The Ramshot Magnum is a premium, high-density, double-base spherical propellant designed specifically for large-capacity, overbore rifle cartridges. Manufactured in Belgium at the world-renowned PB Clermont facility, this powder represents the pinnacle of modern spherical propellant technology, offering a unique combination of high energy density and exceptional metering consistency. While many long-range powders rely on large extruded kernels that can be difficult to measure, Ramshot Magnum utilizes a finely grained spherical geometry that flows through volumetric measures with fluid-like precision. This characteristic makes it an indispensable choice for reloaders seeking maximum performance in cartridges ranging from the 7mm Remington Magnum to the 338 Lapua Magnum.
Executive Summary
- Main Application: High-performance, high-capacity overbore magnum cartridges.
- Key Advantage: Superior metering and high energy density for heavy-for-caliber projectiles.
- Burn Rate: Very slow-specifically tuned for magnum rifle applications.
- What This Guide Covers: Physical specifications, temperature sensitivity data, 4-way market comparison, and comprehensive loading compatibility.
Best For: High-volume long-range shooters and hunters utilizing large magnum platforms.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
The Ramshot Magnum is distinct in the market due to its chemical and physical architecture. As a double-base powder, it contains a percentage of nitroglycerin, which increases the energy content per unit of weight compared to traditional single-base extruded powders. This allows reloaders to achieve impressive velocities even in cases where volume is at a premium.
Physical Properties
- Type: Spherical (Ball)
- Base: Double-Base
- Density: 95.5 lbs/ft³ (Bulk Density: 1.002 g/cc)
The Expert “Feel”
Reloading with Ramshot Magnum is often described as a seamless experience at the loading bench. Because the granules are spherical and highly uniform, the powder provides a consistent fill within the cartridge case, reducing the likelihood of bridging in the powder measure. Internal ballistics experts note that Ramshot Magnum provides a sustained, progressive pressure curve. Unlike some faster-burning spherical powders that can peak sharply, Ramshot Magnum maintains pressure longer down the bore, which is essential for accelerating heavy bullets to competitive velocities without exceeding safe pressure limits.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Exceptional metering precision, often eliminating the need to hand-trickle every charge.
- High energy density allows for top-tier velocities in overbore cartridges.
- Clean-burning characteristics when used at appropriate high-pressure levels.
- Excellent case-fill properties in larger magnum hulls.
- Cons:
- Exhibits more temperature sensitivity than some high-end extruded “Extreme” powders.
- Requires a robust primer strike for consistent ignition due to its heavy deterrent coating.
- Not suitable for smaller, non-magnum calibers where the burn rate is too slow.
Burn Rate and Temperature Stability
The burn rate of Ramshot Magnum places it in the upper echelon of slow-burning propellants. It is specifically engineered to handle the massive volumes of gas generated by large cases and small bores, where a fast-burning powder would reach dangerous pressure peaks before the bullet could travel a few inches.
Burn Rate Analysis
In the relative quickness hierarchy, Ramshot Magnum is positioned near other industry heavyweights like Hodgdon H1000 and Hodgdon Retumbo. It is slower than its sibling, Ramshot Hunter, and slightly slower than the recently introduced Ramshot Grand. This placement makes it ideal for the “heavy lifters” of the rifle world, particularly when projectiles with high ballistic coefficients are employed.
Temperature Sensitivity
Like many double-base spherical powders, Ramshot Magnum shows a moderate response to environmental temperature fluctuations. While it is not as sensitive as some older ball powders, it does not match the absolute stability of the Hodgdon Extreme line. Expert testing typically records a velocity variation of approximately 0.87 FPS per degree of temperature change. This is a critical factor for long-range hunters who may develop a load in 70 degree weather but hunt in sub-zero temperatures.
Stability Table
| Powder | Velocity Change (FPS per °F) | Stability Rating |
| Hodgdon H1000 | 0.21 | Extreme |
| Ramshot Magnum | 0.87 | Moderate |
| Accurate Magpro | 1.01 | Fair |
Powder Comparison
When selecting Ramshot Magnum, it is helpful to understand how it compares to its primary rivals in the reloading market.
- Hodgdon H1000: This is the primary extruded competitor for Ramshot Magnum. While Hodgdon H1000 offers superior temperature stability, Ramshot Magnum typically provides higher energy density and much easier metering through progressive or automatic powder measures.
- Ramshot Grand: The newest addition to the Ramshot family, Ramshot Grand is designed to address the temperature sensitivity of the original Ramshot Magnum while adding copper-fouling reducers. Ramshot Grand sits slightly faster on the burn chart and is intended to compete directly with Hodgdon H1000 performance profiles.
- Accurate Magpro: Another spherical magnum powder from the same parent company, Accurate Magpro is slightly faster than Ramshot Magnum and is often favored for short magnums like the 270 WSM. However, it generally shows higher temperature sensitivity than Ramshot Magnum in large-volume cases.
- Hodgdon Retumbo: Positioned as the slower alternative to Ramshot Magnum, Hodgdon Retumbo is the go-to for ultra-large cases like the 300 RUM. Ramshot Magnum is often the more versatile choice for “standard” magnums where Hodgdon Retumbo might result in overly compressed loads.
Comparison Table
| Powder | Burn Rate | Density (g/cc) | Primary Cartridges |
| Ramshot Magnum | Very Slow | 1.002 | 7mm Remington Magnum, 300 Winchester Magnum |
| Ramshot Grand | Slow-Magnum | 0.985 | 6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC, 300 PRC |
| Hodgdon H1000 | Very Slow | 0.910 | 257 Weatherby Magnum, 338 Lapua Magnum |
| Accurate Magpro | Slow-Magnum | 0.990 | 270 WSM, 7mm WSM |
| Hodgdon Retumbo | Ultra Slow | 0.915 | 300 RUM, 28 Nosler |
Applications and Performance
The performance of Ramshot Magnum is most evident in “overbore” situations where the ratio of case capacity to bore diameter is high. This environment requires the slow, steady gas generation that Ramshot Magnum provides.
Optimal Matches
For the 300 Winchester Magnum, Ramshot Magnum is a standout performer when using 180 to 220 grain bullets. In the 7mm Remington Magnum, it provides excellent velocities with heavy 160 and 175 grain projectiles. It is also one of the top choices for the 338 Lapua Magnum, where its high density allows for sufficient powder charges without excessive compression.
Metering and Consistency
The spherical nature of Ramshot Magnum allows it to flow through powder measures with nearly zero variance. This is a major advantage for shooters who load in high volumes, such as those practicing for long-range competitions. Consistent charge weights lead directly to consistent muzzle velocities, which is the single most important factor in reducing vertical dispersion at 1000 yards and beyond.
Cleanliness
Because it is a double-base powder, Ramshot Magnum burns best at high pressures. If used in “starting” loads or in cases that are too large for the charge weight, it may leave a slight carbon residue. However, at typical magnum operating pressures (55,000-65,000 PSI), it burns very cleanly and leaves the bore in excellent condition for subsequent shots.
Component Compatibility and Interlinking
Cartridges and Cases
Precision starts with high-quality brass that can withstand the high pressures associated with magnum rifle loading.
| Cartridge | Recommended Brass |
| 257 Weatherby Magnum | Weatherby |
| 270 WSM | Winchester |
| 6.5 PRC | Lapua |
| 7mm Remington Magnum | ADG |
| 300 Winchester Magnum | Norma |
| 300 RUM | Remington |
| 338 Lapua Magnum | Lapua |
Bullets
Pairing Ramshot Magnum with high-BC hunting and target bullets maximizes the long-range potential of your rifle.
| Bullet Model | Application |
| Barnes TTSX | Lead-Free Hunting |
| Hornady ELD-X | Long-Range Hunting |
| Nosler AccuBond | All-Around Hunting |
| Berger VLD Hunting | Precision Hunting |
| Sierra GameKing | Traditional Hunting |
Primers
Proper ignition of a slow-burning spherical powder like Ramshot Magnum requires a powerful primer strike, especially in cold conditions. A Large Rifle Magnum primer is mandatory for these applications.
| Model | Type | Best Application |
| Federal GM215M | Magnum Match | Precision loads for 300 Winchester Magnum |
| CCI 250 | Magnum | Reliable ignition in all weather conditions |
| Winchester WLRM | Magnum | Standard high-velocity magnum loads |
| Remington 9-1/2M | Magnum | Excellent for 7mm Remington Magnum |
| RWS 5333 | Magnum | High-energy European match loads |
| Murom KVB-7M | Magnum | Consistent performance for training |
| Fiocchi 616 | Magnum | Reliable and affordable for high volume |
| CCI No. 34 | Large Rifle | Military-style primers for high-impact rifles |
Expert Verdict
The Ramshot Magnum is a quintessential propellant for the modern era of high-performance shooting. Its ability to provide extreme velocities while maintaining the easiest metering characteristics in its class makes it a favorite among reloaders who value both efficiency and performance. While it requires attention to temperature variations for the most demanding long-range applications, its consistency and energy density are rarely matched by traditional extruded powders.
Expert Pro Tip: When working with Ramshot Magnum, ensure your neck tension is consistent across your entire batch of brass. Because spherical powders can be slightly more difficult to ignite than extruded powders, consistent neck tension helps the primer build the necessary initial pressure for a complete and uniform burn of the powder column. If you notice high velocity spreads, a slight increase in neck tension or moving to a more powerful primer like the Federal GM215M often resolves the issue.
