Reloading EverythingTitan ReloadingPBcastcoLee Precision
MidSouth Shooters SupplyRepackboxRotoMetals2Wideners
Load Data Inline Fabrication
Results 1 to 11 of 11

Thread: Ken Howell's Designing & Forming Custom Cartridges Book

  1. #1
    Boolit Buddy

    nvreloader's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Western NV
    Posts
    194

    Ken Howell's Designing & Forming Custom Cartridges Book

    Guys
    Here is another book that is worth it.

    It is not a reloading manual, per se,
    But has a host of cartridge dimensions, from the smallest case to the largest,
    and shows other cases that can be used to convert to others with a little browsing thru it etc.

    This book is not readily found or available.

    YMMV,

    Tia,
    Don

  2. #2
    Boolit Buddy KMac's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    377
    Wow. I looked up prices on that book and it is going for $150 and up from several sources. Has been out of print since 1995 and looks like a highly sought after collectible and usable book.
    " My people skills are just fine. It's my tolerance for idiots that needs work."

  3. #3
    Boolit Grand Master

    dragon813gt's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Somewhere in SE PA
    Posts
    9,989
    The price fluctuates a lot. It’s $150 now and May be $70 in two weeks time. I have a copy and find it worthwhile to have.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master

    alamogunr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    4,509
    I have 2 copies. The first I got from Ken Howell himself and the second I ordered from the company that published Precision Shooting. Both were about $50 back then. Pretty good price per pound.

    I guess I was thinking that I would have a copy for each of my sons. Neither are inclined in that direction so one of these days somebody will get a good deal.
    John
    W.TN

  5. #5
    Boolit Buddy

    nvreloader's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Western NV
    Posts
    194
    I have #347 signed by K Howell, when he first brought them out, and IIRR the price was $50,
    now the average price runs $100-$150..........

    Right now there is 1 copy for $99 on Bay site.......
    No eBay links, ever

    Tia,
    Don
    Last edited by Pressman; 01-18-2019 at 07:29 AM. Reason: eBay Link removed

  6. #6
    Boolit Master


    Nueces's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Texas Hill Country
    Posts
    2,239
    I met Ken Howell at a Shot Show in the mid 90s, spoke with him a while and ordered his book. He offered my choice of serial numbers in an autographed edition. After I got home, number 4590 show up and I've referred to it since then.

    For a highly usable reference on cartridge conversions, look for "The Handloader's Manual of Cartridge Conversions", by John Donnelly. Donnelly was a professional case modder and his book is as big as Howell's.

  7. #7
    Boolit Buddy
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    Logan, Ut.
    Posts
    494
    Quote Originally Posted by alamogunr View Post
    I have 2 copies. The first I got from Ken Howell himself and the second I ordered from the company that published Precision Shooting. Both were about $50 back then. Pretty good price per pound.

    I guess I was thinking that I would have a copy for each of my sons. Neither are inclined in that direction so one of these days somebody will get a good deal.
    Dad ! DAD !! I'm over here !!!

  8. #8
    Boolit Master

    alamogunr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    4,509
    Quote Originally Posted by Nueces View Post
    I met Ken Howell at a Shot Show in the mid 90s, spoke with him a while and ordered his book. He offered my choice of serial numbers in an autographed edition. After I got home, number 4590 show up and I've referred to it since then.

    For a highly usable reference on cartridge conversions, look for "The Handloader's Manual of Cartridge Conversions", by John Donnelly. Donnelly was a professional case modder and his book is as big as Howell's.
    Your post reminded me that the copy I got directly from Ken Howell was also numbered(913) and signed. I didn't have the foresight or presence of mind to request something meaningful. The date is 5 December 2000 exactly as he wrote it.
    John
    W.TN

  9. #9
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Missouri Ozarks
    Posts
    1,240
    I have both and there is no comparison. Howell is best all the way.

    When I bought mine from Ken he said there would be a follow up book but apparently it never came as I have never heard of it.

  10. #10
    Boolit Master

    alamogunr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    4,509
    I looked for the follow up book for a long time. Apparently he just ran out of stamina. Somewhere along the years he had a stroke, fought his way thru it, moved to Arizona(?). But never got very far with the second book. I'm sure it would have been very interesting and accurate.

    I'm writing this as if he has passed away. I don't know that for a fact and can't find any mention of that.

    EDIT! Looked some more and found this:

    https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...ics/10849868/1
    Last edited by alamogunr; 12-01-2018 at 09:52 PM.
    John
    W.TN

  11. #11
    Boolit Buddy
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    East TN
    Posts
    127
    I bought mine form Ken as well. It is signed copy #556 to me and he dated it "Stevensville, Montana 3 December 1997... It is a treasure...

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check