Published: 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Ramshot Big Game is a medium-burning, double-base spherical powder from Western Powders, specifically engineered for the medium-to-large capacity hunting cartridges in the 30-06 Springfield and 270 Winchester class. It is produced in Belgium and distributed in North America through Western Powders’ Ramshot line.
The powder’s defining position in the burn rate chart – between Hodgdon H380 and Winchester 760 – covers the medium burn rate range that serves 30-06 Springfield with standard 150-180 grain hunting bullets, 270 Winchester with 130-150 grain loads, and 7mm-08 Remington with standard deer hunting weights.
The temperature stability claim in the original article (“28 FPS from 70°F down to 0°F in a 30-06 Springfield load”) is notably better than typical double-base ball powder behavior (which would predict 70 fps or more across that 70°F swing at 1.0-1.5 fps/°F). While this specific field-test figure is cited approvingly in the original article, it is more optimistic than standard double-base ball powder chemistry typically produces. The practical guidance: expect 0.8-1.2 fps/°F as the working assumption for seasonal load development, while acknowledging that specific lots may show better performance.
This article is based on published manufacturer specifications, established load data, and documented field reports. Specifications and performance figures can vary between lots, rifles, and conditions. If you have loaded Ramshot Big Game in practice – leave a comment below: real-world experience from the reloading bench is what separates verified data from manufacturer claims.
Powder Description and Technical Profile
Ramshot Big Game is a double-base, spherical powder with modern deterrent coatings including flash suppression. The double-base chemistry – nitrocellulose plus nitroglycerin – provides the energy density per grain that drives 30-06 Springfield to competitive hunting velocities at appropriate pressures.
The spherical geometry produces ball powder metering performance – charge-to-charge variance of 0.04-0.07 grains on quality progressive equipment. The original article’s claim of “within 0.05 grains” is consistent with high-quality ball powder metering. For a hunter loading 200 rounds of 30-06 Springfield on a progressive press without weighing every charge, this metering precision is the specific practical advantage.
Bulk density is approximately 0.965-0.985 g/cc – very high for a medium burn rate position, significantly higher than extruded alternatives (IMR 4350 at ~0.860, Hodgdon H4350 at ~0.860). This density produces excellent case fill in 30-06 Springfield and 270 Winchester at working charge weights, contributing to the consistent standard deviations that hunters report.
The flash suppression treatment is specifically relevant for low-light hunting applications – morning or evening shots in timber where muzzle flash can temporarily disrupt target acquisition.
Strengths:
- Ball geometry metering (0.04-0.07 grain variance) – enables production loading on progressive presses without overhead
- High bulk density (0.965-0.985 g/cc) produces excellent case fill in medium-large hunting cases – eliminates position sensitivity
- Flash suppression treatment – useful for low-light hunting conditions
- Double-base energy density provides competitive velocity in hunting cartridges
- Belgian manufacturing (Nitrochemie, a Swiss/European manufacturer) has a strong consistency record
- 35 Whelen and 303 British coverage – the deep Western Powders data library covers a broader range than most competitors at this burn rate
Limitations:
- Temperature sensitivity (~0.8-1.2 fps/°F working assumption) – standard double-base ball powder behavior; not at Extreme series levels
- 22-250 Remington standard light-bullet application is marginal – burn rate may be too slow for standard 40-55 grain varmint bullets in 22-250 Remington; appropriate only for heavier 60+ grain bullets
- 6.5 Creedmoor standard loads are not the primary application – Hodgdon H4350 is the benchmark for 6.5 Creedmoor with 140-143 grain match bullets
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ramshot / Western Powders (Belgium) |
| Type | Double-Base Spherical (Ball) |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | 0.965 – 0.985 |
| Grain Shape | Small Spherical |
| Coating | Modern Deterrent + Flash Suppression |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium Rifle |
| Temperature Sensitivity | ~0.8-1.2 fps / °F (working assumption) |
Burn Rate Positioning – Corrected Comparison Table
The original article’s comparison table has several density errors. The corrected positioning:
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Burn Position | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H380 | DB Ball | 0.940 | Slightly Faster | Standard |
| Hodgdon H335 | DB Ball | 0.980 | Faster | Standard |
| Ramshot Big Game | DB Ball | 0.975 | Reference | Standard |
| Winchester 760 | DB Ball | 0.980 | Similar | Standard |
| Alliant Reloder 15 | DB Extruded | 0.920 | Similar-Slower | Standard |
| Hodgdon H4350 | SB Short-Cut | 0.860 | Slower | Extreme |
| Hodgdon Varget | SB Short-Cut | 0.910 | Faster | Extreme |
The original article’s Varget density (0.885 g/cc) and H380 density (0.915 g/cc) are corrected here. Varget bulk density is approximately 0.910 g/cc; H380 is approximately 0.930-0.940 g/cc. The burn rate positions remain correct.
Temperature Stability – Practical Assessment
The original article cites a specific field test figure of “28 FPS from 70°F down to 0°F” – an approximately 1 fps/7°F sensitivity which would be approximately 0.14 fps/°F. This is notably better than typical double-base ball powder chemistry and approaching Extreme series territory. Independent field reports are more variable.
Working assumption: 0.8-1.2 fps per degree Fahrenheit is the prudent planning figure for Ramshot Big Game seasonal load development – consistent with double-base ball powder chemistry. If your specific lot and rifle combination shows better stability, that is a bonus. Develop maximum loads at the highest expected firing temperature either way.
| Powder | 70°F Swing | At 300 yards | At 400 yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H4350 | ~21-35 fps | <0.5″ | ~1″ |
| Ramshot Big Game | ~56-84 fps | ~1.5″ | ~2″ |
| Winchester 760 | ~56-84 fps | ~1.5″ | ~2″ |
| Alliant Reloder 22 | ~112-140 fps | ~2.5″ | ~3.5″ |
For big game hunting at 0-400 yards with standard center-of-vital-zone margins, the 1.5-2 inch variation at 300-400 yards across a 70°F seasonal swing is within the practical hunting margin. A seasonal zero verification before the hunt is the appropriate protocol.
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
vs. Winchester 760: Winchester 760 burns at a very similar position to Ramshot Big Game with comparable density (~0.980 g/cc) and similar double-base ball powder temperature sensitivity. The original article correctly notes that many reloaders find them nearly interchangeable in cartridges like 7mm-08 Remington. Both produce competitive results; load development in the specific rifle guides the final selection. Charge weights are not directly interchangeable without verification.
vs. Hodgdon H4350: H4350 is the Extreme series benchmark for precision use in the adjacent burn rate class – ~0.3 fps/°F stability versus Ramshot Big Game’s ~0.8-1.2 fps/°F. Ramshot Big Game meters better from ball geometry and provides slightly higher velocity from double-base energy in some loads. For hunters who verify seasonally and value production metering efficiency, Ramshot Big Game is a workable choice. For year-round precision competition where seasonal consistency is essential, H4350 is more appropriate.
vs. Hodgdon H380: H380 burns slightly faster and is specifically optimized for 22-250 Remington with 50-55 grain varmint bullets – the application where Ramshot Big Game is marginal. For 22-250 Remington standard varmint loads, H380 is the better burn rate match. For 30-06 Springfield and 270 Winchester with standard hunting weights, both are documented but Ramshot Big Game’s slightly slower burn rate is more efficient.
vs. Alliant Reloder 15: Alliant Reloder 15 is a double-base extruded powder at a comparable burn rate – meters with ±0.1-0.15 grain variance (less consistent than Ramshot Big Game’s ball geometry) but produces slightly higher velocity from its energy content. For precision single-stage loading where both are hand-weighed, the metering advantage of Ramshot Big Game is eliminated and Reloder 15 may produce better extreme spread. For production progressive loading, Ramshot Big Game is the metering-efficiency choice.
vs. Accurate 2700: Accurate 2700 is a double-base ball powder from the same Western Powders family at a slightly slower burn rate (0.975 g/cc). Both cover 30-06 Springfield and 270 Winchester from the same ball powder metering standpoint. Ramshot Big Game sits at a slightly faster burn rate position. Load development in the specific cartridge guides the selection.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Ramshot Big Game is most effective in medium-to-large capacity hunting cases where ball powder metering and double-base energy density provide the best performance-production balance.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 30-06 Springfield | 150-180 gr | Primary application – standard hunting loads |
| 270 Winchester | 130-150 gr | Classic hunting loads |
| 7mm-08 Remington | 120-162 gr | Standard deer loads |
| 243 Winchester | 85-105 gr | Standard hunting weights |
| 35 Whelen | 200-250 gr | Heavy-bullet bush hunting |
| 303 British | 150-180 gr | Bolt-action hunting loads |
| 22-250 Remington | 55-65 gr | Heavier varmint loads only – see note |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | 120-130 gr | Light bullets only – see note |
22-250 Remington note: The original article lists 22-250 Remington with 52-55 grain bullets as a primary application. Ramshot Big Game’s burn rate is at the slower end for standard 22-250 Remington varmint use with 40-55 grain bullets. Hodgdon H380 or Hodgdon Varget are better matched for standard 22-250 Remington varmint loads. Ramshot Big Game in 22-250 Remington is specifically appropriate only for heavier 60+ grain bullets where effective case volume reduction makes the slower burn more efficient.
6.5 Creedmoor note: Hodgdon H4350 is the standard benchmark for 6.5 Creedmoor with 140-143 grain match bullets. Ramshot Big Game in 6.5 Creedmoor is appropriate with lighter 120-130 grain hunting bullets where the slightly faster burn is more efficient; verify from current Western Powders data.
Bullets
Ramshot Big Game is best paired with standard-to-heavy hunting and precision bullets in medium-bore calibers where the progressive pressure curve provides consistent acceleration.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nosler | Partition | 150-180 gr | 30-06 / 270 Win | Classic Big Game |
| Nosler | AccuBond | 130-175 gr | 270 Win / 7mm-08 / 30-06 | Bonded Hunting |
| Sierra | MatchKing | 155-175 gr | 30-06 | Precision Target |
| Hornady | V-MAX | 55-60 gr | 22-250 Rem (heavy only) | Varmint |
| Hornady | ELD-X | 130-178 gr | 270 Win / 30-06 | Long-Range Hunting |
| Barnes | TTSX | 120-168 gr | 7mm-08 / 30-06 | Lead-Free Hunting |
| Sierra | GameKing | 130-165 gr | 270 Win / 30-06 | Traditional Hunting |
| Nosler | Ballistic Tip | 90-165 gr | 243 Win / 270 Win | Flat-Shooting Hunting |
| Berger | VLD Hunting | 140-185 gr | 7mm-08 / 30-06 | Long-Range Hunting |
| Federal | Trophy Bonded | 165-180 gr | 30-06 | Premium Hunting |
Have you loaded Ramshot Big Game? Your practical data on charge weights, accuracy nodes in 30-06 Springfield or 270 Winchester, temperature behavior across hunting seasons, or comparison with Winchester 760 or H4350 helps other reloaders more than any spec sheet. Leave a comment below.
Primers
Ramshot Big Game as a double-base ball powder responds well to standard large rifle primers in standard-capacity cases at moderate temperatures. For large-capacity cases at maximum charges or in cold conditions below 20°F, magnum primers improve consistency.
The original article lists “RWS 5333” as a primer. The correct designation in the RWS large rifle magnum lineup is RWS 5337. Verify from current RWS documentation before ordering.
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Federal GM210M | Large Rifle Match | Competition precision – gold standard |
| CCI BR-2 | Large Rifle Benchrest | Competition lowest SD |
| CCI 200 | Large Rifle Standard | 30-06, 270 Win general development |
| Federal 210 | Large Rifle Standard | Hunting loads consistent use |
| Winchester WLR | Large Rifle Standard | Hunting loads versatile |
| Remington 9-1/2 | Large Rifle Standard | Traditional pairing |
| CCI 250 | Large Rifle Magnum | Cold weather, magnum cases |
| Winchester WLRM | Large Rifle Magnum | Magnum hunting loads |
| Federal 215 | Large Rifle Magnum | Maximum cold-weather ignition |
| Remington 9-1/2M | Large Rifle Magnum | Traditional magnum option |
| RWS 5337 | Large Rifle Magnum | Premium European option |
| Fiocchi Large Rifle Magnum | Large Rifle Magnum | European magnum alternative |
| Ginex Large Rifle | Large Rifle Standard | Cost-effective general use |
Metering and Equipment Compatibility
Ramshot Big Game’s ball geometry delivers the metering performance that makes high-volume hunting ammunition production practical. On a Dillon XL 750 or Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, the Dillon Precision Case Activated Powder Measure Assembly handles Ramshot Big Game with near-liquid flow consistency.
For precision single-stage loading, the RCBS MatchMaster and Hornady Auto-Charge Pro handle the fine spheres efficiently.
Static electricity management: small dense spherical grains accumulate static in plastic hoppers in dry conditions. Ground the drop tube or use an anti-static dryer sheet treatment for dry winter loading sessions.
Reloading Safety Notes
All charge weights must come from current published Western Powders / Ramshot load data for Ramshot Big Game specifically. Do not substitute Winchester 760, Accurate 2700, or Hodgdon H4350 charge weights without independent verification.
Temperature protocol: the Pro Tip in the original article is sound guidance. Develop maximum loads at the temperature you plan to hunt in most often – not at controlled indoor bench temperature. At 0.8-1.2 fps/°F working sensitivity, a load developed at summer indoor temperatures may exceed safe pressure limits in extreme summer heat.
Start 10% below the listed maximum and work up in 0.3-grain increments. Watch for flattened primers, stiff bolt lift, ejector marks.
See the overpressure in reloading guide for systematic pressure sign identification.
FAQ
Is Ramshot Big Game interchangeable with Winchester 760?
Both are double-base ball powders at similar burn rate positions with similar density, and they produce comparable results in 30-06 Springfield, 270 Winchester, and 7mm-08 Remington. They are not directly interchangeable by charge weight without verification – always start from each powder’s own published minimum and work up.
Is the 28 fps / 70°F stability figure credible for a double-base ball powder?
The figure is more optimistic than typical double-base ball powder chemistry would predict. Standard double-base ball powders typically show 1.0-1.5 fps/°F, which would produce 70-105 fps across a 70°F swing – not 28 fps. Use 0.8-1.2 fps/°F as the prudent working assumption for seasonal load development and hunting trip preparation. Better-than-expected field performance with a specific lot is a bonus, not a planning baseline.
Is Ramshot Big Game appropriate for 6.5 Creedmoor competition?
For 6.5 Creedmoor with standard 140-143 grain match bullets, Hodgdon H4350 is the benchmark choice. Ramshot Big Game in 6.5 Creedmoor is more appropriate with lighter 120-130 grain hunting bullets and does not offer the Extreme series stability that makes H4350 the competition default.
Conclusion
Ramshot Big Game delivers a practical combination of ball powder metering efficiency, double-base energy density, and flash suppression in a burn rate position specifically useful for the 30-06 Springfield and 270 Winchester class of hunting cartridges. For a hunter loading production volumes on a progressive press who verifies zero seasonally, it is a fully capable choice.
Choose Ramshot Big Game if you load 30-06 Springfield, 270 Winchester, or 7mm-08 Remington at production volumes and want ball powder metering efficiency with flash suppression for hunting. Choose Hodgdon H4350 if Extreme series year-round stability is the priority. Choose Winchester 760 if the same ball powder burn rate position with wider North American availability is preferred. Choose Accurate 2700 if the slightly slower burn rate from the same Western Powders family is a better case-volume match for heavy bullets in these cartridges.
Editor’s note: Published load data and manufacturer specifications are the starting point – not the final word. Field experience from reloaders who have actually worked with this powder is the most reliable guide to what it does in practice. If you have used Ramshot Big Game, share your results in the comments.
Editorial note: Originally published 2026, revised May 2026. The revision corrected density errors in the comparison table – H380 density corrected from 0.915 to ~0.940 g/cc; Varget density corrected from 0.885 to ~0.910 g/cc; Alliant Reloder 15 density corrected from 0.925 to ~0.920 g/cc. Added the 28 fps stability figure caveat with the standard double-base ball powder working assumption of 0.8-1.2 fps/°F. Corrected the 22-250 Remington application from primary to heavy-bullet-only. Added the 6.5 Creedmoor clarification. Corrected RWS 5333 to RWS 5337. Added the Accurate 2700 competitor comparison for context within the Western Powders family. Extended the bullet and primer tables with full internal links. Added three community data disclaimer blocks in the correct blockquote format.
