In the modern reloading landscape, few propellants have achieved the specific “cult following” of Ramshot Big Game. Known as a high-performance, double-base spherical propellant, Ramshot Big Game was specifically engineered to maximize the potential of medium-capacity cartridges while providing the effortless metering that ball powders are famous for. Its balanced burn rate and high energy density have made it a favorite for hunters who demand both velocity and precision in a variety of environmental conditions.
Whether you are seeking the ultimate load for a classic 30-06 Springfield or looking to push the limits of the 22-250 Remington, Ramshot Big Game provides a stable, clean-burning platform. This guide explores the technical profile, comparative performance, and component pairings required to unlock the full potential of this Belgian-made propellant.
Executive Summary
- Main Application: Optimized for 30-06 Springfield class cartridges, short-action families, and high-velocity varmint rounds.
- Key Advantage: Exceptional volumetric metering and high energy density that ensures optimum case-fill and shot-to-shot consistency.
- Burn Rate: Medium rifle propellant, typically situated between Hodgdon H380 and Winchester 760.
- What This Guide Covers: Technical specifications, temperature stability analysis, a 4-way comparison, and comprehensive primer/bullet matching.
Best For: Hunters pursuing elk and mule deer, high-volume reloaders using progressive presses, and varmint shooters requiring maximum velocity.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Ramshot Big Game is an extremely clean-burning, double-base spherical powder. Unlike traditional extruded propellants, the uniform spherical kernels of Ramshot Big Game allow it to flow through powder measures with incredible fluidity, virtually eliminating the “bridging” or inconsistent drops common with stick powders.
The Expert “Feel”
Reloaders frequently report that Ramshot Big Game provides a “progressive push” rather than a sharp pressure spike, which contributes to its reputation for accuracy and high muzzle velocities. In cases like the 270 Winchester, it allows for higher load densities, filling the case more efficiently than many extruded alternatives. This high fill ratio is often credited with reducing velocity spreads (SD) and improving overall consistency.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Industry-leading metering properties in mechanical powder measures.
- High energy density for superior velocities and flatter trajectories.
- Excellent temperature stability for a double-base powder.
- Clean-burning formula that helps extend barrel life and simplifies maintenance.
- Cons:
- Like most spherical powders, it can be slightly harder to ignite than single-base stick powders, often benefiting from magnum primers.
- Availability can sometimes be regional compared to larger brands.
Technical Characteristics
The technical profile of Ramshot Big Game highlights its efficiency in space-constrained cartridges.
| Property | Specification |
| Manufacturer | Ramshot (Western Powders/Hodgdon) |
| Powder Type | Spherical (Ball) |
| Base | Double-Base (Nitrocellulose/Nitroglycerine) |
| Density | 0.965-0.985 g/cc (approximate range) |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium Rifle |
| Coating | Modern deterrents for burn control and flash suppression |
Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis
Ramshot Big Game is frequently lauded for its temperature stability, which is often considered “average to somewhat better” than traditional ball powders. In testing conducted by experts in varying conditions, the velocity loss from 70 degrees down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded at approximately 28 FPS in a 30-06 Springfield load. While not quite at the level of the Hodgdon Varget in terms of pure insensitivity, it is more than consistent enough for most big game hunting scenarios where shots are taken in changing climates.
Stability Benchmark Comparison
| Powder Name | Stability Level | Tech Category |
| Ramshot Big Game | Good | Double-Base Spherical |
| Hodgdon H4350 | Extreme | Insensitive Extruded |
| IMR 4350 | Moderate | Standard Extruded |
Powder Comparison
Ramshot Big Game sits in a highly competitive burn rate bracket, frequently compared to the most popular medium-rifle powders on the market.
- Hodgdon H380: Slightly faster than Ramshot Big Game. While H380 is a classic, Ramshot Big Game is generally considered more modern with better temperature resistance.
- Alliant Reloder 15: Similar burn rate but an extruded powder. Reloder 15 is highly versatile but lacks the flawless metering of the spherical Ramshot Big Game.
- Winchester 760: A very close spherical competitor. Many reloaders find the two powders nearly interchangeable in cartridges like the 7mm-08 Remington.
- Hodgdon H4350: Slightly slower in burn rate. While H4350 is often the “gold standard” for accuracy in 6.5 Creedmoor, Ramshot Big Game often yields higher velocities with lighter bullets.
Competitor Comparison Table
| Powder | Burn Rate | Density (g/cc) | Primary Cartridges |
| Ramshot Big Game | Medium | 0.970 | 30-06 Springfield, 22-250 Remington |
| Hodgdon H380 | Medium-Fast | 0.915 | 22-250 Remington, 243 Winchester |
| Winchester 760 | Medium | 0.980 | 7mm-08 Remington, 30-06 Springfield |
| Alliant Reloder 15 | Medium | 0.925 | 308 Winchester, 223 Remington |
| Hodgdon Varget | Medium | 0.885 | 308 Winchester, 22-250 Remington |
Performance, Metering & Equipment
Metering Consistency
The tiny spherical kernels of Ramshot Big Game are designed to flow too freely for some digital loaders but excel in traditional mechanical measures. It is a favorite for progressive press users because it drops with pinpoint accuracy, often within 0.05 grains. For maximum precision, an RCBS MatchMaster Digital Powder Scale & Dispenser is recommended to ensure consistency at the highest level.
Fouling and Cleanliness
Ramshot Big Game is engineered to be extremely clean-burning. It utilizes additives that not only reduce carbon and copper fouling but are also argued to extend barrel life by reducing flame temperatures. While it burns cleanly, some users find that light fouling on case necks can be slightly resistant to standard cleaning if not addressed promptly.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
The versatility of Ramshot Big Game allows it to perform exceptionally well across a broad range of standard and short-action calibers.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 30-06 Springfield | Ultimate 150-180 grain hunting powder |
| 22-250 Remington | Maximum velocity with 52-55 grain bullets |
| 270 Winchester | Precision 130-150 grain game loads |
| 7mm-08 Remington | Excellent performance with 120-140 grain bullets |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | High-speed loads with 120 grain or lighter bullets |
| 243 Winchester | Versatile varmint and medium game loads |
| 35 Whelen | Heavy bullet (250 grain) performance |
| 303 British | Reliable loads with 180 grain bullets |
Bullets
To fully utilize the energy of Ramshot Big Game, it is best paired with bullets that benefit from its high velocity and consistent pressure curve.
| Bullet Brand/Model | Recommended Weight | Application |
| Sierra MatchKing | 155-175 grain (30 cal) | Long-Range Target |
| Nosler AccuBond | 140 grain (7mm) | Big Game Hunting |
| Hornady V-Max | 55 grain (22 cal) | Varmint Control |
| Barnes TTSX | 120 grain (7mm) | Lead-Free Hunting |
| Nosler Partition | 100 grain (260/Creedmoor) | Medium Game |
Primers
Because Ramshot Big Game is a double-base ball powder, using a consistent, high-output primer is critical for ensuring reliable ignition, especially in cold weather.
- CCI 250: A magnum large rifle primer often recommended to bridge ignition gaps in ball powders.
- Winchester WLRM: A standard magnum option known for its hot flame and reliability.
- Federal 215: Often cited as the ultimate primer for igniting stubborn ball powders in cold temps.
- CCI 200: A standard large rifle primer that works well in warmer climates or smaller cases.
- Federal GM210M: Match-grade consistency for the lowest velocity spreads in 30-06 Springfield.
- CCI BR-2: Benchrest quality primer for maximum accuracy in precision loads.
- RWS 5333: A premium large rifle magnum primer for consistent European-spec ignition.
- CCI 34: Essential for semi-autos where military-spec primers prevent slam-fires.
- Remington 9-1-2M: A reliable magnum alternative for hunting applications.
Expert Verdict
Ramshot Big Game is a technical powerhouse that offers a rare combination of high energy and user-friendly handling. Its ability to generate high muzzle velocities while maintaining a clean barrel and accurate groups has solidified its place as a top-tier propellant for the 30-06 Springfield and beyond. For the reloader who values efficiency at the bench and performance in the field, it is a propellant that rarely disappoints.
Expert Pro Tip: While Ramshot Big Game is remarkably stable, ball powders in general can show pressure sensitivity if loaded to the absolute maximum in cold weather and then fired in the heat of summer. To find the “sweet spot” for accuracy and safety, work up your load in the ambient temperature you plan to hunt in most often, and consider using a magnum primer like the Winchester WLRM to ensure identical ignition shot-to-shot.
