bmcgilvray
Member
One thing about it. Elmer Keith and his hand loading is much more fun and gratifying to read than is the timorous dithering about it that we've seen on modern internet firearms forums.
Elmer Keith’s .38 special load data
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It is a shame that copies of "Hell, I Was There!" are so scarce. His fantastic story is about so much more than the heavy load development which is about all we seem to hear about online.
Not to say this isn't an engaging subject on it's own, but now that true magnums are everywhere I personally can't imagine stressing my precious revolvers, but no slam on anyone with a genuine interest in pushing the envelope. Heck, maybe I am just jealous because I can't afford to play this game.
Not to say this isn't an engaging subject on it's own, but now that true magnums are everywhere I personally can't imagine stressing my precious revolvers, but no slam on anyone with a genuine interest in pushing the envelope. Heck, maybe I am just jealous because I can't afford to play this game.
I've been loading 2400 for about 10 years in 357 cases. I'll guarantee you, you do not want to use that load in a K frame. But if you do we want to see pictures of the wreckage.
Years ago, when 2400 was a Hercules product, I used to call the factory, get technical support, and give them parameters to test a potential load for me. They were happy to do it. This was especially helpful with shotgun loads, because new components were constantly coming out and manuals were not up to date.
They would give you velocity and pressure, and the velocity variation over several loads.
I wonder if Alliant would do the same thing. They must have the equipment seeing as they have and publish load data. Worth a call I think
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I highly doubt Alliant or any company for that matter today would accept your parameters, load ammo to those parameters and test it for velocity and pressure for any one individual. I'm sure their lawyers and bean counters would forbid it. They would not spend the time and money on such a thing today, sorry to say...
gwpercle
Member
A nice read and interesting addition to any reloaders bookshelf...
Elmer Keith's 1936 book "Sixgun Cartridges & Loads" the chapters on bullets , bullet casting and alloy's and Loads are most interesting as are the photo's . Reprinted , cost $9.95 no shipping and available now @ Amazon .
I have a feeling that when these are gone ... the prices will start going up .
Woth every penny just to get his loads as published and the photo's .
Gary
Elmer Keith's 1936 book "Sixgun Cartridges & Loads" the chapters on bullets , bullet casting and alloy's and Loads are most interesting as are the photo's . Reprinted , cost $9.95 no shipping and available now @ Amazon .
I have a feeling that when these are gone ... the prices will start going up .
Woth every penny just to get his loads as published and the photo's .
Gary
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
The $9.97 price tag is for the Kindle version. The softcover is $11.87 and the hardcover is $22.95.
gwpercle
Member
Whoa ... the inflation has hit hard ... I got the hardcover in 2018 ( "Sixgun Cartridges & Loads" ) for $11.95 .... if it's $22.95 now ... that's almost double in price .
Even at $11.87 Softcover ... that's still not bad .
I saw some copies of the book "Sixgun's" selling for $300.00 ...
that's just insane ... but if someone was smart ...they would do a cheaper re-print of "Sixgun's" my old one is getting rather worn and falling apart a bit ... I would by a reprint at a sane price .
Get them while you can afford them ... I don't do insane !
Gary
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Der Verminator
US Veteran
Just as an added caution.
In the Second Edition Safari Press publication of "Gun Notes" by Keith there is a FULL PAGE warning about trying to duplicate his handloads.
Included are specific warnings not to try to replicate his stated velocities (many are just estimates) and NEVER try to duplicate the powder charges he claimed to have used because of the differences in the powders of today.
If you watch Amazon closely you can sometimes pick up one of his older books for a fairly reasonable price when you are fortunate enough to find a seller that's just unloading books left to them by a dead relative.
In the Second Edition Safari Press publication of "Gun Notes" by Keith there is a FULL PAGE warning about trying to duplicate his handloads.
Included are specific warnings not to try to replicate his stated velocities (many are just estimates) and NEVER try to duplicate the powder charges he claimed to have used because of the differences in the powders of today.
If you watch Amazon closely you can sometimes pick up one of his older books for a fairly reasonable price when you are fortunate enough to find a seller that's just unloading books left to them by a dead relative.
Re: EK ... pressures ... bullets ... Guns and Ammo. Started reading GA in 1979. Just married, in school, almost no money ... I glommed on to Keith and what he had to say about rifles and pistols. Had to make due w/ a .30-06 for hunting. Got a six inch 28-2 and had access to endless quantities of .38 Spec. casings. So ... loaded available bullets over whatever he recommended ... working up of course. Alas, probably did load some stuff that was over the edge. To me a while to comprehend that lead and jacketed bullets could not be loaded the same. Never blew up a handgun. Did have some cases I could hardly extract. Like EK, learned to love my guns more than my experiments. Nowadays ... if I want a hotrod .38 Special ... I buy Buffalo Bore or Underwood. Sincerely. bruce.
Doug M.
Member
Remember that in addition to the fact that Keith did not have a lot of money, he also did not have access to the modern stuff that many shooters take for granted. A good amount of what he did was "SWAG". He also did not shoot a lot compared to some folks today.
