Reloading book by Richard Lee?

Rick

Moderator
Staff member
LEE molds improved? I couldn't tell you, bought my last one when Richard lee was a young man.
 

JonB

Halcyon member
I don't have knowledge about the 6 cav molds, and when they may have improved?
BUT, it was 2013 or 2014 when the 2 cav molds were improved. Besides Block design, I understand they switched to CNC machining as well. Before that change, It seemed there was a huge variance batch to batch. With the Midsouth 22 Bator custom, it seemed each batch was like buying a new bullet design, LOL...and I know this due to my buying several. One was heavier with a stepped GC shank, another was lighter with a tapered GC shank, and another one was quite FAT, that one was best suited for 22 savage high power, than for my 22 Hornet Ruger #3 that I bought it for. As Forest Gump would say, It was like a Box of Chocolates...
 
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Bret4207

At the casting bench in the sky. RIP Bret.
I've bought all the books that have been mentioned in this thread (and more). I realize some have their flaws, but I'm OK with that. One of these days, I'm gonna find some of Ken Water's books.

Buy "Pet Loads". You will never, ever, EVER go wrong using Kens methods and loads. They may not be the hottest or use the very latest super dooper powder, but they work. His cast loads are very conservative and he wasn't a big cast fan, but they are a start. I consider him, Al Miller and Frank Marshall of the CBA the best writers on reloading this side of Elmer and Skeeter.
 

CZ93X62

Official forum enigma
I'll second Bret's nomination for Waters' Pet Loads.

Last week, I dropped $35 for the online Load Data site. It has a ton of data for the common calibers, but not one entry for 9.3 x 62 Mauser. Appalling. Unforgivable. OUTRAGEOUS!

Rant concluded.
 

dannyd

Active Member
I'll second Bret's nomination for Waters' Pet Loads.

Last week, I dropped $35 for the online Load Data site. It has a ton of data for the common calibers, but not one entry for 9.3 x 62 Mauser. Appalling. Unforgivable. OUTRAGEOUS!

Rant concluded.


And no cast bullets for 300 blackout but it only cost me 24.00 dollars. :)
 

462

California's Central Coast Amid The Insanity
"Pet Loads" is more than just a wealth of load data. That Mr. Waters also delves in the history of both the cartridges and guns are additional bonuses.
 

JonB

Halcyon member
I looked at Amazon for Pet loads, and the newest "complete volume"
I always get a laugh from some of the reviews.
Here is a one star review from a user ID "American Book Review"

This book is full of technical information dated between the period of 1966 through about 1999 repackaged in a cover with a recent copyright date of about 2015. Some of the reviews contain information between the 1950 and 1973. No questions this reference was handy in the last century but not today. Take a pass, it is not worth the money, and someone should write a newer volume.
 

462

California's Central Coast Amid The Insanity
Some people just don't understand. Bet the reviewer would praise it to the moon, if it were a version that could be cell-phone downloadable.
 

dannyd

Active Member
I looked at Amazon for Pet loads, and the newest "complete volume"
I always get a laugh from some of the reviews.
Here is a one star review from a user ID "American Book Review"

This book is full of technical information dated between the period of 1966 through about 1999 repackaged in a cover with a recent copyright date of about 2015. Some of the reviews contain information between the 1950 and 1973. No questions this reference was handy in the last century but not today. Take a pass, it is not worth the money, and someone should write a newer volume.


That is a true statement it is just reprinted parts of Handloader magazine. I have all the magazines from 1966 to today. Good information but that's how a 30 year old would look at it today. Just wish they do and online version. I carry the new Hornady, Lyman 50 and loaddata on my phone works great when you can't remember the powder you wanted to buy information right in your hand.
 

RBHarter

West Central AR
Ackley was just some dude with some .473 to .450 tapered reamers with a 40° bevel that happened to match lengths to the shoulder neck jct of 06' and x57 cases .
Pope just did some rifling .
JMB was just a gun smith with a couple of ideas .
Elmer was a cowboy and big game guide that shot stuff with pistols .
Alven York and Audy Murphy captured some Germans during a war .
John Wayne was actor .
Jim Jones was a misunderstood preacher .
Jane Fonda made a little mistake .........
Seems like a lot of folks just don't have a lot of appreciation for the flavor and neuance of the writing and just want the facts . A,B,C etc is great but it's a lot more interesting when it's rearranged into "Quothe the raven , never more." . Sadly the just the facts crowd is fast outnumbering those that see the "humor" of not actually shooting cats but just taking an inch or 4 off their tails so they don't get caught under the porch rockers any more .
 

Joshua

Taco Aficionado/Salish Sea Pirate/Part-Time Dragon
At 46 years old I feel like I straddle the divide.

I would love a copy of Mr. Waters "Pet Loads" as a PDF on my phone.

Josh
 

waco

Springfield, Oregon
At 46 years old I feel like I straddle the divide.
Great phrase. I just turned 46 in August. We are kinda stuck in the middle. I know and understand just enough tech stuff to sometimes want the new version but most times just give me a book.
 

dannyd

Active Member
Old guys are always hard on younger people. 45 years ago my barracks chief was a retread from WW2. He thought everyone in the 70's Navy was stupid. It's just the way things go. Me I like new equipment I will own a press for couple years then sell it and try something else. Same with lead pots right now I use Lee, lyman and RCBS.
 

Bret4207

At the casting bench in the sky. RIP Bret.
I looked at Amazon for Pet loads, and the newest "complete volume"
I always get a laugh from some of the reviews.
Here is a one star review from a user ID "American Book Review"

This book is full of technical information dated between the period of 1966 through about 1999 repackaged in a cover with a recent copyright date of about 2015. Some of the reviews contain information between the 1950 and 1973. No questions this reference was handy in the last century but not today. Take a pass, it is not worth the money, and someone should write a newer volume.


That's one reason, among many, not to do anymore business with Amazon than you absolutely have to. Go to Midway or Wolfes site and buy it, or go on Ebay or ABE and get a used copy. You can even get PDF version, but I don't know how trustworthy or legal the sites offering it are- you do the research and decide. Anyone that can't grasp the usefulness and immense work that this represents probably shouldn't be reloading anything or handling guns in the first place!