This guide is intended to be used as a reference only. Each individual handloader must determine what is the best and safest load for their equipment. The loads described in this guide were generated at the ballistics labs of Western Powders, Inc. in accordance with the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI) recommendations. All loads are fired through test barrels and individual results through different firearms may vary. The handloader is cautioned to read and follow safe reloading practices such as those outlined in the NRA Guide to Reloading before attempting to reload any cartridge.

Ramshot loading data found in this Revised Third Edition Load Guide supersedes all previously printed Ramshot data. When loading low charge weight to cartridge volume powders (i.e. Ramshot Zip), always visually inspect your cases prior to seating bullets. This will help avoid double charging your cases.

Disclaimer

Western Powders, Inc. has developed this guide to provide the reloader with current data for reloading RAMSHOT© propellants. This guide is not intended to be a reloading textbook, but rather a reference list of recommended loads for RAMSHOT© propellants.

Since Western Powders, Inc. has no control over the actual reloading procedures and methods being used, or the condition or choice of firearms and components used, no responsibility for the use of this data is implied or assumed.

The buyer/user assumes full responsibility, risk, and liability for any and all injuries (including death), damages, or losses to persons or property resulting from the use/misuse of this product.

The ballistics data contained in this guide was obtained in the Western Powders ballistics laboratory under strictly controlled conditions and is applicable for RAMSHOT© propellants exclusively. Western Powders performs all ballistics testing in accordance to SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Manufacturers Institute) utilizing the Piezo method for pressure testing. It is important to remember that equipment variations, different reloading techniques, as well as component variations will most likely yield slightly differing ballistics data. With this in mind, it is imperative that you do not exceed the charge recommendations in this guide and that you always start loading with the minimum powder charges in the loads illustrated.

Quality Control

Reloading provides the reloader with a cost effective means of obtaining ammunition, while at the same time allowing for custom load assemblage. You, the individual reloader, are responsible for producing the ammunition that you will later shoot. The caution and diligence you put into your reloading process can be ultimately rewarding or disastrous, depending on the quality control of your work.

1. Common sense and care must be practiced during all phases of the reloading process.
2. Follow load recommendations exactly. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE components for those listed and ALWAYS START LOADING WITH THE MINIMUM POWDER CHARGE IN THE LOADS SHOWN.
3. Designate a work area to be used only for reloading and keep that area clean and orderly.
4. Label components and reloads for quick and easy identification.
5. Develop a reloading routine and follow it.
6. Understand what you are doing and why it must be done in a specific way.
7. Never reload when you are tired or distracted.
8. Wear safety glasses when reloading.
9. DO NOT smoke, eat, or drink in your reloading area, or while you are reloading.
10. Keep your powder, reloading equipment, and firearms secure from children.
11. Obey all laws and regulations regarding purchasing, quantity, and storage of powders.

Powder Warnings

Smokeless powder is intended to function by burning. Therefore, it must be protected from exposure to flame, sparks, high temperatures, and the sun's rays. When ignited, smokeless powder will normally continue to burn (and generate gas pressure) until the powder is entirely consumed. With this in mind:

1. NEVER MIX OR SUBSTITUTE powders with other powders.
2. Avoid open flames, combustible agents, and any spark-producing tools when handling powder.
3. Store powder in its original container in a cool/dry place.
4. Do not keep old or salvaged powders.
5. Check powder for deterioration on a regular basis. Deteriorated powder is detected by its noxious odor (not to be confused with solvents such as alcohol or ether).
6. Pour out only the amount of powder necessary for the application being conducted.
7. If you accidentally spill powder, use a broom and dust pan to clean it up. DO NOT VACUUM the spilled powder.
8. Do not "stockpile" powder - store and utilize the amount of powder necessary for your current reloading needs.
9. Specific powders are designed for specific purposes - don't use them for any other purpose(s).
10. Be certain that the powder container is empty prior to discarding.

Component Warnings

PRIMERS

1. NEVER MIX PRIMERS of different makes.
2. Store primers in their original packages in a cool, dry place. Exposure to heat causes primer deterioration.
3. Do not "stockpile" primers or store in bulk. Storing primers in this manner can lead to mass detonation should one of the primers ignite.
4. Do not decap live or new primers - fire them in the appropriate gun and then decap.
5. For best results, use the mildest primer consistent with good ignition.
6. Do not force primers. If there is resistance in seating or feeding primers, stop and investigate the cause of the problem.
7. Clean your hands before and after handling primers - oil contamination can affect the ignitability of the primer.

POWDER BUSHINGS

1. Check shot bushing to ensure the correct shot weight charge.
2. Be certain the powder bushing is correct for the powder weight recommended. Check the weight of thrown powder charges.
3. Refer to your reloading press manufacturer in order to obtain correct bushing sizes for all powders you are loading.

RELOADING PRESSES

1. Take care to operate progressive loaders as the manufacturer recommends.
2. Use a depth gauge to check powder height in shell. This can help prevent double charging.
3. Observe the powder level of cases placed in the loading block. This is a way to discover any cases with double or missing powder charges.

SHOTGUN

1. Use cases or hulls that are in good condition. Discard any split mouths.
2. Base wads and shells should be of the same brand and type.
3. NEVER USE THE DRAM EQUIVALENT MEASURE AS A WEIGHT FOR SMOKELESS POWDER IN RELOADING. The dram equivalent is used in measuring black powder. Utilizing the dram equivalent measure with smokeless powder can cause dangerously high pressures resulting in property damage, personal injury, and even death.

RIFLE & PISTOL

1. Examine cases before reloading and discard any that are not in good working condition.
2. Plastic cases are designed for practice loads (the bullet is propelled by primer gas only) and can't be used for full powder loads.
3. Because of the short barrel, handgun powders must burn quickly. The seating depth of the bullet is extremely important in handgun cartridges. They are extremely sensitive to small changes in bullet hardness, crimp, bullet diameter, primer brisance and especially bullet seating depth.
4. Check the overall length of the cartridge to be certain that the bullet is seated properly.

LEAD WARNING Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, handling ammunition, and cleaning firearms may result in exposure to lead. Lead exposure has been known to cause serious physical harm, as well as birth defects and reproductive problems. Always ensure for adequate ventilation and wash your hands and face thoroughly after exposure to lead.

Safety First

In order to be a safe reloader, you must be cautious and precise. It is important to always remember that you are dealing with powder and primers that have the potential to explode, resulting in property damage, serious bodily injury, and even death. It is strongly recommended that you thoroughly familiarize yourself with proper reloading techniques and procedures prior to reloading and shooting your own ammunition.

Warnings

1. Smokeless powder is not interchangeable with black powder or black powder substitutes such as Pyrodex©. Never utilize smokeless powder in saluting cannons or in black powder firearms. Smokeless powder has significantly more energy than black powder or black powder substitutes. Substituting and/or mixing smokeless powder with black powder or black powder substitutes can result in your firearm blowing up, property damage, personal injury, and even death.
2. Smokeless powder is extremely flammable and care must be practiced in storing and handling. Keep powder stored in its original container in a cool, dry place securely away from children, exposure to heat, electrical equipment, and the sun's rays. Do not store powder in the same area with solvents, flammable gases, or combustible materials. Do not smoke in areas where smokeless powder is being stored or used.

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