: 3,000 fps.
- Listed energy: 1,239 ft-lbs.
- Pack: 50-round box.
- Lead-free: yes, per our listing.
- Intended use: hunting, per our listing.
The catalog also lists a G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.287 for this load. That’s a respectable number for a copper bullet of this weight.
How the Barnes TSX Bullet Works
Most hunting bullets have a lead core inside a copper jacket. The TSX skips the lead. It’s one piece of copper with a hollow point up front.
Expansion
When the TSX hits, the hollow nose peels back into copper petals. There is no core to separate from a jacket, so the bullet tends to hold close to its full weight.
Penetration
Because it keeps its mass, a copper bullet usually drives deeper than a lead-core bullet of the same weight. That’s useful on hogs and deer, where you need to reach the vitals.
The speed requirement
Copper is harder than lead. Copper bullets need enough impact speed to open. Short barrels and long shots both lower that speed. Keep shots at modest range, especially from a carbine.
Grooves on the shank
TSX bullets have rings cut into the shank. These cut down on fouling and pressure, since solid copper creates more friction than a jacketed bullet.
Comparing the TSX With Other Expanding Loads
| Load | Bullet | Grain | Velocity | Energy | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Hills 5.56 62gr TSX Lead-Free | Barnes Triple-Shock X solid hollow point | 62 | 3,000 fps | 1,239 ft-lbs | 50-round box |
| Hornady Superformance 5.56 55 Grain CX Lead-Free | Solid Hollow Point (Hornady CX) | 55 | 3,175 fps | 1,231 ft-lbs | 20-round box |
| Hornady CX 223 50 Grain Superformance Lead-Free | Jacketed Hollow Point (Hornady CX monolithic copper) | 50 | 3,300 fps | 1,209 ft-lbs | 20-round box |
| Winchester Defender 5.56 64 Grain Bonded JHP | Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point | 64 | 2,800 fps | 1,115 ft-lbs | 20-round box |
| Winchester Deer Season XP 223 64 Grain Extreme Point | Polymer Tip (Winchester Extreme Point) | 64 | 3,020 fps | 1,296 ft-lbs | 20-round box |
| Winchester Silvertip 223 64 Grain Defense Tip | Winchester Defense Tip Polymer Tip | 64 | 2,700 fps | 1,036 ft-lbs | 20-round box |
The closest match is the Hornady Superformance 5.56 55 Grain CX, another copper hollow point. It lists 3,175 fps and 1,231 ft-lbs. The Hornady bullet is lighter and faster. The Black Hills bullet is heavier, which often helps penetration.
If you want a bonded lead-core option, the Winchester Defender 5.56 64 Grain Bonded JHP lists 2,800 fps and 1,115 ft-lbs. For a 223 hunting load with a polymer tip, the Winchester Deer Season XP 64 Grain lists 3,020 fps.
Who Should Buy This Load?
Hog and deer hunters, where legal
A 62-grain copper bullet is a sensible choice for hogs and deer with an AR-15, at reasonable range. Some states don’t allow 223 or 5.56 for deer at all. Check your state’s caliber rules.
Hunters in lead-free areas
Some areas require non-lead ammo for hunting. The TSX meets that need. Rules vary by state and by land type, so check before you go.
Shooters who want one load for field and home
Some owners like a tough, deep-driving bullet for their home rifle too. Laws on defense ammo vary, so check your state and local rules.
Practical Tips
- Chamber: this is a 5.56 NATO load. Use it only in rifles marked 5.56 NATO or 223 Wylde.
- Twist rate: copper bullets are longer than lead bullets of the same weight. A 1:7, 1:8 or 1:9 twist is a good match for a 62-grain TSX. A 1:12 may struggle.
- Zero with your hunting load. Don’t zero with cheap FMJ and hunt with TSX. Point of impact can shift.
- Train with cheaper ammo, then confirm zero with a few rounds of Black Hills before the season.
For more on other 5.56 makers, see our Hornady 5.56 ammo guide or our 5.56 NATO ballistic gel guide.
Shop Black Hills 5.56 Ammo
Find this load in our Black Hills 5.56 ammo category, or compare every option in 5.56 ammo. If you want a premium copper hunting round for your AR-15, Black Hills 5.56 TSX belongs on your short list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Black Hills TSX load lead-free?
Yes. The Black Hills 62 Grain TSX uses a Barnes Triple-Shock X bullet made of solid copper, and our listing marks it lead-free. That makes it an option where hunting rules require non-lead ammo. Check your state’s rules for your hunt.
Can I hunt deer with the Black Hills TSX load?
In states that allow 223 or 5.56 for deer, a 62-grain copper bullet is a sensible choice at modest range. Some states set caliber minimums that rule it out. Check your state’s hunting regulations before the season, and keep shots close.
What twist rate do I need for 62 grain TSX?
Copper bullets are longer than lead bullets of the same weight. A 1:7, 1:8 or 1:9 twist usually stabilizes a 62-grain TSX. Older 1:12 barrels may not. Shoot a group on paper to confirm the bullet is stable and accurate.
Can I shoot this Black Hills load in a 223 rifle?
Only if the chamber is rated for 5.56. Rifles marked 5.56 NATO or 223 Wylde can fire it. A rifle marked only 223 Remington should not fire 5.56 ammo because of higher pressure. Check your barrel stamp and your rifle maker’s manual.
