Re loading with Ramshot powders.

[Alpha1]

I called round to pukkabundhooks one night last week and collected some Ramshot powders to try. I spent half a hour boring the pants off Adams guest then adjourned to his Gun room were he supplied me with some reloading data and a couple tubs Ramshot.
I picked up a tub of Ramshot Magnum and a tub of Wild Boar.

First impressions they meter beautifully through my RCBS powder throwers much better than my usual Vitavouri powders. I used a 120grain Hornady A max bullet in 6.5x55 Ramshots load data for Magnum states 47.5 starting grains so I went with this.
I also loaded some 140 grain bullets Ramshots data for this bullet using Magnum states 44.4 grains starting load. I checked against Nosler data for the same bullet weight and they quote a starting load of 47.5 grains. I decided to stick with the Ramshot data.
The bulk of my rounds to be used on the day were loaded using Vitavouri N160 using my stock recipe with 120grain bullets.
I went to the range on Saturday and they worked well.
More load development required but first impressions are good.
I also loaded some ammo for the MAS36 using Wild Boar with 147grain bullets. The results were OK but not any thing spectacular. But a good starting point I was using iron sights and shooting standing un supported so not surprising it was not shooting one hole groups really.
I have a mount for the MAS and as soon as I can find a suitable period scope I think I will scope it up. My old eyes are not up to iron sights any more.

[Dannywayoflife]

Alpha I made it up to about 52.6 grains behind a 140 bullet and still no pressure with magnum however I struggled for velocity

[Laurie]

Alpha I made it up to about 52.6 grains behind a 140 bullet and still no pressure with magnum however I struggled for velocity

Interesting! I've not tried Ramshot powders in 6.5X55, but was surprised to see loads quoted by Western Powder Co. for 'Magnum' for the cartridge. On the basis of comparable burning rates, it looks just fine for the larger case 6.5-284, but too slow burning for the smaller capacity number. Your findings suggest this is the case. Generally, these ball powders work best in full pressure loads, so a 'soft loading' isn't ideal.

[Alpha1]

I think Ramshot Hunter is probably a better powder for the 6.5x55 I will have give it a try.

[PaulR]

If it's any endorsement, apparently Ramshot Powders are used in Privi Cartridges.

I've tried Ramshot TAC for .308s and it seems to work quite well.

[The Gun Pimp]

Laurie Holland has done an excellent appraisal of Ramshot powders in Target Shooter - www.targetshooter.co.uk