I have the 3rd, 4th, 6th, and the 9th editions. I have several other books that Dean Grennel wrote and enjoy his style greatly. That being said, I am partial to the earlier editions since I have had them longest. Different style used by Mr James and the rest and from what I can tell it is merely a newly edited version of the 6th edition which he wrote. He has added few things to his list and the rest of the book is made up of chapters written as articles by other authors. Each is a competent author in thier own right, but the changes of style I find somewhat jarring.
As to getting the "most modern" or newest edition as the best...I am not seeing any "NEW" information here. Even the pics are B&W and the articles talk about older equipment. I son't think there is anything "new" or updated in the 9th edition of this book that wasn't there in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th editions, they just needed to put out another edition to get your money.
From what I understand, Bill Chevalier in the 8th edition did talk a little about some of the newer stuff out there. But be aware... basic reloading has not changed in the thirty years I have been doing it.
Refinements have been made but they really only benefit the experienced loader. Case prep is stressed quite a bit today. When I first started, I had nothing but a Lee Loader for my .303BR. I did no case prep at all. I hammered in the case, drove out the primer, primed it, charged it with the powder scoop, seated a bullet, shot the round. Sure, I can now make tighter groups (that rifle shoots just slightly over MOA with the loads I have worked up), but I still shot 2" groups at 100yds and that counted for a large number of animals down over the years.
Remember, the basics are just that, and they CANNOT change. Learn them, practice them safely until they are ingrained in your heart, and enjoy a hobby that has given me a great deal of pleasure over the last 30yrs.
