In the competitive world of clay shooting and target handgun sports, consistency and cleanliness are the two primary metrics of a successful propellant. Ramshot Competition is a double-base, modified spherical powder specifically engineered to meet these demands. Originally introduced to serve the high-volume 12-gauge shotgun market, it has since carved out a significant niche among handgun reloaders – particularly those in the Cowboy Action and USPSA Minor Power Factor communities – who value its soft recoil impulse and exceptionally clean-burning characteristics. As a “high loft” or low bulk density propellant, it fills cases more effectively than many traditional target powders, providing a visual safety margin that helps prevent accidental double-charging during high-speed reloading sessions.
Beyond its physical safety advantages, Ramshot Competition is renowned for its low recoil and high-velocity potential with light powder charges. This efficiency makes it an economical choice for those shooting thousands of rounds annually. Whether it is used to break clay pigeons on a trap field or to ring steel at a pistol match, the powder’s unique chemical geometry ensures positive ignition and consistent pressures across every shot. By 2026, it has remained a staple on the benches of elite competitive shooters who demand a propellant that keeps their actions cleaner for longer periods between maintenance intervals.
- Main Application: 12-gauge competitive target loads and low-pressure handgun cartridges
- Key Advantage: Extremely clean-burning with high case-fill for safety
- Burn Rate Position: Fast-burning target propellant
- What This Guide Covers: Technical specifications, burn rate analysis, metering performance, and cartridge-specific applications
Best For: Competitive clay target shooters and high-volume handgun target reloaders focused on clean performance and low recoil.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Ramshot Competition is physically characterized as a modified (flattened) spherical propellant. This flattening process increases the surface area available for ignition, which contributes to its rapid burn rate and consistent pressure curves. As a double-base powder, it incorporates nitroglycerin alongside nitrocellulose, a chemistry that provides higher energy density and more reliable ignition compared to some single-base vs-double-base powder alternatives. Despite this high energy content, it is specifically designed to minimize muzzle flip and felt recoil, allowing shooters to stay on target for faster follow-up shots in timed events.
One of the most notable aspects of the Ramshot Competition technical profile is its low bulk density. In the reloading world, this is often referred to as “high loft,” meaning the powder occupies more volume in the case for a given weight. For handgun cartridges like 9mm Luger or 38 Special, this is a vital safety feature; a double-charge of a dense powder like Hodgdon Titegroup can be difficult to spot, whereas a double-charge of Ramshot Competition is much more likely to overflow the case or be immediately obvious during a visual inspection. This characteristic, combined with its reputation for leaving minimal residue in the barrel, has made it a favorite for high-volume practice and matches alike.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: One of the cleanest-burning powders currently available for 12-gauge and pistol loads
- Pro: High case-fill volume significantly reduces the risk of double-charging
- Pro: Exceptional metering consistency in progressive reloaders
- Pro: Soft shooting with very low recoil and low smoke signature
- Con: Limited load data for some modern high-pressure handgun cartridges
- Con: Very fine grains may occasionally leak from loose-fitting charge bars or measures
- Con: Not designed for high-velocity or magnum-level performance
Technical Characteristics
The technical specifications of Ramshot Competition highlight its role as a specialized target propellant. Its density and grain shape are optimized for uniform ignition in both shotshell and handgun applications.
| Feature | Specification |
| Manufacturer | Ramshot (Hodgdon) |
| Powder Type | Double-Base Flattened Spherical |
| Base Type | Single-Base vs-Double-Base Powder (Double-Base) |
| Relative Burn Rate Category | Fast Target / Pistol / Shotgun |
| Density (g/cc) | Low Bulk Density (Approx. 0.450-0.500) |
| Grain Shape | Flattened Spherical |
| Country of Origin | USA |
The low bulk density of Ramshot Competition means that it fills a 12-gauge hull or a 9mm Luger case more completely than most of its competitors. This leads to more consistent ignition, as the powder is less likely to shift position within the case – a common cause of velocity variations in large-capacity cases with small charges. Furthermore, its chemical composition is designed to burn efficiently at the lower pressures common in target loads, ensuring that the powder is fully consumed even in short-barreled handguns or light-recoiling shotgun shells.
Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis
In the hierarchy of burn rates, Ramshot Competition sits at the faster end of the spectrum, placing it near powders like Hodgdon Titewad and Alliant Bullseye. Its position is ideal for cartridges that require a rapid pressure spike to achieve target velocities quickly, such as the 45 ACP or 12-gauge 1-ounce loads. Because it burns so quickly, it is highly efficient, often requiring lower charge weights than slower powders to reach the same velocity, which further enhances its value for the high-volume reloader.
Temperature stability for Ramshot Competition is generally consistent for a double-base target propellant. While it may not possess the extreme temperature insensitivity found in some modern rifle powders, it maintains very predictable performance across the typical operating temperatures of a competitive shooting season. When compared to a more temperature-sensitive benchmark like some older flake powders, Ramshot Competition provides superior velocity stability. However, compared to a highly stable benchmark like Hodgdon Clays, users might see slightly more variation in extreme cold or heat, though usually not enough to affect accuracy at typical target distances.
Powder Comparison
To properly position Ramshot Competition on your bench, it is useful to compare it against its primary competitors in the fast-target category.
| Powder | Relative Burn Rate | Density | Primary Cartridges |
| Hodgdon Titewad | Slightly Faster | Medium | 12 Gauge, 45 ACP |
| Alliant Bullseye | Similar | High | 45 ACP, 38 Special |
| Hodgdon Clays | Slightly Slower | Very Low | 12 Gauge, 45 ACP |
| Winchester WST | Slower | Medium | 12 Gauge, 45 ACP |
Compared to Alliant Bullseye, Ramshot Competition is significantly cleaner-burning and offers much better case-fill. While Bullseye is a legendary target powder, it can be “smoky” and leaves more residue on the firearm. When compared to Hodgdon Titewad, Ramshot Competition offers a similar clean performance but often provides a softer recoil feel, which many competitive shooters prefer for long matches.
Against Winchester WST, Ramshot Competition provides a faster burn rate that is often more efficient for the lightest target loads. While WST is an excellent choice for 45 ACP, Ramshot Competition typically results in lower standard deviations in velocity when used in high-volume progressive equipment, thanks to its spherical grain structure.
Performance, Metering & Equipment
Metering is where Ramshot Competition truly excels. Because of its very fine, flattened spherical grains, it flows through powder measures with almost liquid-like consistency. On a progressive press like the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP or the Dillon XL-750, the powder drops are remarkably repeatable, often showing variations of less than 0.1-grains. This precision is critical for competitive shooters who need their ammunition to be as uniform as possible to ensure reliability and accuracy.
For shotgun reloaders using the MEC 1090, Ramshot Competition is frequently cited as one of the best-metering powders available. It drops very consistently from charge bars, allowing for tight patterns and predictable results on the trap or skeet field. However, reloaders should be aware that because the grains are so fine, they can occasionally leak from some older or looser-fitting powder measures or charge bars. Keeping your equipment clean and properly adjusted will mitigate this, ensuring that the powder goes into the case rather than onto the bench.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
While its name implies a focus on shotgun sports, Ramshot Competition has become a versatile tool across several handgun platforms.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 12 Gauge (Shotshell) | Competitive Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays |
| 45 ACP | Bullseye and Target Practice |
| 38 Special | Cowboy Action and Precision Target |
| 9mm Luger | USPSA Minor Power Factor Loads |
| 44 Special | Low-Pressure Target and Cowboy Action |
In the 9mm Luger, Ramshot Competition is often paired with heavy bullets (147-grain) to create exceptionally soft-shooting loads that still meet Power Factor requirements. In the 45 ACP, it is a favorite for 185-grain and 200-grain target loads where its clean-burning nature prevents the build-up of grime that can cause malfunctions in tight-fitting match pistols.
Bullets
Selecting the right projectile for Ramshot Competition involves focusing on target-oriented weights that benefit from its fast burn rate and low recoil characteristics.
| Bullet Brand/Model | Recommended Weight | Application |
| Nosler Custom Competition | 124-147 Grains | 9mm Precision Target |
| Sierra Sports Master | 185-200 Grains | 45 ACP Bullseye |
| Hornady Match | 158 Grains | 38 Special Target |
| Lead/Coated Cast | Variable | Cowboy Action Loads |
For 12-gauge shotgun applications, the powder is optimized for 7/8-ounce, 1-ounce, and 1&1/8-ounce shot loads. In handgun applications, it performs best with lead or coated lead bullets, as the “cool-burning” nature of the powder helps prevent the vaporization of lead at the base of the bullet, reducing smoke and barrel leading.
Primers
Proper ignition is essential for any fast-burning powder used in low-pressure target loads. Ramshot Competition is generally easy to ignite, but using consistent, high-quality primers ensures that your velocity spreads remain tight. In shotshell loading, the Winchester W209 and Federal 209A are the most common recommendations. For handgun loads, standard non-magnum primers are typically sufficient.
- Winchester W209 – Standard 12-Gauge Ignition
- Federal 209A – High-output Shotshell
- Cheddite CX2000 209 – Popular European Shotshell Option
- CCI 209 – Standard Shotshell
- CCI 300 – Large Pistol for 45 ACP
- Winchester WLP – Large Pistol for 45 ACP / 44 Special
- Federal 150 – Large Pistol (Mild ignition)
- CCI 500 – Small Pistol for 9mm / 38 Special
- Winchester WSP – Small Pistol for 9mm / 38 Special
- Federal 100 – Small Pistol (Often preferred for lighter springs)
Conclusion & Expert Verdict
Ramshot Competition stands as one of the most technologically advanced and user-friendly target propellants on the market in 2026. Its unique “high loft” density provides an added layer of safety at the reloading bench, while its extremely clean-burning chemistry ensures that your firearms remain reliable through long sessions at the range or field. While it was born in the world of competitive clay shooting, its transition to the handgun target market has been seamless, offering reloaders a soft-shooting, accurate, and economical alternative to traditional target powders.
For the reloader who values a clean workspace, a clean gun, and consistent match-winning performance, Ramshot Competition is difficult to beat. Its exceptional metering in progressive equipment like the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP means you spend less time adjusting your measures and more time perfecting your shooting technique. Whether you are a dedicated trap shooter or a USPSA competitor, this powder provides the specialized performance needed to reach the winner’s circle.
Expert Pro Tip: Due to its very low bulk density, Ramshot Competition is particularly sensitive to changes in crimp pressure in both shotshell and handgun cases. When setting up your dies on a progressive press, ensure your crimp is consistent across the batch. A uniform crimp ensures that the powder reaches its operating pressure consistently, which is the most effective way to eliminate “fliers” and achieve the single-digit velocity standard deviations that this powder is capable of producing.
