Bob Hagel's book "Game Loads and Practical Ballistics for the American Hunter" is one of my favorites. I had the pleasure of meeting him in 1982 and he shared loading data with me for several years thereafter.
He was a good man and knew what he was talking about.
Posts: 3315 | Location: Western Slope Colorado, USA | Registered: 17 August 2001
I am always surprised at how many out there are completely unaware of the contributions of Bob Hagel. Jack O'Conner said of Hagel: "He was a good writer and a fine nuts-and-bolts rifleman". I would take it a step further in saying that he was great handloading experimenter, a magnum specialist, who knew how to get the most out of his rifles. What's more, he had the guts to go there, in print. Bob Hagel is in my "Big Five" of gunwriters.
I love Bob's writing,but I have to ask-is Bob still with us or has he passed away?I know he was going through some bad health awhile back.
Elmer Keith knew Bob when Bob was just a young boy,as Elmer was good friends with Bob's dad.Elmer gave Bob a job digging ditches (which he said Bob complained about to no end!),and paid him with a brand new Krag rifle in 30/40,which Bob went on to kill a mountain of game with.
The .338 load I have used for more than 20 years is something I got out of a Bob Hagel article in the 1970's. It's about 5 grains above the max in any of the manuals, but it shows no pressure signs in my rifle.
Posts: 18352 | Location: Salt Lake City, Utah USA | Registered: 20 April 2002
Brian-yeah Bob is still with us I spoke with Leah (his wife) a bit back and she said he's still alive and kicking-I am glad-he is the Writer in my mind.
"GET TO THE HILL"
Dogz
Posts: 879 | Location: Bozeman,Montana USA | Registered: 31 October 2001