1970

[lizziedog1]

That is the copyright date of the oldest reloading manual I own.

It is the 45th edition of the Lyman Reloading Handbook.

It was the first reloading manual I purchased. I started reloading in 1974, it just happened to be the book I picked.

What is the oldest reloading manual you own?

 

[Dr.Mall Ninja]

I have a 1944 Gun Digest its the first year it was printed.... Its not about reloading but an old book anyway.

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

I own all issues of Handloader magazine, the first being released in 1966.

The 1953 edition of Sharpe, as well as a copy of the Wolf Publishing reprint.

 

[ReloaderFred]

I also have the entire collection of Handloader Magazine, in binders. I started in 1963, so I'll have to go down in the shop and look at the dates on some of my original manuals.

Fred

 

[rcmodel]

Reloading manual = 1962 Speer, 1964? Hornady, similiar age Hodgdon & Alcan powder data pamphlet or five.

Oldest gun catalog = 1955 Winchester catalog. (I was 10 or 11 when I got it at a Western Auto store in Iola KS)
Oldest gun books = Gun Digests and Shooters Bibles older then the oldest Republican candidate at the Iowa caucus yesterday.

But right now, my hip hurts too bad to go down stairs and see what the oldest one is.

rc

 

[FROGO207]

I have several old Ideal reloading manuals. Oldest is 1948 IIRC. There are a lot of the old tools in there and they show how to use them. I like some of the articles on how to load things like paper and metallic shotshells. I also use the old manuals to finish up the old cans of propellant that I will find here and there. BTW all the old propellant has worked OK for me so far.

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

Dr. Mall: what is in your 1944 Digest? I am guessing that there were no new guns for sale then just as new cars weren't available for civilian purchase.

 

[Dr.Mall Ninja]

The cover looks like this


It covers basic things like how clean guns and basic shooting stances.
A chapter I really enjoy is when it covers the guns of the Allies and Axis powers, they seem kinda bias
It does list the prices of guns but has no instructions for ordering, talk about cheap guns....

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

I know that in 1944, 60% of manufacturing was for the war effort, and in that year, the writing was on the wall as to who would win and that percentage started to decline. However, civilian purchase of new cars didn't resume until 1946.

I wonder when military orders for arms were reduced to the point that they could begin building and selling to civilians.

Am guessing that powder and primers weren't available until early 1946, which I believe is when Mr. Hodgdon started his business by buying a freight car amount of 4895.

Does anyone have any specific info?

 

[dickttx]

I have the following book from 1970:

Condensed Professional Loading of Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun Cartridges Including Pressures and Velocities and Reloading Data for Gun and Ammunition Manufactures, Professional and Amateur Target Shooters, Game Hunters and Guides by George Leonard Herter.

If you think Lee promotes his products you should read this. Herter not only invented the BEST cartridge, etc., to kill elephants, tigers, and mice, but he invented the elephants, tigers, and mice themselves.

 

[Slamfire]

I have my thumb eared 41st Edition of the Lyman Reloading Handbook.

It was published in 1957.

I got it later.