Called Ramshot Tech Support today - anyone have any feedback?

[duck911]

So, I have a few hundred Nosler Ballistic Tip 55 GR bullets at my disposal and a few pounds of TAC. I intend to roll up some .223.

However, RAMSHOT doesn't list this combo in their load data, so based on good feedback from this forum about RAMSHOT, I called. I was immediately transferred to "the lab" where I talked to a very helpful gentleman. I explained my components and my desire and he quickly and with authority said that the Sierra 55 GR load they list would be my starting point. I could almost hear his shoulders shrug in the background as if to say, "ehh, why not!" I thanked him for this time and hung up.

However, looking at other data after that call, it's clear that even RAMSHOT lists different starting and max loads for different brands of the same bullet weights.

He probably meant to imply that the 55 GR Sierra load would be a somewhat comparable load, and to start low, and work up. But he didn't say that, which surprised me a little. I am pretty new still to reloading, but I take everything (even book data) with a careful grain of salt.

It seems low risk to me, but was his advise good advise, and am I safe to start at the very low end with a different bullet and work up from there?

BTW, I thought the customer service was great, no complaints there - just looking for some additional feedback.

thanks,

--Duck911

 

[Ol` Joe]

Useing starting data for a bullet of the same wgt but different brand or shape is often done, especially with bottle neck rifle cartridges. The books if you notice all list two or three different shaped bullets, with variuous bearing surface lenghts and some are even of different jacket and core types.
Start with the beginning load listed and you should have no problems.

 

[NCsmitty]

am I safe to start at the very low end with a different bullet and work up from there?

The info that you received from Ramshot is good. Bullet weights mean more than bullet brands when dealing with copper/lead bullets of similar design.

Load at the starting load then work up towards the max that's listed by Ramshot.
Tac works very well for many on this site and you should use magnum primers with that ball powder.
Perhaps someone who uses it can give you some insight as what works for them.

In what rifle is this being used?


NCsmitty

 

[Mags]

Wow, I just used Nosler ballistic tip data to load a 55 grain Hornady V-max with Tac powder look on Page 22 of their hard copy load guide not the one on the internet. The guide states for 55 grain Nosler ballistic tip start load is 24.6 grains and max is 25.2 with an incredibly long min COL of 2.26 I find Ramshot usually lists pretty long COL.

 

[longdayjake]

With a 55 grain bullet using TAC you can probably stuff the casing as full as it will go before you get over pressure. TAC is a relatively slow powder and is better for the heavier bullets, but it works okay with 55 grain stuff. For my 62 grain loads I use nothing but TAC. Its also an awesome 6.5 grendel powder.

 

[steve4102]

I explained my components and my desire and he quickly and with authority said that the Sierra 55 GR load they list would be my starting point. I could almost hear his shoulders shrug in the background as if to say, "ehh, why not!" I thanked him for this time and hung up.

First let me say that Johan Loubser at Western Powders is top notch and really knows his stuff. He would never blow you off. If he said start with 55gr Sierra data, then start with 55gr Sierra data, it's that simple


Sounds to me as though you think that data found in manuals is more of a recipe than a guideline and it should be followed to the letter? Well, it isn't a recipe and it cannot be followed to the letter. Few seem to understand that the biggest single "change" any of us can make to ANY book's info is the firearm itself. No other "component" change or OAL will have an effect as large as this one mandatory factor! Swapping bullets of similar weight and construction is Nothin, nothin, compared to the firearm itself.

 

[Hiaboo]

Seconded what Steve said about Johan.. I sent him an email about 7.62x54R and he sent me a good email with several different data entries on it.. It's been proven to be a very good powder thus far. I've also used it in .223 for 68gr, 62gr, and soon 55gr, and so far very very good powder.

 

[duck911]

Agreed about their customer service - this was not a compliant about the service or feedback I received (In fact, I think I commented that I was impressed with the service). Johan was professional and confident - just a little quick to comment and it rattled my confidence, and that's my issue as a new reloader, not his.

Steve4102, I understand load data is not a recipe. I just do not have enough reloads under my belt to understand exactly which variables make the biggest impact, which is why I am asking. As much as I trust Western, there's thousands of folks on this forum who have other experiences with component substitutions and I value their input as well....

Thanks everyone for the great feedback,

--Duck911

 

[41 Mag]

When you call in for data, generally unless you have some off the wall or obsolete caliber combination, the folks at in Tech services at most of the powder companies are pretty familiar with what calibers work well with what powders and can give you quick references like that. Especially when dealing with the most often questioned stuff, like .223 thru say .308 calibers, where they might get 15 - 20 calls a week on them.

What sucks is when you call about a certain load for which they post data for an improved version and they tell you, "well that one is not so popular so we haven't tested it out with any of those powders yet. We might get to it or not depends on what the management wants us to spend our funds on." So then you ask, well since this is the improved version, shouldn't I be able to use the start data for it to work up from with the standard version? Their reply was, " well we haven't tested it in the standard version, quite possibly that might not be a good idea since we cannot predict what the differences in case capacities might be. I would have to say no." That always makes you feel great about their services as well.

This was not Ramshot by the way, they have ALWAYS given me at least what I was looking for if not more.

 

[jfh]

Johan is good--

When I started working with Ramshot's True Blue and Silhouette for my .38 Special / 357 "replica reloads" project, I corresponded with him several times.

I received good advice, and some new load data as well. He also sorted out information for me on calculating CIP load data in 38 Special.

As a result, Ramshot (through Graf's) has sold me at least 8 lbs of True Blue and I picked up 8 lbs of TAC as well.

Jim H.

 

[cavemanforester]

Johann has done me right as well

 

[FROGO207]

Johann has really come through on what I considered oddball requests and others not listed in any of their manuals.