Ramshot Zip has established itself as a premier choice for handgun reloaders who demand versatility, cleanliness, and exceptional metering consistency. As a high-density, double-base spherical propellant, Ramshot Zip is specifically engineered for a wide range of semi-auto pistols and revolvers. Its burn rate is situated in the fast-to-midrange category for handguns, making it nearly identical in application to classic propellants like Winchester 231 and Hodgdon HP-38. Whether loading for high-volume practice or competitive matches, Ramshot Zip provides the uniform performance required for modern firearm actions.
Executive Summary
- Main Application: High-volume semi-auto pistol and standard revolver cartridges
- Key Advantage: Exceptional volumetric metering and extremely clean-burning characteristics
- Burn Rate: Fast handgun propellant (similar to Winchester 231)
- What This Guide Covers: Technical specifications, pressure behavior, metering performance, and optimized component selection
Best For: Competitive shooters and high-volume reloaders using progressive presses.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Ramshot Zip is a modern, double-base spherical powder that features a very fine grain geometry. This physical structure is the foundation of its reputation for precision metering; the tiny spheres flow through volumetric powder measures with almost zero deviation, a critical factor when using high-speed progressive equipment like the Dillon XL-750 or the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP.
The chemical composition of Ramshot Zip includes a nitroglycerin content that classifies it as double-base, providing higher energy density than single-base alternatives. This allows for lower charge weights to achieve target velocities, which in turn extends the number of rounds produced per pound of propellant. The pressure curve of Ramshot Zip is characterized by a progressive push rather than a sharp, instantaneous spike. This behavior makes it particularly forgiving in standard pressure loads for 9mm Luger and 45 ACP, where consistent cycling of the slide is paramount.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Superior flow through all types of automated and manual powder measures
- Pro: Very low levels of carbon and copper fouling
- Pro: High energy density provides excellent economy per grain
- Pro: Versatile enough to cover most common handgun calibers from 38 Special to 40 SW
- Con: Faster burn rate limits its use in magnum-level hunting loads
- Con: Small grain size can occasionally leak from older, looser powder measures
Technical Characteristics
| Characteristic | Specification |
| Density (g/cc) | 0.930 |
| Burn Rate Category | Fast Handgun |
| Shape | Spherical (Fine) |
| Coating | Proprietary Surface Treatment |
| Base | Double-Base |
Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis
In the hierarchy of handgun propellants, Ramshot Zip occupies a slot that balances rapid ignition with a controllable burn. Its relative burn speed is positioned slightly slower than Alliant Bullseye but remains faster than mid-range powders like Accurate No. 5. This speed is optimal for short-to-medium barrel handguns where total propellant consumption must occur within 3-5 inches of bullet travel to maximize efficiency.
Temperature stability is a hallmark of the Ramshot line. While all double-base powders exhibit some degree of sensitivity to extreme thermal shifts, Ramshot Zip is notably more stable than older technology flake powders like Alliant Red Dot. Compared to a temperature-stable benchmark like Hodgdon Titegroup, Ramshot Zip maintains very consistent internal ballistics across a standard 0-100 degree Fahrenheit range. When compared to more sensitive benchmarks like Alliant Bullseye, Ramshot Zip shows significantly less velocity deviation when shooting in cold-weather environments, making it a reliable choice for year-round competition.
Powder Comparison
To better understand where Ramshot Zip fits in the reloading landscape, it is helpful to compare it against its closest market rivals.
| Powder | Relative Burn Rate | Density (g/cc) | Primary Cartridges |
| Alliant Bullseye | Faster | 0.485 (VMD) | 45 ACP, 38 Special |
| Accurate No. 2 | Faster | 0.880 | 9mm Luger, 380 ACP |
| Ramshot Zip | Standard Fast | 0.930 | 9mm Luger, 45 ACP, 40 SW |
| Hodgdon Titegroup | Slightly Slower | 0.948 | 9mm Luger, 40 SW, 45 ACP |
Ramshot Zip essentially serves as the modern equivalent to Winchester 231. It offers a similar pressure profile but with updated chemistry that results in less residue. While Alliant Bullseye is a traditional favorite for the 45 ACP, Ramshot Zip provides a more consistent volumetric drop, which reduces the Standard Deviation (SD) of muzzle velocities in high-volume production.
Performance, Metering & Equipment
The physical geometry of Ramshot Zip is its greatest asset in a production environment. In a “Powder Measure Showdown,” this propellant would likely take the top spot for consistency. Because it is a fine spherical powder, it does not suffer from “bridging” or shearing, which are common issues with flake or large extruded powders.
When used in a Dillon Precision Powder Measure, Ramshot Zip typically maintains charge weights within 0.1 grains over thousands of cycles. For those precision-loading for bullseye competition using a Hornady Precision Lab Digital Powder Scale, the ease of trickling this powder is unmatched. It responds instantly to small adjustments from a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler, allowing the reloader to hit exact targets with minimal effort.
Regarding fouling, Ramshot Zip is exceptionally clean. It utilizes a modern deterrent coating that reduces carbon buildup on the breech face and feed ramp. This is a critical advantage for semi-auto platforms like the 2011 or high-capacity 9mm pistols, where excessive residue can lead to failures to go into battery during long strings of fire.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Ramshot Zip excels in standard-pressure handgun cartridges. Its versatility allows it to transition from target-velocity 38 Special loads to full-power 9mm Luger training ammunition.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 9mm Luger | High-volume range practice and USPSA/IDPA competition |
| 45 ACP | Traditional target loads and defensive practice |
| 38 Special | Standard pressure target and plinking loads |
| 40 SW | Balanced performance for duty-style loads |
| 44 Special | Clean-burning target and cowboy action loads |
| 357 Magnum | Light-to-medium target loads (non-magnum velocities) |
Bullets
The selection of a bullet is critical when pairing with Ramshot Zip, as the powder’s fast burn rate works best with weights that do not excessively intrude into the case capacity.
| Brand | Model | Use Case |
| Hornady | XTP | Defensive practice and accuracy testing |
| Sierra | Sports Master | High-accuracy competition and range use |
| Nosler | Custom Competition | Precision handgun matches |
| Barnes | TAC-XP | Lead-free defensive applications |
| Speer | TMJ | High-volume indoor range practice |
Primers – The 7-10 Rule
Because Ramshot Zip is a double-base spherical powder, it is relatively easy to ignite. Standard primers are generally sufficient, though some reloaders prefer magnum primers in very cold conditions to ensure consistent ignition of the deterrent coatings.
- CCI 500 – Small Pistol: The industry standard for 9mm Luger and 38 Special.
- Federal 100 – Small Pistol: Known for soft cups, ideal for tuned competition revolvers.
- Winchester WSP – Small Pistol: Provides excellent all-around performance and reliable ignition.
- Fiocchi Small Pistol – Reliable alternative with consistent cup hardness.
- Ginex Small Pistol – Excellent for high-volume loading where economy is a factor.
- Aguila Small Pistol 1-1-2 – A consistent choice for standard pressure loads.
- CCI 300 – Large Pistol: Optimized for 45 ACP target loads.
- Federal 150 – Large Pistol: Soft cup design for consistent ignition in 44 Special.
- Winchester WLP – Large Pistol: Designed for both standard and magnum handgun loads.
- Sellier & Bellot V360157 – Small Pistol: A reliable European option for competitive shooting.
Conclusion & Expert Verdict
Ramshot Zip is a quintessential “workhorse” powder for the modern handgun reloader. Its ability to meter with extreme precision through progressive presses makes it a top-tier choice for anyone loading more than 1,000 rounds per month. While it lacks the slow-burning characteristics required for heavy magnum hunting loads, it more than compensates with its clean-burning nature and consistent pressure development in standard semi-auto calibers.
The trade-off for its fine grain size is the potential for leakage in older equipment, but in any modern measure like those found on the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme or Dillon presses, it is flawlessly efficient. For shooters who want a single powder that can handle 9mm Luger, 45 ACP, and 38 Special while keeping their firearms cleaner for longer, Ramshot Zip is a premier value proposition.
Expert Pro Tip:
When using Ramshot Zip in high-volume progressive reloading, pay close attention to your case flare and neck tension. Because Ramshot Zip is a high-density powder, it occupies relatively little volume in the case compared to flake powders like Alliant Unique. This makes a double-charge physically possible in large-capacity cases like 45 ACP. Always utilize a powder check die or a bright LED light to visually inspect the powder level in every case before seating the bullet to ensure safety and consistency.
