The Ramshot Grand represents the latest evolution in the Ramshot family of propellants, introduced specifically to meet the demands of modern magnum and overbore rifle cartridges. Manufactured in the USA, this double-base spherical propellant utilizes advanced chemical technology to provide a unique combination of high energy density and exceptional temperature stability. By positioning itself strategically between two industry legends on the burn rate chart, Ramshot Grand offers a specialized alternative for precision shooters who require the high velocities of a double-base powder with the consistent metering of a ball propellant. Whether you are pushing the limits of the 7mm PRC or seeking a new standard for the 300 Winchester Magnum, Ramshot Grand delivers the ballistic uniformity and copper-fouling reduction necessary for elite performance.
Executive Summary
- Main Application: High-intensity overbore and modern magnum rifle cartridges.
- Key Advantage: Precise spherical metering combined with a de-coppering agent and temperature stability.
- Burn Rate: Very slow, positioned between Hodgdon H1000 and Hodgdon Retumbo.
- What This Guide Covers: Comprehensive technical profile, burn rate market position, competitive 4-way analysis, and precise component compatibility tables.
Best For: Precision long-range hunters and competitive shooters using high-intensity magnums.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
The Ramshot Grand is a spherical (ball) powder that breaks the traditional trade-off between energy and stability. As a double-base propellant, it incorporates nitroglycerin to increase energy output, yet it is engineered with modern deterrents to maintain a stable pressure profile across varying environmental conditions.
Physical Properties
- Type: Spherical (Ball)
- Base: Double-Base
- Density: 0.985 g/cc (Bulk Density)
- Feature: Contains integrated de-coppering additives
The Expert “Feel”
Reloading with Ramshot Grand is often described as “effortless” due to its spherical geometry. It meters through powder drops with fluid-like consistency, often yielding charge-to-charge variations of less than 0.1 grains. Internal ballistics experts note that Ramshot Grand provides a highly predictable velocity increase as charge weights are laddered, making it an excellent choice for finding accuracy nodes in new rifle builds.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Exceptional metering consistency makes it ideal for high-volume progressive loading.
- De-coppering agent helps maintain precision during long strings of fire.
- Tuned density provides optimal case fill for modern magnum hulls.
- Competitive velocity potential, often exceeding single-base alternatives.
- Cons:
- Newer to the market, meaning there is less historical “community” data compared to older powders.
- High density can lead to rapid pressure increases if the user approaches maximum loads too quickly.
- Not suitable for smaller standard cartridges like 308 Winchester or 223 Remington.
Burn Rate and Temperature Stability
The market entry of Ramshot Grand was specifically timed to compete with the most popular long-range powders currently available. Its burn rate is precisely calibrated for the modern “PRC” family of cartridges.
Burn Rate Analysis
In the 2024 Hodgdon relative burn rate chart, Ramshot Grand is positioned at number 152. This places it exactly between Hodgdon H1000 (number 151) and Hodgdon Retumbo (number 153). This “sweet spot” allows Ramshot Grand to function in cartridges that might be slightly overbore for Hodgdon H1000 but don’t quite have the massive volume required to fully ignite Hodgdon Retumbo.
Temperature Sensitivity
While spherical powders were historically more sensitive to heat than extruded powders, Ramshot Grand is designed as a temperature-insensitive propellant. Early field testing indicates that while it may not have the absolute “flatness” of the Hodgdon Extreme series in sub-zero weather, it is significantly more stable than older ball powders like Alliant Reloder 22.
Stability Table
| Powder | Velocity Change (FPS per °F) | Stability Rating |
| Hodgdon H1000 | 0.21 | Extreme |
| Ramshot Grand | 0.45-0.65 (est) | Very Good |
| Alliant Reloder 22 | 1.50+ | Sensitive |
Powder Comparison
Understanding the trade-offs between Ramshot Grand and its rivals is key for the precision reloader.
- Hodgdon H1000: Ramshot Grand sits one step slower on the burn chart. While Hodgdon H1000 is a single-base stick powder with legendary stability, Ramshot Grand offers a de-coppering agent and much better metering for progressive reloading.
- Hodgdon Retumbo: Positioned one step slower than Ramshot Grand. Hodgdon Retumbo is often used in ultra-large cases like 300 RUM, whereas Ramshot Grand is often the more efficient choice for 7mm PRC and 300 Winchester Magnum.
- Alliant Reloder 26: A powerful Swiss-made extruded powder. Alliant Reloder 26 is often faster in terms of absolute velocity, but it can be more abrasive on throats and more difficult to find on store shelves than the US-made Ramshot Grand.
- Ramshot Magnum: The older brother in the Ramshot line. Ramshot Magnum is a slower spherical powder that lacks the modern temperature-insensitive coatings and de-coppering agents found in Ramshot Grand.
Comparison Table
| Powder | Burn Rate | Density (g/cc) | Primary Cartridges |
| Ramshot Grand | Very Slow | 0.985 | 6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC, 300 PRC |
| Hodgdon H1000 | Very Slow | 0.910 | 7mm Remington Magnum, 300 Winchester Magnum |
| Hodgdon Retumbo | Ultra Slow | 0.925 | 300 PRC, 28 Nosler, 300 RUM |
| Alliant Reloder 26 | Very Slow | 0.989 | 243 Winchester, 6.5 PRC, 300 Winchester Magnum |
| Ramshot Magnum | Ultra Slow | 1.002 | 7mm Remington Magnum, 338 Lapua Magnum |
Applications and Performance
The “Goldilocks” burn rate of Ramshot Grand makes it versatile across a surprisingly wide range of cartridges, provided they use heavy bullets for their respective bores.
Optimal Matches
For the 300 PRC, Ramshot Grand is a top-tier performer when paired with 212-225 grain bullets. In the 7mm Remington Magnum, it has shown the ability to produce velocities up to 200 fps faster than some traditional propellants. It is also highly effective for the 243 Winchester when using 100+ grain projectiles, and the 6.5 PRC with 140-156 grain bullets.
Metering and Consistency
Because Ramshot Grand “meters like water,” it is highly favored by competitive shooters who need to produce large batches of match-grade ammunition. This consistency reduces velocity spreads, which directly translates to smaller vertical groups at distances beyond 800 yards.
Cleanliness
The inclusion of a de-coppering agent is one of its most valuable features. By chemically removing copper deposits during the firing cycle, Ramshot Grand allows shooters to go longer between deep cleanings without sacrificing the accuracy that copper buildup can often degrade.
Component Compatibility and Interlinking
Cartridges and Cases
Maintaining consistent case volume is essential when using a high-density powder like Ramshot Grand.
| Cartridge | Recommended Brass |
| 243 Winchester | Lapua |
| 6.5 PRC | ADG |
| 6.8 Western | Winchester |
| 7mm Remington Magnum | Peterson |
| 7mm PRC | Hornady |
| 300 Winchester Magnum | Norma |
| 338 Lapua Magnum | Lapua |
Bullets
To maximize the “Very Slow” burn rate, pair Ramshot Grand with these heavy-for-caliber projectiles.
| Bullet Model | Application |
| Hornady ELD-M | Long-Range Target Precision |
| Hornady ELD-X | All-Range Hunting |
| Berger Hybrid Target | Competition Precision |
| Nosler AccuBond | Big Game Performance |
| Sierra GameKing | Traditional Hunting |
Primers
Standard Large Rifle Magnum primers are the baseline for Ramshot Grand, though some high-volume shooters have found success with specialized match primers.
| Model | Type | Best Application |
| Federal GM215M | Magnum Match | Best for 300 PRC precision |
| CCI 250 | Magnum | Reliable ignition for ball powders in cold weather |
| Winchester WLRM | Magnum | Consistent performance for hunting magnums |
| Remington 9-1/2M | Magnum | Recommended for 7mm Remington Magnum |
| RWS 5333 | Magnum | Premium European precision loads |
| Murom KVB-7M | Magnum | Consistent ignition for training batches |
| Fiocchi 616 | Magnum | Budget-friendly high-volume option |
| CCI No. 34 | Large Rifle Military | Extra-thick cup for semi-auto safety |
| S&B Large Rifle Magnum | Magnum | Effective for standard hunting loads |
Expert Verdict
Ramshot Grand is a significant addition to the reloading market, successfully blending the high-energy benefits of a double-base ball powder with the stability and cleanliness expected of modern precision propellants. Its position on the burn rate chart makes it an ideal contemporary for the newest magnum cartridges, and its metering capabilities are a boon to any reloader who values efficiency at the bench.
Expert Pro Tip: When using Ramshot Grand, be extremely diligent with your seating depth. Because this powder is so dense, a small change in seating depth can significantly alter internal volume and pressure. If you are “jamming” bullets into the lands, pressure can spike more rapidly than with slower extruded powders. Always start at least 2 grains below the published maximum and work up slowly, especially when using heavy bullets in cartridges like 7mm PRC.
