Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters substitute for ramshot big game powder?

My 30-06 loads were faster and more accurate using Big Game than anything else I have tried but I have not seen it in stock for 2 years now, what is a substitute for ramshot big game?

Where is it manufactured? I emailed Ramshot and was told it would be available in 2 or 3 months BUT that was March 2015 which is 15 months ago.

Not a writer, but...
for 165 gr bullets, I've had good results with the 4350's. Mule Deer wrote an article in the 2016 Hodgdon manual onj the '06 and 165 gr bullets with good results as well.

Thanks Richdeerhunter

I will give 4350 another try, my notes showed 4350 as accurate but 105 fps slower than I was getting with Big Game BUT that was with a old Chronograph I do not think I tested 4350 with my current chrony so who knows!

RL17 gives impressive velocity and accuracy in my 30-06.

David

No game animal will notice the difference, and drop difference at 300yds would be about 1/2", maybe. Accuracy wins. I haven't chronographed too many loads, just because I want the accuracy. Then shoot at distances to see the effects. Most everything I have is sighted 2" high at 100yds, which leaves me 6" low at 300, more or less. But, I don't have a bench in the field, so...

You can't get 4350 right now either. I will never shoot another drop of Ramshot Big Game, Hunter or Magnum. As long as NATO uses those powder there will never be a reliable source of supply here. Why take the time and effort to work up a load only to find a powder is basically discontinued.

I don't use Winchester powders for the same reason. Find a powder that you are likely to get in the future and run with it.

You state "30-06" loads with no reference to bullet weight or type. I use three powders for 30-06; 414 for 150s, 4831 and R22 for anything heavier.

I had been loading Barnes T-TSX 168 gr.

I use H4895 in my M1 with 150 grain bullets. I mostly have usedIMR4350 in 180 grain bullets. When my 4350 runs out I'll be trying powders insensitive to temperature. H4350 for one.

4350 I got about 6 months ago. H though not IMR

100 fps on a normal hunting gun ain't enough to even discuss...

What weight bullet?

I use Ramshot Hunter for 180s.




P

W760 gave me high speed and accuracy in my last '06. Not good in hot temps though...

H4350 is my go to for the 165-168 grain Barnes bullets. Top velocity and accuracy in my '06s.

I feel hosed by Ramshot for sending all 'my' Magnum elsewhere, too.

Either IMR4350 or H-4350 for 150gr & 165/168gr,
and either IMR4831 or H-4831, or RL22 for 180gr and up bullet weights.
RL22 will give you a little more velocity with 165/168gr but is more temp. sensitive.
Good Luck,
Ted

I believe that Big Game is manufactured in Belgium. And I heard that Ramshot's manufacturer is concentrating on supplying powder for NATO rounds, which might explain why TAC is the only Ramshot rifle powder available. Until demand for TAC is met, I don't think we will see any Exterminator, Big Game, Hunter or Magnum for some time. I actually picked up a pound of Exterminator several months back, but it must have been old stock from the the back room at the local Sportsman's Warehouse. Got a pound of Accurate 2230 at the same time. Probably hidden together in the same drawer.

Magnum is readily available.




P

I use H4350 with 165 G bullets in my .30-06. Very good accuracy and velocity just under 2900 fps in a 24"barrel. It's definitely out there if you look.

Look for RL 16

If you can't buy it from Brunos or Powder valley or Midway, it's not available. That the way I look at it. Too much trouble to scour the country trying to find a 'niche' powder. I switched to the new IMR 4451 and it seems to be just fine as a replacement for H4350. I really like Ramshot powders but feel like I took them to the prom and my date went home with someone else!

Thanks I will try a few of the suggestions