| Questions & Answers |
Q: What are some of the attributes associated with Ramshot powders?
A: All Ramshot powders are double-based, spherical powders. They are characterized as either true spherical or flattened, depending on the desired ballistic configuration. Ramshot spherical powders are known for ease of metering, high velocities and are extremely clean burning. All Ramshot powders are newly manufactured and available only under the Ramshot brand name.
Q: How is the data in this load guide acquired?
A: The majority of the data contained in the Ramshot Edition 4.1 Load Guide was acquired at the ballistic testing laboratory at Western Powders, Inc. Our testing is performed in accordance with SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute) specifications for piezoelectric pressure transducer system. Each load in this guide represents the average of a 10-shot string.
Q: When I chronograph my loads sometimes they deviate from what you have listed in your manual. Why?
A: When you duplicate a load shown in any manual you are using a different rifle (remember we use test barrels), different lots of components (cases, primers, bullets, powder) and all of these factors can have an impact on the results you record. It is always a good idea to start low on your loads and work up slowly, watching for signs of pressure.
Q: What does the "SD Vel" stand for in your loads?
A: Standard Deviation Velocity (SD Vel) as used in the Ramshot Load Guide, is the mathematical representation of the spread from a string of shots. In our case, a string of 10 shots. Standard Deviation is derived by calculating the square root of the sum of the square of the deviations about the mean, divided by the sample size minus 1. It is a useful aid in determining if a particular load may be of interest to the shooter. Lower numbers indicate there was less deviation from the mean (average) velocity in a string of loads.
Q: My barrel length differs from that of your test barrel. Will this impact my results?
A: There are several factors that can influence barrel velocity. A shorter barrel will usually show a decrease of velocity (normally 30 fps to 50 fps per inch of barrel length) and a longer barrel will usually increase velocities by 30 fps to 50 fps per inch of barrel length.
Q: It's been my experience that I need to use a magnum primer with spherical powders. Do I need to use a magnum primer with Ramshot powders?
A: While this may have been true with spherical powders in the past, Ramshot powders employ a new technology of coatings which increase ease of ignition, cleanliness and in most cases decrease temperature sensitivity. You also have to take into account your firearm's accuracy which may or may not perform better with magnum versus non-magnum primers.
Q: Are the maximum loads listed in your manual really the maximum loads?
A: Yes. Your firearm may reach its maximum load before you reach our maximum load, NEVER start with any maximum load listed. Differences in barrels, brass and bullets all contribute to maximum pressure. Some of the loads you see in our maximum column are not at maximum pressure and the reason for that is we utilize unfired brass which contributes to limited powder capacity in the case.
Q: Why does your manual contain loads using the same weight bullets from different manufacturers?
A: In testing different manufacturers bullets, we sometimes find wide variations of maximum and minimum loads. Differences in jacket thickness, composition, core composition and bullet diameter all contribute to variations in pressures. If you are utilizing a bullet that is not listed in the guide, start with the lowest charge weight for that particular bullet weight and work up slowly.