Waters's Pet loads for cast bullets

[BullRunBear]

I just saw that the complete Pet Loads is available from MidwayUSA and Amazon for 60 bucks. Most of my reloading is for revolver cartridges and common rifle calibers. Probably 95 percent of my loads are with cast bullets. The exceptions are 22 Hornet, .222 Remington, and .223. I get most of the information from the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook.

The question is: does Pet Loads cover cast bullet loads or mostly jacketed? I do enjoy reading about ammo loads and development but, before spending that much, figured I would ask.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[Thomasss]

The question is: does Pet Loads cover cast bullet loads or mostly jacketed? I do enjoy reading about ammo loads and development but, before spending that much, figured I would ask.

"Pet Loads" covers CALIBERS. And with each caliber, Waters talks about a wide variety of different commercial bullets, loads and handloads that were available at the time of his writings. In fact, you will find updates on many more popular calibers, such as .38 Special, .357 Mag and 30/06 etc.

 

[dannyd]

I have all the Handloader magazines from 1966, Pet Loads basically is about all rifle data with the book just being the magazine articles reprinted, so If you going to spend money for what you shoot and you don't have the latest Lyman Cast Bullet manual that would be a better buy.

The articles have good information in them, but it would be mainly general knowledge of many different calibers.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Just pulled my copy out to confirm. He does a lot of cast work, depending on the round.

Great book, sadly, it is getting a bit dated with some of the powders not being made now and of course the new powders won't be listed.

I enjoy mine and refer to it often, depends a lot on what one is loading and your desires.

 

[BullRunBear]

Thanks for the feedback. Think I'll keep an eye open for a copy at a good price for some enjoyable reading. I do have the latest edition of the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook which has met my needs so far. It helps that I typically load for light to medium power levels and use established powders like Unique, Bullseye, Red Dot, and 4759 and a few others. So I don't worry about new powders. That simplifies matters.

Thanks again,

Jeff

 

[Frulk]

I have it. He intersperses technical data (such as it is) with anecdotal stories of hunting and personal experiences. It makes for very easy and in some cases, entertaining reading.

Unique powder is almost ever present in many of the chapters. I like the book overall as it has many calibers I own, shoot and reload for represented throughout its pages.

It’s a lengthy, almost historical (at this point in time) tome that I think is worth the money it takes to add to a gun owners/reloaders shelf.

 

[BW460]

I have his manual. It was compiled from his articles and is pretty old data. If you have newer powders it won't help you. If all you have is Bullseye, Unique, and 2400 then you are in luck. The data isn't bad, it's just old.

 

[Rodfac]

I've had the two volume set since the '80's and have always found his "accurate" loads to be outstanding. His writing is an easy & enjoyable read, and has probably cost me several thousand dollars over the years as he perked my interest in several off beat rifles and more than a couple of handguns.

You'll not find any of the new powders (since roughly the turn of the century), but the old standbys are all there. Same for primer types.

Another good point is that he's done really great work with calibers and guns that have now been obsolete for decades...a God-send for those of us who enjoy finding a well cared for piece from way back when.

Best regards Rod

 

[BullRunBear]

After this discussion, my dear wife (she is a prize) told me to stop dithering and get the book. Just placed the order.
Thanks again for your thoughts.

Jeff

 

[fayettefatts]

Do both volumes have load data?

 

[IWAC]

I have his manual. If you have newer powders it won't help you. If all you have is Bullseye, Unique, and 2400 then you are in luck. The data isn't bad, it's just old.

The "OLD" data just works, as it has for Decades, (avoiding Speer manual #8) some close to a Century. But....newer powders have a lot to offer, too!

 

[bfalcon00]

Do both volumes have load data?

I bought a copy last year that had both volumes in one. Both volumes had really good load data.

 

[BRatigan]

The latest Lee Manual has data for lead bullets, copper, as well as some data on plated bullets. It's pretty good as a one stop shop book. Having said that I also have Pet Loads and about 6 other reloading books and pdfs that cover the pass 60 years or so. Get as much data as you can.

 

[BW460]

I don't have the latest Lee manual, but I have an older one. Unless things have changed, be a little careful as some of the loads in Lee's manual are a bit hot. I was told that Lee didn't actually do any testing but rather just copied the data from other sources. I can't personally verify that.

 

[dannyd]

I don't have the latest Lee manual, but I have an older one. Unless things have changed, be a little careful as some of the loads in Lee's manual are a bit hot. I was told that Lee didn't actually do any testing but rather just copied the data from other sources. I can't personally verify that.

All Lee manuals as far as Data goes are reprints. That's per the company themselves.

Having many references is great my reloading library goes from 1920 till today, but with almost all the manufacturers having updated data on their web sites that's probably the best place to look.

 

[BullRunBear]

A follow-up. My copy of Pet Loads arrived and I've been thumbing through it. This wasn't inexpensive but is proving to be worth it. I really enjoy his background on the cartridge and the analysis of his tests. There is a lot of enjoyable reading in all those pages. The book is heavy but I use a lap pillow to hold it while reading which takes the strain off my aging wrists. Best of all, he includes a lot of cast bullet loads. And while the data are 'old' they meet my needs. The two 'youngest' cartridges I reload are 41 magnum (my favorite magnum) and 32 H&R magnum. Both are covered in his usual detail and use the powders I prefer like Unique, Bullseye, and similar powders for rifles. Not having the latest calibers and powders isn't a problem.

Thanks for all the good advice about getting Pet Loads. It's proving to be a fun and helpful resource.

Jeff

 

[the Black Spot]

Yep, great info in those pages!