Understanding Ramshot Tac Powder
Overview of Ramshot Tac
Ramshot Tac, manufactured by Western Powders, stands as a versatile and reliable propellant frequently chosen by reloaders. Its popularity stems from its performance characteristics and its compatibility with various rifle cartridges. Understanding the nature of the powder is crucial before you begin your reloading journey.
Ramshot Tac is a ball powder, also sometimes referred to as spherical powder. This shape offers advantages in terms of consistent metering in powder measures, allowing for reliable powder charge weights. Its burn rate is relatively moderate, placing it in a range ideal for cartridges like the .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, and others. This versatility means that it can provide excellent performance across a diverse range of bullet weights and rifle platforms.
The recommended applications for Ramshot Tac encompass a broad spectrum of rifle cartridges, from popular varmint rounds to precision target shooting calibers. It’s often favored for its ability to achieve excellent velocities while maintaining consistent accuracy. Many reloaders find it to be an efficient and predictable powder, translating into consistent downrange performance. Many reloaders find it to be an efficient and predictable powder, translating into consistent downrange performance.
Benefits and Drawbacks
The benefits of using Ramshot Tac are numerous. Its burn rate contributes to excellent velocity potential, allowing shooters to extract maximum performance from their cartridges. Ball powders, like Tac, often meter very consistently, which is critical for achieving uniform powder charges and consistent results. Many shooters find it to be relatively insensitive to temperature variations, leading to fewer deviations in point of impact across different environmental conditions. Furthermore, the availability of Ramshot Tac reloading data makes it easily accessible for reloaders.
However, like any propellant, Ramshot Tac has certain drawbacks. Ball powders, while offering good metering characteristics, can sometimes be a little less clean-burning than some extruded powders. Proper cleaning of the firearm after each shooting session is important. It’s worth noting that all reloading powders, even those with good temperature stability, can still be affected by significant temperature fluctuations. You should always test your reloads in a variety of conditions, particularly if you plan on using your reloads at different times of the year. Adhering to your developed reloading data and understanding the behavior of your powder is critical for reliable performance.
Safety Precautions for Reloading
General Safety Rules
Reloading ammunition demands an unwavering commitment to safety. This is not a process to be taken lightly. The potential for serious injury or damage exists if safety protocols are not strictly observed.
The most fundamental rule is always to wear appropriate safety gear. This includes safety glasses to protect your eyes from accidental debris, and gloves. Consider using a dust mask when handling and measuring powders. Ensure your reloading space is well-ventilated to prevent the build-up of potentially hazardous fumes. Powder handling should always be done with care, far from any source of ignition. Never smoke or allow open flames near reloading materials. Proper storage is critical: keep powders and primers away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight, storing them in a secure, fire-resistant container. Dispose of any questionable or spilled powder properly.
Essential Reloading Equipment
Reloading requires a collection of specialized equipment. Essential components include a reloading press, dies specific to the cartridge you are reloading, a precision scale to accurately weigh powder charges, a powder measure to dispense powder, calipers for measuring case and cartridge dimensions, a case trimmer to ensure consistent case lengths, a primer seating tool, and a bullet seating tool. The quality of your equipment will greatly influence the accuracy of your reloads.
Understanding Pressure Signs
Understanding pressure signs is paramount. Excessive pressure within a cartridge can lead to catastrophic failure, causing severe damage to the firearm and potentially injuring the shooter. Be vigilant for any indications of overpressure. Flattened or pierced primers are often a key indicator. Cratered primers, where the primer material flows into the firing pin indentation, is another warning sign. Difficult bolt extraction, ejector marks on the case head, or swollen case heads are other signs of danger. If you encounter any of these signs, immediately stop reloading and consult a reputable reloading manual or experienced reloader. Never exceed the published load data. Start low and work your way up, carefully observing for signs of excess pressure.
Ramshot Tac Reloading Data
Sourcing Load Data
The accuracy and safety of your reloads hinge on accurate and reliable load data. Never guess; always rely on established and verified sources.
The most reliable sources for Ramshot Tac reloading data are Ramshot’s own website and published reloading manuals from reputable manufacturers. These resources undergo extensive testing and provide specific instructions and safety guidelines. Other sources that can be helpful are verified reloaders. However, cross-reference any information from any source to ensure its accuracy. Never trust data from unverified online sources or individuals without confirming the validity of the information. Always prioritize data from established and trusted publishers.
Cartridge-Specific Load Data Examples
(Important: Before using any load data, thoroughly read and understand the safety warnings and disclaimers. Always start with the minimum recommended load and carefully work your way up, observing all pressure signs.)
.223 Remington Example
Bullet Weight and Type: (e.g., 55 grain, FMJ)
Primer Type: (e.g., Small Rifle Primer)
Case Type: (e.g., Winchester, Remington)
Powder Charge:
Starting Load: (Powder charge in grains, velocity expectation in feet per second (fps))
Maximum Load: (Powder charge in grains, velocity expectation in fps)
C.O.A.L (Cartridge Overall Length): (Inches/mm)
Warnings/Considerations: (e.g., Special notes about seating depth or case prep)
.308 Winchester Example
Bullet Weight and Type: (e.g., 168 grain, match bullet)
Primer Type: (e.g., Large Rifle Primer)
Case Type: (e.g., Federal, Winchester)
Powder Charge:
Starting Load: (Powder charge in grains, velocity expectation in fps)
Maximum Load: (Powder charge in grains, velocity expectation in fps)
C.O.A.L (Cartridge Overall Length): (Inches/mm)
Warnings/Considerations: (e.g., special notes about bullet seating depth, or crimp type)
. (Another relevant caliber, for example, .22-250 Remington, or a caliber related to the specific use case of the article) Example
Bullet Weight and Type: (e.g., 40 grain, V-Max)
Primer Type: (e.g., Small Rifle Primer)
Case Type: (e.g., Remington, Winchester)
Powder Charge:
Starting Load: (Powder charge in grains, velocity expectation in fps)
Maximum Load: (Powder charge in grains, velocity expectation in fps)
C.O.A.L (Cartridge Overall Length): (Inches/mm)
Warnings/Considerations: (e.g., special notes about bullet seating depth, or crimp type)
(Always consult a reloading manual for specific data. These are just examples, and the precise powder charge, bullet weight, and other data points must be obtained from reliable sources before attempting to reload.)
Disclaimer: *All load data presented above is provided for informational purposes only. Reloading ammunition is inherently dangerous, and you are solely responsible for your safety. Always consult a reputable reloading manual or other established source of Ramshot Tac reloading data before attempting to reload. Verify all load data before use. Never exceed recommended maximum loads. Closely monitor for pressure signs. The author assumes no liability for any injury, damage, or loss resulting from the use of this information.*
Powder Charge Adjustment
Minor adjustments to powder charges can be made to fine-tune your reloads, but always within the safe parameters of your chosen load data. Factors like bullet weight, seating depth, and variations in components will impact pressure. You will never exceed the maximum data given. Changing the bullet weight or type often requires a corresponding adjustment to the powder charge. If you are moving to a heavier bullet, you may need to reduce the powder charge. The converse is true for lighter bullets. Changing seating depth can also affect pressure; seating the bullet deeper into the case increases pressure. Start at the recommended COAL as provided by the manufacturer and adjust only if needed.
Velocity Considerations
Velocity is a critical measurement of your reloads. It’s a direct reflection of the performance of your load. It can be easily and accurately determined through the use of a chronograph. Monitor the speed of your bullets. Consistently high or low velocities could indicate problems with your powder charge, primer type, or other components. Keep the velocity ranges within the data you use.
Step-by-Step Reloading Process with Ramshot Tac
The reloading process comprises a series of carefully executed steps, each contributing to the safety and accuracy of the final product.
Case Preparation
Begin with careful case preparation. Clean cases thoroughly to remove debris. Inspect them for any damage or defects, such as cracks, dents, or excessively stretched necks. Trim the cases to the correct length specified in your reloading data. This ensures consistent headspace and chambering. Chamfer and deburr the case mouths to facilitate bullet seating.
Priming
Proper priming is critical for reliable ignition. Use a priming tool to insert new primers into the primed primer pocket. Make sure the primer is seated fully and flush with the case head. Verify the seating depth to ensure that the primer is correctly seated, neither too deep nor too proud of the case head.
Powder Charging
Precise powder charging is fundamental to reload safety and consistency. Use a powder measure designed for ball powder. Carefully set your powder measure according to your Ramshot Tac reloading data. Weigh each charge with a precision scale to verify the accuracy of your powder measure. Ensure the powder charge is consistent from round to round.
Bullet Seating
Seat the bullet to the specified cartridge overall length (COAL) defined in your reloading data. Use the bullet seating die to push the bullet into the case. Carefully monitor COAL with calipers to verify accuracy. The COAL is critical for chambering and is essential for safe pressure levels. Adjust the bullet seating die until you consistently achieve the correct COAL.
Crimping
Crimping is not always necessary. Some cartridges benefit from a light crimp to secure the bullet in the case neck, improving accuracy and consistency. Follow the guidance for your specific cartridge.
Inspection
Thorough inspection is the final step. Visually inspect each loaded cartridge for any defects, such as a protruding bullet, incorrect COAL, a double charge of powder, or other signs of problems. Check that the primer is seated properly. Verify the correct powder charge weight, and ensure that your brass is not showing any stress.
Tips for Optimal Performance
Achieving consistent and accurate reloads requires attention to detail and consistent practice.
Develop a Reloading Log
Create a comprehensive reloading log. Meticulously record every detail of your reloading process, including the components used, powder charge, bullet weight, primer type, case type, COAL, and any observations about accuracy or performance. This log is invaluable for tracking your progress, identifying patterns, and making informed adjustments.
Load Development Process
Load development is key to finding the optimal load for your rifle. Load a series of cartridges with different powder charges, spanning a range of powder charges, and test them at the range. Evaluate the results and identify the load that provides the best accuracy and consistency. Be patient, and test the different loads in a methodical way. Observe and record the data you have obtained to maximize the performance.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Always maintain the cleanliness of your equipment. Regularly clean and lubricate your reloading dies, press, and other tools. Keep your reloading bench and work area meticulously organized. This helps prevent contamination, ensures consistent results, and enhances safety.
Troubleshooting
Reloading errors can occur. Knowing how to address common problems is essential.
If you notice signs of excessive pressure, such as flattened primers, stop reloading immediately and re-evaluate your load data. Reduce the powder charge, check your brass, and verify that all components are correct. Inconsistent velocities could indicate problems with the powder charge, primers, or the way the charge has been metered. Make sure that your powder measure is set accurately. Make sure you use good-quality components.
If you experience difficulty seating bullets or excessive neck tension, check your case sizing and neck sizing dies. If your brass is not getting sized correctly, the bullet will not sit appropriately.
Conclusion
Reloading with Ramshot Tac provides reloaders with a path to customization, cost savings, and the satisfaction of producing their ammunition. By understanding the properties of Ramshot Tac, adhering to established safety practices, and carefully following Ramshot Tac reloading data, you can safely and effectively create high-performance reloads. Consistent and safe reloading is a product of patience and careful practice. Be patient, and carefully track every detail to achieve your results.
Always remember that safety is paramount. Prioritize it above all else.
Disclaimer *Reloading ammunition is a potentially hazardous activity. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional reloading instruction. The author is not responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses resulting from reloading. Always consult a current and reputable reloading manual for the correct load data and safe reloading procedures. Always wear safety glasses and other appropriate protective equipment. Understand the potential dangers and risks associated with reloading, and make informed decisions regarding your reloading practices. You are solely responsible for your safety and the safety of those around you when reloading ammunition.*
