Ramshot True Blue has earned its reputation as the most versatile handgun propellant in the modern reloader’s arsenal. As a high-density, double-base spherical powder, Ramshot True Blue bridges the gap between fast-burning target powders and slow-burning magnum propellants. It is uniquely engineered to provide extreme pressure stability across a massive spectrum of calibers, from the diminutive 380 ACP to high-pressure rounds like the 9mm Luger and even heavy-hitting revolver cartridges like the 44 Magnum. Its standout feature is its physical consistency; the uniform spherical grains flow through powder measures with the fluidity of fine sand, ensuring that every charge dropped is identical to the last. For the high-volume reloader using progressive equipment, Ramshot True Blue represents the pinnacle of reliability and performance.
Executive Summary
- Main Application: All-purpose handgun loading, particularly high-pressure semi-auto and standard revolver cartridges
- Key Advantage: Exceptional volumetric metering and broad application range
- Burn Rate: Mid-range handgun propellant (comparable to Accurate No. 5)
- What This Guide Covers: Physical profile, pressure behavior, metering efficiency, and optimized component pairings
Best For: Handloaders seeking a single powder capable of loading almost any handgun cartridge with extreme consistency.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Ramshot True Blue is a double-base propellant, meaning it contains a percentage of nitroglycerin to increase energy density. This chemical composition allows it to deliver higher velocities in shorter barrels without requiring excessive charge weights. Physically, Ramshot True Blue consists of very small, dense spherical grains. This high density (0.940 g/cc) makes it an excellent choice for cartridges with limited case capacity, as it leaves ample room for seating long or heavy-for-caliber bullets without compressing the load.
The pressure curve of Ramshot True Blue is remarkably linear. Unlike some fast powders that can exhibit sharp, unpredictable pressure spikes when approaching maximum load data, Ramshot True Blue builds pressure in a predictable, progressive fashion. This makes it a “forgiving” powder for load development, providing a wider safety margin for the reloader. Its burn speed is perfectly situated to maximize performance in the most popular defensive calibers, offering a full burn and high velocity in 4-inch to 5-inch barrels.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: The best-metering handgun powder on the market, ideal for progressive presses
- Pro: Incredible versatility; can be used in almost any handgun caliber
- Pro: High energy density allows for lower grains-per-round, increasing economy
- Pro: Very clean-burning, leaving minimal residue on the firearm action
- Con: Very fine grains can leak from older or loosely fitted powder measures
- Con: May require a firm roll crimp in revolver loads to ensure complete combustion
Technical Characteristics
| Characteristic | Specification |
| Density (g/cc) | 0.940 |
| Burn Rate Category | Mid-Range Handgun |
| Shape | Spherical (Extra Fine) |
| Coating | Proprietary Surface Treatment |
| Base | Double-Base |
Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis
In the relative burn rate chart, Ramshot True Blue sits in the middle of the pack for handguns. It is slightly slower than Ramshot Zip and Winchester 231, putting it in direct competition with Accurate No. 5 and Vihtavuori N340. This mid-speed positioning is what allows it to be so versatile; it is fast enough to operate standard pressure 45 ACP but slow enough to handle the higher pressures of 357 Sig.
Temperature stability for Ramshot True Blue is considered excellent for a spherical handgun powder. While all ball powders are more sensitive to temperature than some single-base extruded powders, Ramshot True Blue features an advanced deterrent coating that minimizes velocity shifts in extreme heat or cold. When compared to a temperature-stable benchmark like Hodgdon Titegroup, Ramshot True Blue holds its own, showing very little standard deviation (SD) across a wide range of ambient temperatures. Conversely, when compared to more sensitive benchmarks like older versions of Alliant Blue Dot, Ramshot True Blue is significantly more predictable in varied climates, making it a reliable choice for outdoor competition shooters.
Powder Comparison
Because Ramshot True Blue is so versatile, it often replaces several different powders on a reloader’s bench.
| Powder | Relative Burn Rate | Density (g/cc) | Primary Cartridges |
| Alliant Power Pistol | Slightly Slower | 0.650 (VMD) | 9mm Luger, 40 SW |
| Ramshot Silhouette | Slower | 0.880 | 9mm Luger +P, 38 Super |
| Ramshot True Blue | Mid-Range | 0.940 | 9mm Luger, 45 ACP, 357 Magnum |
| Accurate No. 5 | Very Similar | 0.930 | 9mm Luger, 45 ACP, 40 SW |
While Alliant Power Pistol is known for high flash and high velocity, Ramshot True Blue offers similar speeds with much lower muzzle flash and cleaner combustion. Against Ramshot Silhouette, Ramshot True Blue is slightly faster, making it better suited for standard pressure loads, whereas Silhouette shines in +P and competition “Major” power factor loads.
Performance, Metering & Equipment
The metering performance of Ramshot True Blue is the stuff of legend among high-volume reloaders. Because the grains are so small and perfectly spherical, they settle in the metering cavity with zero air gaps. In a “Powder Measure Showdown,” Ramshot True Blue consistently produces the lowest charge weight variations of any handgun powder.
When used with a Dillon XL-750 or a Lee Pro 4000, the powder flows through the drop tube with zero “bridging.” This reliability is critical when loading small-capacity cases where even a 0.2-grain variation can represent a significant percentage of the total charge. For those loading for extreme precision, using a Lyman Brass Smith Powder Measure or an RCBS Matchmaster Digital Powder Scale Dispenser results in virtually perfect drops every time.
A minor equipment note: because the grains are so fine, they can occasionally find their way between the sliding surfaces of some powder measures. Using a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler for final adjustments is smooth and precise, but ensure your primary powder measure is tightened to manufacturer specs to prevent “leaking”.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
The range of applications for Ramshot True Blue is arguably the widest in the Ramshot catalog. It excels anywhere that consistency and clean burning are required.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 9mm Luger | Standard and high-pressure defensive loads |
| 45 ACP | Match-grade target loads with heavy bullets |
| 357 Magnum | Medium-velocity range and field loads |
| 40 SW | Balanced performance with excellent metering |
| 38 Special | +P loads and clean-burning target rounds |
| 357 Sig | Ideal burn rate for this high-pressure caliber |
| 44 Special | Excellent for heavy bullet subsonic loads |
| 44 Magnum | Clean-burning “light” magnum or target loads |
Bullets
Selecting the right bullet for Ramshot True Blue is easy, as the powder works exceptionally well with lead, plated, and jacketed projectiles.
| Brand | Model | Use Case |
| Hornady | XTP | High-accuracy defensive and hunting loads |
| Sierra | V-Crown | Modern defensive handgun performance |
| Speer | Gold Dot | Reliable expansion and bonded performance |
| Nosler | Custom Competition | Precision match loading for 45 ACP |
| Barnes | TAC-XP | High-velocity lead-free applications |
Primers
While Ramshot True Blue does not strictly require magnum primers for most applications, using high-quality primers ensures the most consistent ignition of its deterrent-coated grains.
- CCI 500 – Small Pistol: The gold standard for 9mm Luger and 40 SW.
- Federal 100 – Small Pistol: Highly sensitive, great for competition firearms with light springs.
- Winchester WSP – Small Pistol: All-purpose reliability for standard handgun loads.
- Remington 7-1-2 – Small Rifle: Often used in high-pressure 357 Sig or 9mm Major loads.
- CCI 550 – Small Pistol Magnum: Useful for ensuring ignition in extreme cold.
- CCI 300 – Large Pistol: The standard choice for 45 ACP.
- Winchester WLP – Large Pistol: Unique design works for both standard and magnum large pistol needs.
- Federal 150 – Large Pistol: Excellent for uniform velocities in 44 Special.
- Fiocchi Small Pistol – A reliable, consistent European primer choice.
- Sellier & Bellot V360157 – Small Pistol: Known for consistency in high-volume production.
Conclusion & Expert Verdict
Ramshot True Blue is quite possibly the ultimate “safe bet” for any handgun reloader. Its combination of water-like metering, broad caliber compatibility, and predictable pressure behavior makes it indispensable. Whether you are loading thousands of 9mm Luger rounds for a season of USPSA or carefully crafting accurate 357 Magnum rounds for the range, Ramshot True Blue delivers.
The true value proposition of Ramshot True Blue lies in its ability to consolidate your powder shelf. Instead of buying three different powders for target, defensive, and medium-magnum loads, you can often achieve your goals with this single propellant. It burns clean, shoots flat, and drops from the powder measure with robotic precision.
Expert Pro Tip: To get the most out of Ramshot True Blue in high-pressure cartridges like 9mm Luger or 357 Sig, focus on your neck tension. Because Ramshot True Blue is very dense and utilizes an effective deterrent coating, it performs best when held under consistent tension during the initial ignition phase. Using a high-quality die set like the Dillon Pistol Die Set or RCBS Small Base Die Set will ensure the bullet is held firmly, allowing the powder to build pressure uniformly for the lowest possible velocity spreads.
