Ramshot powder "HUNTER"

[300WSM]

Anyone here have any loads worked up for the following calibers using Hunter powder?

Dr. Mike if you would be so kind to run this in your program and let me know what you come up with.

I am running
25 wssm
85 gr B/T
115 gr B/T

Also 300WSM
168 GR CT/BT
180 B/T

I left the folks messages and had several calls into the factory and I didn't get a call back or ever get a live body :roll:

If this works well I might have a couple of other calibers in need of such.

I kind of test in these two calibers because in these specific platforms they are a bit fussy. If it works well in these platforms then it usually works REALLY well in some others.

 

[RiverRider]

Ramshot's online data shows Hunter loads for 120- and 90-grain bullets for the .25, and shows Hunter data for 165- and 180-grain bullets for the .300.

http://www.ramshot.com/wp-content/uploa ... _rifle.pdf

 

[TXbaldhunter]

I shot a test load in my 300WSM using 67.0grs of Hunter and a 165gr bullet.It grouped very good and I was getting 3070fps with that load.I plan on doing some more testing later.The burn rate is close to IMR-4831.I really like the way it meters.

 

[Guy Miner]

Hunter did well for me in the .300 WSM and the .30-06 as well.

More later.

 

[DrMike]

Cartridge : .25 WSSM
Bullet : .257, 85, Nosler BalTip 43004
Useable Case Capaci: 50.506 grain H2O = 3.279 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.360 inch = 59.94 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Powder : Ramshot Hunter

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 2.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-20.0 87 41.60 2800 1480 30874 8524 85.8 1.344
-18.0 89 42.64 2874 1559 33091 8823 87.4 1.307
-16.0 91 43.68 2949 1641 35478 9115 88.9 1.271
-14.0 93 44.72 3024 1726 38046 9397 90.3 1.234
-12.0 95 45.76 3099 1813 40815 9667 91.7 1.194
-10.0 97 46.80 3175 1903 43802 9924 92.9 1.156
-08.0 100 47.84 3251 1995 47025 10168 94.1 1.119
-06.0 102 48.88 3327 2089 50513 10396 95.2 1.083
-04.0 104 49.92 3403 2186 54287 10607 96.2 1.048
-02.0 106 50.96 3480 2285 58379 10799 97.0 1.015 ! Near Maximum !
+00.0 108 52.00 3556 2387 62819 10971 97.8 0.983 ! Near Maximum !
+02.0 110 53.04 3632 2490 67648 11122 98.5 0.952 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0 112 54.08 3708 2595 72909 11251 99.0 0.922 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+06.0 115 55.12 3784 2702 78653 11356 99.4 0.893 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+08.0 117 56.16 3860 2811 84932 11435 99.8 0.864 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+10.0 119 57.20 3935 2922 91777 11489 99.9 0.837 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba 108 52.00 3735 2633 76349 10784 100.0 0.908 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba 108 52.00 3316 2075 50800 10540 91.0 1.080

Cartridge : .25 WSSM
Bullet : .257, 115, Nosler BalTip 25115
Useable Case Capaci: 47.820 grain H2O = 3.105 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.360 inch = 59.94 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Powder : Ramshot Hunter

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 2.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-20.0 82 37.20 2480 1570 31524 8511 91.5 1.515
-18.0 84 38.13 2541 1649 33682 8773 92.7 1.475
-16.0 86 39.06 2603 1730 35990 9024 93.8 1.435
-14.0 88 39.99 2665 1814 38459 9265 94.9 1.394
-12.0 90 40.92 2727 1898 41105 9493 95.9 1.351
-10.0 92 41.85 2788 1985 43940 9708 96.7 1.310
-08.0 94 42.78 2850 2074 46979 9908 97.5 1.270
-06.0 96 43.71 2911 2164 50243 10092 98.1 1.232
-04.0 98 44.64 2972 2256 53738 10260 98.7 1.196
-02.0 100 45.57 3033 2349 57515 10411 99.2 1.160 ! Near Maximum !
+00.0 102 46.50 3094 2444 61540 10543 99.5 1.126 ! Near Maximum !
+02.0 104 47.43 3154 2540 65848 10656 99.8 1.093 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0 106 48.36 3214 2637 70478 10748 100.0 1.062 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+06.0 108 49.29 3273 2736 75459 10820 100.0 1.031 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+08.0 110 50.22 3332 2835 80826 10880 100.0 1.002 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+10.0 112 51.15 3391 2935 86616 10937 100.0 0.973 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba 102 46.50 3223 2652 74059 10155 100.0 1.045 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba 102 46.50 2909 2161 49674 10435 95.0 1.233

Hunter is a good powder; I use quite a bit. There may be others that will give you better performance, however. Here are a few other powders for consideration that may yield better velocity and/or ballistics.

Cartridge : .25 WSSM
Bullet : .257, 115, Nosler BalTip 25115
Useable Case Capaci: 47.820 grain H2O = 3.105 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.360 inch = 59.94 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.

Matching Maximum Pressure: 56474 psi, or 389 MPa

or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 110 %

These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

7 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 90%. These powders have been skipped.

Powder type Filling/Loading Ratio Charge Charge Vel. Prop.Burnt P max P muzz B_Time
% Grains Gramm fps % psi psi ms
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Norma MRP 106.1 48.8 3.16 3099 98.5 56474 11429 1.158 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N560 107.6 48.4 3.14 3074 95.1 56474 11428 1.158 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate MAGPRO 108.0 50.6 3.28 3061 93.4 56474 11415 1.163 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-22 107.9 48.1 3.12 3061 97.2 56474 11126 1.162 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Magnum (Big Boy) 109.8 51.8 3.36 3054 95.8 56474 11253 1.153 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 SSC 105.7 47.9 3.10 3047 95.4 56474 11035 1.153 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester WXR 110.0 48.0 3.11 3035 96.7 55006 11056 1.176 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Hunter 99.6 45.3 2.94 3017 99.1 56474 10372 1.170 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-19 104.0 45.9 2.97 3011 97.0 56474 10539 1.165 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 760 93.9 43.8 2.84 3009 98.5 56474 10346 1.173 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H414 93.9 43.8 2.84 3009 98.5 56474 10346 1.173 ! Near Maximum !
Norma URP 99.0 43.2 2.80 3000 99.8 56474 10005 1.177 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4350 103.0 43.4 2.82 2999 99.8 56474 10010 1.194 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N550 96.1 43.3 2.80 2998 99.8 56474 10113 1.183 ! Near Maximum !

 

[DrMike]

In the 300 WSM, Hunter will perform much better than it does in the smaller calibre WSMs and WSSMs.

Cartridge : .300 WSM (CIP)
Bullet : .308, 168, Nosler CT BalSilTip 51160
Useable Case Capaci: 71.494 grain H2O = 4.642 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.860 inch = 72.64 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Powder : Ramshot Hunter

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 2.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-20.0 81 55.20 2497 2326 32553 9005 92.6 1.497
-18.0 83 56.58 2559 2443 34788 9274 93.7 1.457
-16.0 85 57.96 2621 2562 37178 9531 94.8 1.417
-14.0 87 59.34 2682 2683 39734 9776 95.8 1.374
-12.0 89 60.72 2744 2808 42469 10007 96.7 1.331
-10.0 91 62.10 2805 2935 45404 10223 97.4 1.291
-08.0 93 63.48 2866 3064 48542 10424 98.1 1.252
-06.0 95 64.86 2927 3196 51920 10607 98.7 1.215
-04.0 97 66.24 2988 3329 55507 10772 99.2 1.179 ! Near Maximum !
-02.0 99 67.62 3048 3465 59334 10919 99.5 1.144 ! Near Maximum !
+00.0 101 69.00 3108 3603 63432 11045 99.8 1.111 ! Near Maximum !
+02.0 103 70.38 3167 3742 67826 11151 100.0 1.079 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0 105 71.76 3226 3883 72541 11235 100.0 1.048 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+06.0 107 73.14 3285 4025 77606 11307 100.0 1.018 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+08.0 109 74.52 3343 4168 83056 11376 100.0 0.989 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+10.0 112 75.90 3401 4314 88926 11440 100.0 0.961 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba 101 69.00 3231 3894 76064 10625 100.0 1.032 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba 101 69.00 2929 3200 51231 11016 95.9 1.215

Cartridge : .300 WSM (CIP)
Bullet : .308, 180, Nosler BalTip 30180
Useable Case Capaci: 70.472 grain H2O = 4.576 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.860 inch = 72.64 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Powder : Ramshot Hunter

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 2.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-20.0 80 53.60 2419 2339 32604 8908 93.6 1.543
-18.0 82 54.94 2478 2454 34816 9165 94.7 1.502
-16.0 84 56.28 2536 2571 37181 9410 95.7 1.462
-14.0 86 57.62 2595 2691 39706 9643 96.5 1.417
-12.0 88 58.96 2653 2814 42406 9862 97.3 1.374
-10.0 90 60.30 2712 2939 45293 10066 98.0 1.333
-08.0 92 61.64 2769 3066 48382 10255 98.6 1.294
-06.0 94 62.98 2827 3195 51657 10427 99.1 1.256
-04.0 96 64.32 2884 3325 55140 10581 99.5 1.219 ! Near Maximum !
-02.0 98 65.66 2941 3458 58860 10717 99.8 1.184 ! Near Maximum !
+00.0 100 67.00 2998 3592 62836 10834 99.9 1.150 ! Near Maximum !
+02.0 102 68.34 3054 3728 67089 10931 100.0 1.117 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0 104 69.68 3110 3865 71643 11012 100.0 1.086 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+06.0 106 71.02 3165 4003 76523 11090 100.0 1.056 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+08.0 108 72.36 3220 4143 81759 11165 100.0 1.026 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+10.0 110 73.70 3274 4284 87384 11235 100.0 0.998 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba 100 67.00 3111 3869 75178 10414 100.0 1.070 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba 100 67.00 2831 3203 50814 10881 96.5 1.257

Again, some other powders that might be worth considering.

Cartridge : .300 WSM (CIP)
Bullet : .308, 180, Nosler BalTip 30180
Useable Case Capaci: 70.472 grain H2O = 4.576 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.860 inch = 72.64 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.

Matching Maximum Pressure: 56474 psi, or 389 MPa

or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 110 %

These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

9 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 90%. These powders have been skipped.

Powder type Filling/Loading Ratio Charge Charge Vel. Prop.Burnt P max P muzz B_Time
% Grains Gramm fps % psi psi ms
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Norma MRP 103.0 69.8 4.52 2990 99.2 56474 11756 1.195 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N560 104.5 69.4 4.50 2971 96.4 56474 11854 1.193 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Magnum (Big Boy) 107.0 74.4 4.82 2964 97.2 56474 11716 1.186 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-25 110.0 71.1 4.61 2962 99.9 54803 11361 1.203
Accurate MAGPRO 105.0 72.5 4.70 2961 94.9 56474 11880 1.199 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-22 104.8 68.8 4.46 2954 98.2 56474 11485 1.198 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester WXR 107.6 69.1 4.48 2953 98.0 56474 11491 1.199 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 108.8 68.7 4.45 2951 96.8 56474 11464 1.186 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 SSC 102.9 68.7 4.45 2951 96.8 56474 11464 1.186 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Hunter 96.6 64.8 4.20 2905 99.6 56474 10633 1.206 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-19 101.1 65.7 4.25 2905 98.0 56474 10882 1.200 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 760 91.2 62.6 4.06 2900 99.1 56474 10624 1.209 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H414 91.2 62.6 4.06 2900 99.1 56474 10624 1.209 ! Near Maximum !
Norma URP 96.1 61.7 4.00 2887 100.0 56474 10203 1.214 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N550 93.3 61.9 4.01 2885 100.0 56474 10320 1.219 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4350 99.9 62.1 4.02 2884 100.0 56474 10198 1.232 ! Near Maximum !
Norma 204 95.8 64.3 4.16 2879 97.7 56474 10577 1.202 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4831 106.4 67.2 4.35 2875 95.9 56474 10651 1.198 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4831 SC 102.3 67.2 4.35 2875 95.9 56474 10651 1.198 ! Near Maximum !

For accuracy with the 180 grain BT, I have had great success with WXR. It is no longer manufactured, but I still find some occasionally on store shelves. Hunter is right in the same burn rate window as RL19, VN550, A4350 and IMR4831, all of which give very good accuracy with 180 grain bullets. Ramshot has a winner in this product.

 

[joelkdouglas]

I've had some good success with Accubonds and Ballistic Tips with Hunter thus far. I'm still working on the Partition.

But it meters really well and seems to fill a 30-06 case about perfectly. Supposedly also temperature insensitive.

 

[wildgene]

Dr. Mike, I noticed that RL-17 wasn't included in either the .25 WSSM or .300 WSM loads. It's been a top performer in both for me in terms of velocity & accuracy. Just wondering if QuickLoads isn't showing it, or is showing it as a inappropriate powder. I know the guys on the WSSM board & a friend in CO has to do quite a bit of tweeking to get RL-17 to "fit" the actual profile of chrono'd shots..

 

[DrMike]

Gene,

Good point. QL does list RL17, but given the parameters I set, it didn't pop up. When I run a check of propellants, I set the parameters. In the case of the 300WSM, I set the parameters at 3000 fps and a maximum charge density of 110%. The nominal maximum chamber pressure is held to 85% so as not to give an overcharge. The data on the propellant table can then be adjusted for maximum chamber pressure. It is a safety measure built into the data. In point of fact, RL17 works just fine. Here's the data with the 180 grain BT.

Cartridge : .300 WSM (CIP)
Bullet : .308, 180, Nosler BalTip 30180
Useable Case Capaci: 70.472 grain H2O = 4.576 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.860 inch = 72.64 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Powder : Alliant Reloder-17

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 2.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-20.0 74 50.40 2462 2423 34224 8789 97.5 1.495
-18.0 76 51.66 2518 2534 36433 8999 98.2 1.459
-16.0 78 52.92 2573 2647 38778 9194 98.8 1.418
-14.0 80 54.18 2628 2761 41267 9374 99.3 1.378
-12.0 81 55.44 2683 2877 43910 9537 99.6 1.338
-10.0 83 56.70 2737 2994 46720 9682 99.8 1.300
-08.0 85 57.96 2791 3112 49705 9810 100.0 1.264
-06.0 87 59.22 2844 3232 52882 9920 100.0 1.229
-04.0 89 60.48 2896 3352 56260 10024 100.0 1.196 ! Near Maximum !
-02.0 91 61.74 2948 3473 59857 10126 100.0 1.163 ! Near Maximum !
+00.0 92 63.00 2999 3595 63690 10225 100.0 1.132 ! Near Maximum !
+02.0 94 64.26 3050 3717 67778 10321 100.0 1.102 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0 96 65.52 3100 3841 72138 10414 100.0 1.074 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+06.0 98 66.78 3150 3966 76796 10504 100.0 1.046 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+08.0 100 68.04 3200 4092 81775 10591 100.0 1.019 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+10.0 102 69.30 3249 4220 87074 10675 100.0 0.993 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba 92 63.00 3089 3814 75678 9886 100.0 1.061 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba 92 63.00 2861 3272 52537 10595 99.2 1.228


With the 115 grain BT and RL17, the data generated is:

Cartridge : .25 WSSM
Bullet : .257, 115, Nosler BalTip 25115
Useable Case Capaci: 47.816 grain H2O = 3.105 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.360 inch = 59.94 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Powder : Alliant Reloder-17

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 2.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-20.0 76 35.20 2545 1654 33807 8529 96.2 1.461
-18.0 78 36.08 2604 1732 36030 8748 97.1 1.422
-16.0 80 36.96 2663 1811 38391 8954 97.8 1.381
-14.0 82 37.84 2722 1892 40905 9145 98.5 1.341
-12.0 84 38.72 2780 1974 43578 9319 99.0 1.302
-10.0 86 39.60 2838 2057 46427 9478 99.4 1.265
-08.0 88 40.48 2895 2141 49464 9619 99.7 1.229
-06.0 89 41.36 2952 2226 52700 9741 99.9 1.194
-04.0 91 42.24 3009 2311 56154 9845 100.0 1.161 ! Near Maximum !
-02.0 93 43.12 3064 2398 59843 9935 100.0 1.129 ! Near Maximum !
+00.0 95 44.00 3120 2485 63785 10021 100.0 1.098 ! Near Maximum !
+02.0 97 44.88 3174 2573 68001 10105 100.0 1.068 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0 99 45.76 3228 2661 72516 10185 100.0 1.039 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+06.0 101 46.64 3282 2751 77353 10263 100.0 1.012 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+08.0 103 47.52 3335 2841 82547 10337 100.0 0.985 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+10.0 105 48.40 3389 2932 88126 10408 100.0 0.959 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba 95 44.00 3221 2649 76044 9661 100.0 1.027 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba 95 44.00 2965 2245 52619 10307 98.4 1.192

Consequently, I just reran the data for the 115 BT and 25 WSSM, and RL17 does not appear, even in the lower velocity data (which I didn't include earlier). It is obviously a good powder; it is just that others may give better performance. I do use RL17 in my 270WSM with 130 grain ETips, but it is about the only cartridge in which I'm currently using the powder. I test it fairly frequently in a variety of cartridges, and it may well pop out as superior in some future combination for a given cartridge. Isn't it great to live in an era when we have so many choices, and none are really bad?

 

[Guest]

Doc, I'm curious about a statement you made earlier. You said Hunter is a good powder, but then listed off powders you indicated might yield better velocity/ballistics performance. But, when I reviewed the data, it appears that the max charge of Hunter is second only to Norma MRP in velocity (and by extension ballistic performance)? Seems like Hunter is pretty darned close to the best, as it sits in second place. Just about the only thing I could find wrong with it is the 102% slight compression at max charge. That would likely be alleviated by the "looseness" of most factory chambers, I suspect. Near 100% load density, good velocity, potential temperature stability; what's not to love?

Understand I'm not poking at you. I want to understand your choices, as I am unfamiliar with these chamberings other than what I've read of them, and I've yet to work with RamShot powders. Thanks for the education.

 

[DrMike]

Dubyam,

On the propellant chart, these are not maximum velocities; they are set to 85% of a maximum chamber pressure. When you run the powders on up to 100% of maximum chamber pressure, you begin to see the differences quite distinctly. The velocity listed for Hunter to which you referred is at maximum chamber pressure. Don't misunderstand, I do use a fair amount of Hunter in a number of WSMs, and it gives me excellent performance. Usually, I'm less excited by velocity than by accuracy, and Hunter does give me reasonably clean burn and good accuracy, which means that it is a powder that I use frequently.

 

[Songdog]

Hunter was RE17... before RE17 was cool.

I've found both Hunter and Magnum (aka, Big Boy) to yield excellent velocities in most cartridges I've used it in. Also, they seem very temp stable and go through the powder very accurately. I currently run Magnum in my .243 behind the 105 Amax... sparked by a WLRM primer I get 3075 out of a 24" barrel. I've used Magnum in the .25-06 (both the Rem. and AI versions) a lot with 115 grain bullets... I could easily get a 115 NBT @ 3100fps out of the standard .25-06 with Magnum, and 3600fps with the 85 NBT and Hunter.

Side note: If you can run a 180 NBT out of your WSM at 3K... I'd go that rout for sure! There's not too much I'd fear with that load.

 

[SJB358]

Side note: If you can run a 180 NBT out of your WSM at 3K... I'd go that rout for sure! There's not too much I'd fear with that load.

That's my plan, only using RL19 to get it done with the 180 AB's. Runs 3030 outta my rifle

RL17 was decent for speed, but not the same for accuracy.

 

[DrMike]

RL19 has performed admirably with medium heavy to heavy bullets in my 300WSM. It looks as if it works equally well for you, Scotty.

 

[SJB358]

RL19 has performed admirably with medium heavy to heavy bullets in my 300WSM. It looks as if it works equally well for you, Scotty.

I wouldn't change a thing. Hopefully they don't change the 180 ABs on me! :lol:

 

[Wincheringen]

I like Hunter. It works really well in my 6.5 Creedmoor. I'm also loading it in 6.5 Swede and 257 Bob. 8lb jugs are only 125 from Powder Valley, so I'm well stocked on it.

 

[300WSM]

Gene,

Good point. QL does list RL17, but given the parameters I set, it didn't pop up. When I run a check of propellants, I set the parameters. In the case of the 300WSM, I set the parameters at 3000 fps and a maximum charge density of 110%. The nominal maximum chamber pressure is held to 85% so as not to give an overcharge. The data on the propellant table can then be adjusted for maximum chamber pressure. It is a safety measure built into the data. In point of fact, RL17 works just fine. Here's the data with the 180 grain BT.

Dr. Mike,

Thank you so much for the QL info. I have no experience with the program so I am at a loss with your above statement. If the chamber pressure was set at 100 percent or 75 percent would the numbers change? I'm not trying to hit a certain number just trying to figure out how the program works and calculates the numbers.
Also if you set the parameter to hit 2900 or 3100 how does that change with the program.

How accurate have you found QL to be? Meaning if you loaded up what it says, are you getting close to the velocity it is listing and also at the listed safe pressure?

Do you feel the program is worth it? I've been considering this for some time now.

 

[SJB358]

Gene,

Good point. QL does list RL17, but given the parameters I set, it didn't pop up. When I run a check of propellants, I set the parameters. In the case of the 300WSM, I set the parameters at 3000 fps and a maximum charge density of 110%. The nominal maximum chamber pressure is held to 85% so as not to give an overcharge. The data on the propellant table can then be adjusted for maximum chamber pressure. It is a safety measure built into the data. In point of fact, RL17 works just fine. Here's the data with the 180 grain BT.

Dr. Mike,

Thank you so much for the QL info. I have no experience with the program so I am at a loss with your above statement. If the chamber pressure was set at 100 percent or 75 percent would the numbers change? I'm not trying to hit a certain number just trying to figure out how the program works and calculates the numbers.
Also if you set the parameter to hit 2900 or 3100 how does that change with the program.

How accurate have you found QL to be? Meaning if you loaded up what it says, are you getting close to the velocity it is listing and also at the listed safe pressure?

Do you feel the program is worth it? I've been considering this for some time now.

I've found the data Dr Mike has passed to me when water capacity of the exact cases you are using makes the outputs very accurate. They are somewhat further away when general data is used instead of specific info for the components used. It really seems like an excellent program and I would be lost at times without Mikes QL!

 

[DrMike]

QuickLoad is an excellent investment for the individual that loads multiple cartridges. It can be very precise, predicting with reasonable accuracy what to expect. When it projects a particular pressure, in my experience, it is very close. Understand that there are lot-to-lot variations in all components which still necessitate verifying a given load for your rifle, meaning the necessity to start low and work up. Given that caveat, it is a great program that is comparable in cost to purchasing multiple manuals. If you purchase the annual updates, it becomes that much more accurate.

When I generate a propellant table, I don't ask the program to generate at maximum pressures. Setting the parameters at slightly lower pressure permits me to suggest other powders that might be overlooked when setting more narrow definitions. This permits the hand loader to test other powders that may, in fact, work very well, though missing the upper pressure limits by a small percentage.

 

[300WSM]

QuickLoad is an excellent investment for the individual that loads multiple cartridges. It can be very precise, predicting with reasonable accuracy what to expect. When it projects a particular pressure, in my experience, it is very close. Understand that there are lot-to-lot variations in all components which still necessitate verifying a given load for your rifle, meaning the necessity to start low and work up. Given that caveat, it is a great program that is comparable in cost to purchasing multiple manuals. If you purchase the annual updates, it becomes that much more accurate.

When I generate a propellant table, I don't ask the program to generate at maximum pressures. Setting the parameters at slightly lower pressure permits me to suggest other powders that might be overlooked when setting more narrow definitions. This permits the hand loader to test other powders that may, in fact, work very well, though missing the upper pressure limits by a small percentage.

I understand that better now. Thanks