Ramshot Powders

[lizziedog1]

Looking at the latest edition of Lyman's reloading manual I see that there are over one hundred different smokeless powders. While I don't think I have even tried half of them, I've tried at least some from each manufacturer except for one, Ramshot. No particular reason, I just haven't. I see that some of their powders could be used in some of the cartridges I reload for.

I have yet to try any of their powders. Who here has tried Ramshot powders? Were you happy with the results? How does it comapre to the other powders?

 

[Walkalong]

They make some good stuff. Many of their powders are used quite a bit. Pick one out that looks right for the app and give it a try.

I have tried Zip, Competition, True Blue, and TAC. Silhouette is the discontinued WAP.

 

[ssyoumans]

I've used TAC in 223 and my 30-30. It seems to be very similar to BLC-2 and flows like water through my RCBS powder flow meter. I bought some as a cheaper alternative to W748 and BLC-2. Seems to burn clean, but I'm not a benchrest target shooter so I can't really comment on professional grade accuracy, but overall I have been happy with it and will probably buy some more. It's about $4 less a pound around here.

 

[cfullgraf]

I tried True Blue during the component shortage of 2009 and liked it.

 

[TheotherMikeG]

Silhouette is my main powder for 125 gr jhp's.

 

[steve4102]

I like Ramshot as well. I load Hunter for my 300WSMs, 7MM-08 AI and 6.5x55. BigGame for my 9.3x62 and 30-06. Tac and XT for my 223/5.56 and 6.5 Grendel. Silhouette for my 45 acp, 10MM, 40 S&W and 9mm.
The only draw back for me is availability. My local shops here does not carry Ramshot so I have to order it.

 

[griff383]

I use TAC for 223 / 5.56 in my AR-15. I wanted a cheaper alternative for Benchmark and from what I can tell the TAC is so close that I dont see a difference in performance.

 

[rbernie]

I use Zip and TAC by the barrel. They work well and are generally priced lower than similar offerings.

 

[onebigelf]

I also like TAC for .223. Good stuff and a bit cheaper. Most of my stash ammo reloads are either TAC or Varget.

John

 

[WNTFW]

About the biggest downside to Ramshot is the load data is not that plentiful. They have some data on their site.

Tac smells a bit wierd when shot. I was getting some for $14 a pound a while back. For that price I figured I would learn to like it.

I had my first experience with Ramshot prior to that. I loaded some Rem Core Lokts with a starting load of Ramshot and shot a 1.188" group at 200yds from a .270, so I had a good first impression.

 

[EddieNFL]

Several years ago Midway offered TAC for $9.99 per pound and $9.99 shipping. I bought 40 pounds. Wish I had bought more.

 

[duck911]

+1 on TAC. Works great in my .17 Fireball and .223.

 

[Walkalong]

Wish I had bought more.

Affirmative. I'm down to about 4 pounds.

 

[FROGO207]

Funny how I thought I was the only one to take advantage of Midway's offer and am now just running out myself. I use lots of TAC, Hunter, ZIP, and some Silhouette. I just go to their web site and ask about a load and propellant that is not listed and their ballistician Johan Loubser will email me directly with data or why another choice of theirs would work better. They are great to work with for sure. Also the prices are easy on the wallet.

 

[rfwobbly]

I've used Ramshot TAC in my AR and I'm very happy with it. I found TAC by building a spreadsheet of 25 viable 223 powders. On a per shot basis, TAC was the cheapest by far AND it allowed a wider velocity range than most.

I've been very happy and very impressed.

 

[Funshooter45]

I have used a lot of True Blue and Enforcer in my revolvers and I like them both very well. I have recently loaded up some Big Game and Hunter for rifles but I haven't shot them yet, waiting for a good warm day to evaluate some of my various rifle loads I have worked up. But for sure I like how those meter in any powder measure. Make sure you use magnum rifle primers for the rifle powders since they are spherical not extruded.

 

[Marc257]

I've used Competition in .45 acp revolver loads. ALMOST as good as 231 IMHO.

 

[41 Mag]

So far I have only used the Hunter and Magnum, but both met or exceeded my expectations in the cases they were used in. The easily meter to within less than the width of the line on my scale over an average of 20 throws, so more often than not I simply weight out the first 5 or so to make sure the column has settled and go for it.

 

[RidgwayCO]

The only one I've tried is X-Terminator. It's excellent in my AR with 55gr FMJ bullets.

 

[highbrow]

Use a lot of TAC in .223 and .308 and it works well. Have used some in 30-06 and 8mm Mauser also.

 

[mineralman55]

From correspondence with them, Ramshot recommends TAC for the .223/AR15 and .308/7.62 in the M1A. They recommend Big Game for the Garand. Haven't gotten around to using either. I have used Silhouette in the 9mm and .45ACP. It feeds beautifully, had better than average accuracy with 115grain and 200 LSWC respectively, but I couldn't believe the muzzle flash from it. It's supposed to be low to no flash. I've since returned to HS-6 for my pistols.