Pet Loads by Ken Waters

[Larry7293]

Does volume 2 of Ken Waters book Pet loads contain the same information as volume 1 with the addition of updates? What does the complete volume book include that volume 1 and 2 does not?

[Uncle Grinch]

I have volume 1 & 2 along with a notebook of updates and new cartridges. Sometimes you will see the same cartridge, but updated with new powders and loads. It’s a great resource and excellent reading. It’s not all load data.

[K43]

Just checked to be accurate.
Vol. I starts with 22 Hornet and ends with 30-40 Krag.
Vol II starts with 30-06 and ends with 50-70.
Pistol articles make up the last chapters of Vol II.

[nagant]

Been thinking about buying what their calling the complete volume. $65 https://www.gundigeststore.com/product/pet-loads-complete-volume/

[Larry7293]

Amazon also has the complete volume for $65, which is over 1000 pages long.

[Larry7293]

thanks Is there very much information about the 38-55win cartridge?

[Shawlerbrook]

I have volumes 1&2 but haven’t seen the updates. Any leads on where to get them.

[Tall]

I have volumes 1&2 but haven’t seen the updates. Any leads on where to get them.

Seriously they are all over Amazon and eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266850226388?epid=1020172&itmmeta=01HZZNNQPCPP869R12XYGBEXKR&hash=item3e218350d4:g:h1UAAOSwhFpmY8XR&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4FU13AaWWZ3k2pIUAs9VkAPezKiiL PdKddR25QpgUO8oYbf4uKXdmaFU4A6X5gb%2B1lBmpMBq8CcIJ 67FNQBSd1oaZV6by%2FKNkrHvIerZY4M13YJxL01m7ZhG1tTWS ZFW9MepnLbrnsBbZLFFZo9iCxraYYL6YGWN8ev%2FnERchQ7RW Zmz%2FSUieECiWeP2sZucKyxHrIGsSzNvsM6VQOXthzy81474J eseulGgiEMeGplTqtOebxDsVCuRjEKa7U2Y5LAfIkp52fS6lr6 B%2FAmx%2BT5As7yqIZOnPNnZF2GLPtpa%7Ctkp%3ABFBMovvW 9f9j

[kaiser]

$65 for a complete volume of Ken Water's work is a bargain! If you enjoy Brian Pearce's work on reloading various calibers in "Handloader" magazine, you will immediately recognize the format is that used by Ken Waters (originator?). Even if you never reload or shoot 1/10 of the calibers Waters describes, his methodology makes for interesting reading and is applicable for loading most any cartridge. His observations and testing methods are "priceless" and should be included in every serious reloader's library IMHO. The only negative I can say about his manual is that it is one huge, heavy book to tote around on a hunting trip!

[nagant]

This is from the Gun Digest link above.....The nearly 6-pound Complete Volume is composed of both Volume 1 & 2, plus all of the supplements that were published over the years. This is Ken Waters’ monumental lifetime work in the handloading field and contains loading procedures, tables, tips, precautions and commentary that no handloader should be without. .38-55 is in the listed calibers.

[15meter]

The burgundy 3" thick volume is my first step on looking for load data. Don't know offhand which edition I have.

There is also a bunch of case forming information spread throughout, it saved me a lot of time on the 6.5x53R. Was invaluble on the 350 Righby Magnum, I wouldn't have had a clue on where to start on that one.

[grayscale]

Worth it for the obscure and obsolete caliber's data alone.

[square butte]

Best bedtime reading there is - besides the Bible

[K43]

thanks Is there very much information about the 38-55win cartridge?

Volume II, Third Edition (1990) has 6 pages on 38-55 with a full page of cast boolit loads divided into 3 groups by action strength (as defined by Ken Waters).

[Larry7293]

thanks

[Shawlerbrook]

Is the complete 1000 page volume the updates ? I have volume 1&2 .

[Larry7293]

How is the print quality on the complete volume? Is the paper of good quality?

[Delkal]

The complete volume has 1166 pages and the last article was from 2001 (and on the 7x30 Waters of course). This is an excellent reference book and has the classic loads for many cartridges that are becoming obscure now using old school powders as well as comments on accuracy.

Only problem is the powder companies don't care to make IMR and the classic Winchester powders and keep introducing new powders called Magnumundo, Targetmeiser (or something similar) so 100 years of reloading data is quickly becoming obsolete. Unfortunately there will never be data with the new powders with cartridges like the 38-40, 308 x 1.5, 7.7 Japanese, 348 Winchester and dozens of others in the book so get it while you can.

[Delkal]

How is the print quality on the complete volume? Is the paper of good quality?

The text is OK but unfortunately the pictures are grainy and dark. There are a few load tables that were originally printed with a dark background that are difficult to quickly read even though the data is readable.

[curiousgeorge]

I have the complete manual. Yes it's a very large book, but one that I wouldn't want to be without. A wealth of load data and reloading knowledge in general. And since all my powders are from the decades he was writing, all of the data is relevant for me.

[K43]

Yes, some of the pictures and tables appear to be Zerox copies direct from the print magazines done on a hot copy machine in the 1970s/80s. They turned dark. But they're still wonderful to have.

[15meter]

I have the complete manual. Yes it's a very large book.

I have a malfunctioning RCBS 505 scale that is a victim of a falling Pet Loads.

It sat on my buddy's bench until the book took it out.

I was asked to figure out why the scale wouldn't measure repeatably after the crash. Never did. Every thing looks good just won't repeat and it's in too good of shape to pitch out.

One of these days I may grow a couple more brain cells and have an epiphany.

[wilecoyote]

...I have both a 505 and the burgundy brick:
my brain cells being what they are,
shoot the book intentionally or using it as as target background,
à la old style telephone guide:
your offended 505 will be happier or at least more inclined to collaborate_

[longarm60]

I have a malfunctioning RCBS 505 scale that is a victim of a falling Pet Loads.
I was asked to figure out why the scale wouldn't measure repeatably after the crash. Never did. Every thing looks good just won't repeat and it's in too good of shape to pitch out.


I'd bet on the bar bending, or the quartz-bearings being damaged.. Ebay can replace parts.

OTOH, Ken Waters magnum opus is irreplaceable. Excellent reference.