Pet Loads book by Ken Waters

Suputin said:
I have an old original version of the book. While I do refer to it, I find that little of it is much use these days.
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While he does refer to some obsolete powders, I found the commentary of his various load development processes much more helpful than many of his recipes. The load development processes he narrated in the articles are useful on any powder, not just on the ones mentioned. I read that book for entertainment as well, not just the end results. I also consult that book when thinking of getting into a new cartridge type.

That being said, he does have some really good recipes as well...
 
Pure Energy said:
Curious, what is a pet load?
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It's a load that someone, usually a gun writer, has found that works well in his rifle and it is a bit different than found in most reloading books. Often it's a little heavier than found in the regular loading charts.
A similar type book that came out in 1978 was, "Game Loads and Practical Ballistics for the American Hunter," by Bob Hagel. I have seen this book condemned because it is stated the loads he gives are too heavy. I have had this book from near day one and have found it very helpful. It covers many useful subjects on shooting, as well as reloading to get the most from your rifle, whether varmint or big game rifle. Some of his loads may seem pretty steep, if you are used to only the mainline loading manuals, but he always states the rifle he used to arrive at his loads. In 243, 270 and 30-06 I have used his exact loads in the bolt action rifles of those calibres I have/had and found no loading of his to give me signs of excess pressure.
 
H4831 said:
It's a load that someone, usually a gun writer, has found that works well in his rifle and it is a bit different than found in most reloading books. Often it's a little heavier than found in the regular loading charts.
A similar type book that came out in 1978 was, "Game Loads and Practical Ballistics for the American Hunter," by Bob Hagel. I have seen this book condemned because it is stated the loads he gives are too heavy. I have had this book from near day one and have found it very helpful. It covers many useful subjects on shooting, as well as reloading to get the most from your rifle, whether varmint or big game rifle. Some of his loads may seem pretty steep, if you are used to only the mainline loading manuals, but he always states the rifle he used to arrive at his loads. In 243, 270 and 30-06 I have used his exact loads in the bolt action rifles of those calibres I have/had and found no loading of his to give me signs of excess pressure.
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In that category,;) one of my favorites quickly comes to mind. Elmer Keith and evident in most if not all of his books.
 
I bought Hagel's book when it first came out and have used many loads listed there..........some of the new comers here have blasted his loads as gun wrecking heresy, but then those are the boys who never, ever go above a load listed in a modern day manual and believe if you use a Nosler or Berger bullet you must get your load from a Nosler or Berger manual............and to do otherwise or to go 1/2 grain over book max will immediately transform your rifle into an IED and blow half your face and left arm off..........
 
There are a lot of signs that you are pushing it. I simply push accuracy, be that 2.5 grains under max or 1 over. I find a dialed in load and shoot that. A very easy trap to fall into is too try and get...say a 243 to chrony equal to a 6mm. Simply buy a 6mm or reach for a 25, 6.5, or 7mm in your collection. Most people that load have a collection in my experience. Hit the accurate and easy 8 iron instead of trying to hit a nuclear SW and dump it in the trap or water.

Any bricks and mortar store in Canada that carries some of these books...pet loads in particular
 
have just received my copy of Pet Loads should be some interesting reading it was $67.50 cnd. shipped from amazon.com that was with 19% exchange if ordered from amazon .ca it is $87 plus tax and shipping order my copy dec 23 received dec 30
 
nowarningshot said:
There are a lot of signs that you are pushing it. I simply push accuracy, be that 2.5 grains under max or 1 over. I find a dialed in load and shoot that. A very easy trap to fall into is too try and get...say a 243 to chrony equal to a 6mm. Simply buy a 6mm or reach for a 25, 6.5, or 7mm in your collection. Most people that load have a collection in my experience. Hit the accurate and easy 8 iron instead of trying to hit a nuclear SW and dump it in the trap or water.

Any bricks and mortar store in Canada that carries some of these books...pet loads in particular
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I haven't seen one... I ordered mine from the US because it was so much cheaper...
 
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