Ramshot Zip

[Collo Rosso]

Anybody using Zip?
Finally opened the pound I bought last year and loaded some 9mm and 45acp with it. Noticeably softer recoil than my usual WST loads for these calibers. From the sound of the bullet smacking a steel plate I'd guess it doesn't have the velocity WST has. Not as clean burning either. Left a uniform gray coating inside the cases and both muzzles.
I could live with it, but I don't think it will replace WST for me. Going to try some in 38 and 44 special next.

 

[noylj]

Maybe your charge weight was too low, with your other components.
Zip is in the same place as 231/HP38 and N320, which is often a good place to be.
If you want faster, try Competition.

 

[MAJPATT]

I really like Zip in my .45 ACP.

I've only been reloading for a few months, but have had great success with 6 grains of zip with a 200 grain SWC coated from Missouri Bullet Co.

Accurate in my 1955 Target and in a Les Baer 1911.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

It sounds like your loading light, ZIP is not a wimpy powder. Like already said it's a lot like W231 and that is a good thing.

 

[Collo Rosso]

Ramshot's loading data for a 9mm Berry's 125gr. plated was 3.9gr to 4.4gr max. I loaded coated 124gr RN's to 4.2gr.. Same with 230gr. coated RN's for 45acp, loaded .2 below shown max.
Next time I load it I'll try stepping it up a little.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Ramshot's loading data for a 9mm Berry's 125gr. plated was 3.9gr to 4.4gr max. I loaded coated 124gr RN's to 4.2gr.. Same with 230gr. coated RN's for 45acp, loaded .2 below shown max.
Next time I load it I'll try stepping it up a little.

.2gr off the max shouldn't do what you are describing. What about OAL, the same as listed in the load data? Slight changes in bullet seating depth in a 9mm will change pressures, most times by a lot.

 

[jaysouth]

Ramshot Zip is the same powder as 231 and HP38. Just different shaped jugs and different colored labels.

5 grs with a 200 grs SWC in 45 ACP goes 790 FPS. 5.5 grs goes 850 and burns a bit cleaner, but recoils more.

 

[Collo Rosso]

.2gr off the max shouldn't do what you are describing. What about OAL, the same as listed in the load data? Slight changes in bullet seating depth in a 9mm will change pressures, most times by a lot.

Ramshot spec's OAL to 1.16". I loaded to 1.15".

 

[Collo Rosso]

Ramshot Zip is the same powder as 231 and HP38. Just different shaped jugs and different colored labels.

That's news to me. I'll have to look into that.

 

[just for fun]

Bought 5lbs. of it when I couldn't find any 231. burn chart tables place it right beside 231. Loaded it in 38 special cases and the results weren't very good. Tried to trade it off, because nobody had heard of it, had no takers. tried it in 40 cases with 165 grain bullets. Outstanding results! Wanted 1k FPS and got 985 average. Speed as right on and accuracy was better than I can shoot standing. ( shot seated off rest).
TO ME it seems to burn closer to AA-2 than 231. Glad I bought as much as I did.
Rumors has it that 231 will be no more. At one time my reaction was-NOW WHAT? As time goes by and I try different powders, my reaction has become-SO WHAT! Found replacements. Don't cry over spilled milk.

 

[Collo Rosso]

I knew W231/HP-38 was made by General Dynamics in St. Marks Florida. Zip is made in Belgium so, not the same powder.

 

[Nevada Ed]

1.16" is a LONG .......... OAL for the little 115gr in the 9mm.

I don't even load a Xtreme 115gr plated at that length. 1.14" is my max with a plated RN, FMJ type shaped bullet for light target work. I tried 1.10" but the accuracy was not there but it did have much higher fps, with all powders used.

I can see 1.15" with a 124gr bullet but it will drop your pressures and fps with that longer OAL.

Try a load at 1.13 OAL with the first charge of 4.2 grs again and see if it improves.

Some have mentioned that it is like w231..............
if that is true, from my testing with w231 with the 124gr plated, you have a medium load.

Good luck.

 

[Bugkiller99]

Mark in GA posted some information here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/437627-ramshot-zip-vs-hp-38-w231-comparison-test-results.html