"Pet Loads, 8th Edition" Book by Ken Waters

I found this book to be an interesting read. It has the typical loads you may find in other manuals, but the personal comments, and opinions on various calibers set this book apart. Mr. Waters gives his personal opinions on several calibers, some of them not in agreement with the masses, but all with personal experience that gives weight to his words. I found some of the older calibers showcased. Calibers once immensly popular, but now pushed aside by faster more verstile rounds. It is just a well written book with much interest to the handloader, or anyone interested in firearms.

This book is very informative with each cartridge written up in detail. Its more like a dictionary of cartridges. Some don't like the older material, but that’s what I needed, to get close to the original or improve on it. Besides, you can't get any of this older material any where else.

What a great book! It has lots of info on about any cartridge you could want. Plus it gives you a good starting place and saves lots of time figuring out what shoots well. Some of the information is a bit outdated, but is still useful.

Ken Waters has been writing technical articles about guns at least since the '60s. "Pet Loads" is a huge (over 1000 pages) collection of his loads for an amazing number of cartridges. The oldest articles may be partly obsolete and nearly all of it is available in various loading manuals, but the fact that he often used several guns to test a given cartridge, plus the vast amount of gun lore presented, make this book a pleasure to read. There are even some hunting stories, as most cartridges are examined as possible big game or varminting rounds. He presents many updates of older articles and not only adds new information but changes his mind about certain things. His use of a micrometer to measure case head expansion to keep his loads safe is a technique more handloaders should examine. A good book, and I'm glad I bought it.

Great source of information on cartridges and loads. Load information is top notch, with comment on loads indicating relative ratings by the author. Facinating read.... besides the load data. Buying this book negates need for "Cartidges of the World." Highly recommended for reloaders and those interested in the history of cartridges.

Even though some of the powders are no longer available for some of the older "Pet Loads", Ken Waters puts the cartridges through the paces. Noting everything from various case capacities of the brass to rates of twist of the rifles. Lots of practical information on each cartridge. Very thorough and would recommend every handloader add this book to their library of reloading manuals!

If you actually read this book you will love Ken's work of a life time. But the binding is the wrong type (Glue). So this book will fall apart in less then 8 weeks of use. I am looking to find a book binder to rebind mine properly. Thank you Ken for your work.

I have about 25 reloading manuals, so having another one was no big deal. Ken Waters Pet Loads however is not just a reloading manual. Ken writes in a style that draws you to the story, makes you think about why you are reloading, and for what result. He uses his own information and tells you why he decided to go in the direction he went. He dispels rumor and recommends cartridges that are superior to popular cartridges. I have bought 2 rifles in odd calibers because of his information, with a third coming money permitting. He covers popular calibers with enthusiasm as well. If you can look at a burn rate chart you can find modern recipes to find loadings that are close to his results. Some of the recommendations are obsolete That is not the only reason to buy this book. My favorite cartridge the 45-70 is covered so well I have read it over and over again just to remember why I cant stop reloading for it. If you enjoy reading, that seems like you're talking to an old friend this book is for you.

Excellent book! This is one of my favorite reloading books. Ken Waters know his stuff. NOTE: The 6th and 8th editions are identical. I don't know why Wolfe Publishing called this the 8th edition. If you have the 6th edition, then just save your money. There is nothing new in this edition. Also, be sure to buy the two supplements to the 6th and 8th editions.

Overall the information found in the book is very usefull. The only problem I see is that it has some loads listed that has obsolete powders in them. These powders were available at the time the articles were written.

Very outdated info. For the money it is a poor investment. It includes no wildcat info and only a few rare calibers. Binder is poorly constructed, like a old sears catalog. If you can find old Lyman books you are doing yourself a favor. The older Lyman like 45 or 46th addition are by far better.

I agree with all the accolades - great material, but it is dated as newer calibers, bullet weights and powders are not here. The binding is an absolute piece. As soon as you open the book anywhere the binding starts to crack, especially if you were to lay it on a table to read or use for reference. I usually squeeze the binding in one hand and use the other to turn pages. Of course you don't have to do this but soon you will have a loose-leaf book.