Ramshot Magnum has long been regarded as the premier solution for shooters seeking high-velocity, high-density performance in the largest of rifle cases. As a modern propellant in the Western Powders family, Ramshot Magnum is specifically designed to fill the voluminous hulls of modern ultra-magnum cartridges while maintaining the liquid-smooth metering that only a high-quality spherical powder can provide. In the competitive landscape of long-range shooting and extreme big-game hunting, Ramshot Magnum provides a technical advantage by maximizing the expansion ratio of “overbore” cartridges that traditional extruded powders often struggle to fill efficiently.
Executive Summary
- Main Application: Large-capacity magnum and ultra-magnum cartridges.
- Key Advantage: Exceptional load density and superior volumetric metering.
- Burn Rate: Very slow, situated near Hodgdon Retumbo and Alliant Reloder 25.
- What This Guide Covers: In-depth technical profile, thermal stability metrics, competitive analysis, and component matching for 300 Winchester Magnum and 338 Lapua Magnum.
Best For: Experienced reloaders utilizing heavy-for-caliber projectiles in large-capacity cases who require high-volume production without sacrificing precision.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Ramshot Magnum is a double-base powder featuring a spherical (ball) geometry. Manufactured at the world-renowned PB Clermont facility in Belgium, Ramshot Magnum is composed of nitrocellulose infused with nitroglycerin to increase its specific energy content. This double-base chemistry allows Ramshot Magnum to produce higher muzzle velocities than equivalent single-base powders while operating within safe overpressure limits.
The physical grains of Ramshot Magnum are meticulously shaped into high-density spheres. This geometry is a foundational engineering choice; it provides the highest bulk density of any propellant in the slow-burn class. For the reloader, this means that even in massive cases like the 300 RUM, Ramshot Magnum provides excellent case fill without the need for extreme compression. In terms of the expert “feel,” shooters often describe the recoil impulse of Ramshot Magnum as a linear, sustained push. Because the spherical grains utilize specialized deterrent coatings, the pressure builds progressively as the bullet moves down the bore, ensuring that the maximum amount of energy is transferred to the projectile before it exits the muzzle.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Unrivaled metering consistency allows for precise charges even in high-speed progressive presses.
- Pro: High energy density allows for competitive velocities in “short-fat” magnum cases.
- Pro: Integrated decoppering agents actively work to reduce barrel fouling and maintain accuracy.
- Pro: Exceptional case fill characteristics promote consistent ignition and low Standard Deviation (SD).
- Con: Like most double-base powders, it can show sensitivity to extreme temperature shifts.
- Con: Requires a high-intensity magnum primer to ensure complete combustion of the spherical kernels.
Technical Characteristics
The engineering specifications for Ramshot Magnum reflect its specialization for high-volume magnum applications. It is significantly denser than its extruded competitors, allowing for higher charge weights in cases with limited internal “headroom.”
| Property | Specification |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | 0.985-1.015 |
| Burn Rate Category | Very Slow Magnum |
| Shape | High-Density Spherical |
| Base | Double-Base (Nitroglycerin Infused) |
| Coating | Graphite with Decoppering Additives |
Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis
While spherical propellants have historically been susceptible to thermal drift, Ramshot Magnum utilizes modern deterrent technology to provide a stable velocity-to-temperature curve. In documented reloader consensus and field testing, Ramshot Magnum typically exhibits a velocity variance of 1.2-1.6 FPS per degree Fahrenheit. While this is slightly higher than ultra-stable single-base powders like Hodgdon H1000, it represents a massive improvement over older-generation ball powders.
The burn rate of Ramshot Magnum is carefully tuned for cartridges with a high capacity-to-bore ratio. It is slower than Alliant Reloder 22 and IMR 7828, making it ideal for calibers like 7mm Remington Magnum when using bullets heavier than 160 grains. This slow, progressive burn is the key to managing the high friction and inertia associated with heavy, high-BC projectiles.
Stability Table
| Powder | Stability Rating | Sensitivity (FPS Variation) |
| Hodgdon Retumbo | Ultra-Stable | 0.4-0.6 FPS per Degree |
| Ramshot Magnum | Moderate | 1.2-1.6 FPS per Degree |
| Alliant Reloder 25 | Sensitive | 1.9-2.5 FPS per Degree |
Powder Comparison
To understand where Ramshot Magnum fits into the hierarchy of magnum propellants, it must be compared against the primary slow-burn competitors. It is most often chosen as an alternative to Hodgdon Retumbo when the shooter requires better flow and higher load density.
| Powder | Burn Rate | Density | Primary Cartridges |
| IMR 7828 | Faster | 0.895 | 7mm Remington Magnum, 270 Winchester |
| Alliant Reloder 22 | Slightly Faster | 0.940 | 300 Winchester Magnum, 270 Winchester |
| Ramshot Magnum | Subject | 1.000 | 338 Lapua Magnum, 300 RUM |
| Hodgdon Retumbo | Slightly Slower | 0.890 | 300 PRC, 7mm Remington Magnum |
| Vihtavuori N170 | Slower | 0.930 | 338 Lapua Magnum, 300 Weatherby Magnum |
Performance, Metering & Equipment
One of the logistical triumphs of Ramshot Magnum is its behavior in volumetric measures. While large-grain extruded powders can “bridge” or cause inconsistent throws in automated systems, Ramshot Magnum flows with liquid consistency. In high-volume mechanical measures like the Redding Match Grade 3BR Powder Measure, it maintains a variance of less than +/- 0.1 grains.
For the precision required in modern extreme long-range (ELR) shooting, electronic dispensers are highly recommended. The RCBS MatchMaster Digital Powder Scale & Dispenser and the RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme Digital Powder Scale and Dispenser are exceptionally compatible with Ramshot Magnum, as they utilize vibratory trickling to ensure every charge is accurate to the tenth of a grain. For manual finishers, the Hornady Precision Lab Digital Powder Scale paired with a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler allows for single-sphere accuracy.
Fouling with Ramshot Magnum is notably low for a high-energy propellant. The powder is formulated to burn most efficiently at pressures between 55,000-65,000 PSI. At these levels, the combustion is nearly complete, leaving only a faint graphite residue. The integrated decoppering additive actively scours the bore of copper jacket material, ensuring that accuracy remains consistent throughout a long day on the range.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Ramshot Magnum is a “horsepower” propellant that thrives in cases with high expansion ratios where a sustained pressure curve is needed to maximize muzzle energy.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 300 Winchester Magnum | Heavy Bullet Precision & Elk Hunting |
| 7mm Remington Magnum | Long Range Mountain Hunting |
| 338 Lapua Magnum | Extreme Long Range (ELR) Match |
| 300 RUM | Ultra-High Velocity Big Game Hunting |
| 300 PRC | Modern Tactical & Target Performance |
| 300 Weatherby Magnum | Classic Magnum Hunting |
| 26 Nosler | High-Velocity Varmint & Antelope |
| 257 Weatherby Magnum | Western Open-Country Hunting |
Bullets
Because of its very slow burn rate and high energy density, Ramshot Magnum is ideally paired with projectiles that have high inertia and high Ballistic Coefficients (BC).
| Bullet Manufacturer | Model | Recommended Weight |
| Sierra Bullets | MatchKing | 175-300 Grains |
| Hornady | ELD Match | 162-285 Grains |
| Berger Bullets | Hybrid Target | 180-300 Grains |
| Nosler | AccuBond | 160-250 Grains |
| Barnes | TSX / TTSX | 150-250 Grains |
Primers
Choosing the correct primer for Ramshot Magnum is essential. Because it is a double-base powder with high deterrent coatings and high bulk density, a consistent and powerful flame is required to ensure reliable ignition across all temperatures.
- Federal GM215M Large Rifle Magnum Match – The gold standard for precision magnums using Ramshot Magnum.
- CCI 250 Large Rifle Magnum – A robust and reliable choice for extreme hunting loads.
- Federal 215 Large Rifle Magnum – Essential for large charges in 338 Lapua Magnum.
- Winchester WLRM Large Rifle Magnum – Known for slightly hotter ignition than standard magnums.
- Remington 9-1/2M Large Rifle Magnum – A classic high-pressure primer for large capacity cases.
- CCI No. 34 Large Rifle Military – Provides a powerful flame for semi-auto platforms chambered in 300 Win Mag.
- RWS 5333 Large Rifle Magnum – Elite European primer for ultra-consistent performance.
- Murom Large Rifle Magnum – High-quality international option known for extreme reliability.
- Ginex Large Rifle Magnum – A consistent and robust primer for high-volume magnum reloading.
Expert Verdict
Ramshot Magnum remains one of the most technical and efficient propellants on the market for the magnum reloader. By combining the legendary energy of a double-base composition with the effortless metering of a spherical grain, it solves several of the most common frustrations in the reloading process. It allows the shooter to maximize the potential of high-expansion ratio cartridges while ensuring that every charge thrown is identical to the last.
Whether you are preparing for a 1500-yard ELR match or a late-season moose hunt in the high timber, Ramshot Magnum provides the horsepower and reliability required for success. Its high bulk density and clean-burning nature make it a modernized solution for calibers ranging from the 7mm Remington Magnum to the 300 RUM.
Expert Pro Tip: When loading Ramshot Magnum in ultra-high-capacity cases, focus on your case neck tension. Because spherical powders like Ramshot Magnum are significantly denser than stick powders, they provide less internal support for the bullet than a compressed load of extruded grains. Maintaining a consistent 0.003 inch neck tension using a bullet seating die will ensure that the bullet remains secure and that the start-pressure remains uniform. This technical step is critical to achieving the single-digit Standard Deviation (SD) numbers that Ramshot Magnum is capable of delivering. Always monitor for early signs of overpressure such as slight primer cratering or stiff bolt lift when pushing for maximum velocities in the midday heat.
