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Ramshot powders

chiefrchiefr Member Posts: 14,083 ✭✭✭✭
edited November 2009 in Perry Shooter Competition Shooting and Reloading Forum
I recieved a flier about Ramshot powders today. I have hever used any of their powders before. I have been using Hodgdon, Hercules, IMR and WW for many years. Do any of you all use their powders and offer any thoughts.
Thx ChiefR
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Comments

  • cpermdcpermd Member Posts: 5,273 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    True Blue and Silhouette are very good handgun powders.
    Low flash and clean burning.

    CP
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  • BHAVINBHAVIN Member Posts: 3,490 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    They make good powders. They measure really well and are very fine grained. Tac, True Blue & Silhouette are the ones I have used the most. They offer a very small Standard Deviation testing them on the Chrony. They are usually less money per pound than the others as well.
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  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,438 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    They are EXTREMELY consistent. TAC is the cleanest burning powder I've ever seen. It is not uncommon to go 500 shots without cleaning in the .223 using TAC - and even then it probably isn't necessary.

    You know the reputation Black Hills has for unusually good .223 ammo? They use TAC in it. Not only that, but it is usually cheaper than competing brands! Buy some, use it -- and be converted.
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
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  • MobuckMobuck Member Posts: 14,088 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've been using RS Exterminator with good results. Slightly cheaper per load and meters well.
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  • chiefrchiefr Member Posts: 14,083 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Well, judging from the responses, looks like they make a good product. The fliers I received did not mention costs, but included an entire load guide. I was surprised that True Blue had many applications for many pistol calibers. I will have to try it out.
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  • chiefrchiefr Member Posts: 14,083 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Rocky Raab
    They are EXTREMELY consistent. TAC is the cleanest burning powder I've ever seen. It is not uncommon to go 500 shots without cleaning in the .223 using TAC - and even then it probably isn't necessary.

    You know the reputation Black Hills has for unusually good .223 ammo? They use TAC in it. Not only that, but it is usually cheaper than competing brands! Buy some, use it -- and be converted.


    Rocky, interesting you mentioned Black Hills Ammo, I know their stuff is good. I was stationed at Ellsworth AFB SD in the 70s, when they were just getting started. Now they are flourishing.

    I do have a question back to you about the 223. I have a Ruger 77 target in that cal. What would you recommend, bullet and powder, to tighten my groups? I just can't seem to develop a real accurate load for that rifle. I had the same problems with a Ruger #1 in that caliber. I have been reloading for years and the 223 cartridge seems to jinx me. I can develop exeptional groups with practically anything except the 223.
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  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,438 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Your .223 ought to be very accurate. You didn't mention what groups you are now getting, but you couldn't go wrong by duplicating the Black Hills load: WW brass, CCI 400 primer, 25.5 TAC and the Hornady 50 VMax. Seat to about OAL 2.28" That load develops less than maximum pressure, so you don't need to work up far - if at all.

    In my .223 rifle that likes heavier bullets, that load shoots into just over an inch, but the one that likes 50s will snug it into the mid-4s, on average.
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
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  • chiefrchiefr Member Posts: 14,083 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Rocky Raab
    Your .223 ought to be very accurate. You didn't mention what groups you are now getting, but you couldn't go wrong by duplicating the Black Hills load: WW brass, CCI 400 primer, 25.5 TAC and the Hornady 50 VMax. Seat to about OAL 2.28" That load develops less than maximum pressure, so you don't need to work up far - if at all.

    In my .223 rifle that likes heavier bullets, that load shoots into just over an inch, but the one that likes 50s will snug it into the mid-4s, on average.


    Rocky,
    I just can't seem to get groups under 1 inch @ 100 yds. 1.25 & 1.50 is the best I can do. I have used the Sierra 52 gr match kings (my favorite) and various Hdy 55 gr. Ironically, I can make one hole 3 shot groups with the 222 & 22-250 with these same bullets. I have used H335/2, 3031 & 4198 in my pursuit of accuracy. Tried all the obvious as far as seating depth/case prep, however, I have yet to try the heavier bullets. I guess that could be my problem. I will give TAC a try and experiment with some of the 60+ grain bullets. Appreciate the response.
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  • BHAVINBHAVIN Member Posts: 3,490 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    About 10 years ago my Dad got a Ruger M77 Varmint 223. That gun would not shoot more than 3 shots without throwing huge groups. After a lot of experimenting we figured out that Ruger had throated it wrong. We could push a bullet (even a 69g) clear out of an OAL guage shell and never touch the lands. Ruger sent out several rifles like this and after having it for 2 months they replaced the barrel. Shot great after that. Have you checked yours?
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  • 5mmgunguy5mmgunguy Member Posts: 3,092 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    chiefr

    I am using 27.5 grains of 748 (love the stuff for my 223s) behind a 55 gr SX Hornady SP...shooting in my Rem 760, my poorest shooting 223 because it is a pump and not bolt, the 760 will put 5 shots into 5/8 inch at 100 yards...the bolts do better, with the best doing 1/4 inch at 100 yards. Try some 748.
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  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,438 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    5mm guy - W748 USED to be one of my favorite powders for the .223. Until I tried TAC, that is. Now 748 is about my fourth favorite.

    Chiefr, try a lighter bullet. If your rifle has the 1-12 twist it probably is marginal with 55-gr bullets. A 50 or 40 should snug right up if that's the case.
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
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  • 5mmgunguy5mmgunguy Member Posts: 3,092 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rocky...I have found TAC to be a little slow and not as accurate in my 223s...guess thats part of what makes the world go around. Of the Ramshot powders for 223, the best I have found is X-terminator. Works great in the 20 Tactical too.
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  • chiefrchiefr Member Posts: 14,083 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 5mmgunguy
    chiefr

    I am using 27.5 grains of 748 (love the stuff for my 223s) behind a 55 gr SX Hornady SP...shooting in my Rem 760, my poorest shooting 223 because it is a pump and not bolt, the 760 will put 5 shots into 5/8 inch at 100 yards...the bolts do better, with the best doing 1/4 inch at 100 yards. Try some 748.


    I will try some 748 and Tac. I still think I need to try the heavier bullets. I do not know the twist rate of my barrel. It is a Ruger stainless M77VT target which I bought new.
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  • WulfmannWulfmann Member Posts: 4,905 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have also switched to TAC for 223 and ZIP for 45ACP which is the cleanest pistol powder I have used and like Bullseye and Unique it goes a long long way.
    I get about 20% more loads than W231 which is almost as clean as ZIP.

    As mentioned the RamShot powders are also about 10% cheaper than the other brands although I do not expect that to last.

    Wulfmann
    3YUCmbB.jpg
    "Fools learn from their own mistakes. I learn from the mistakes of others"
    Otto von Bismarck
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