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Pierre Van der Walts' Book

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07 July 2012, 03:31
lawndart
Pierre Van der Walts' Book
on dangerous game loads is out of print in paperback. I anted up 40% more and got a limited edition hardcover.

This is just a head's up in case you, like me, had been putting off ordering the book.

Chuck Hawks has a good review of the book posted on line.

Pathfinder Books out of the RSA also has a compendium called "Cartridges 101". A fellow whose name escapes me this year wrote a series of cartridge profiles in the Man Magnum periodical. These are not load guides, but rather discussions of all the usual suspects and much more in their historical and range of use perspectives. That should be a good read, and better than the "Cartridge Profiles" in Handloader or Rifle, I forget which.


07 July 2012, 23:57
PWS
Can I ask a ballpark price you paid?

I've seen a copy of this book and I'm sure you'll like it. It's not just the extensive specifications and data that make it outstanding but the histories and ideas that he also presents with each round.
08 July 2012, 06:32
lawndart
Pathfinder Publications

Just check the Rand to dollar ratio on one of those free currency conversion sites.

I think the price is about 1.5 x paperback. Paperback was $85.00 the last time that I checked.

I did not find anything used at Amazon, Abe's Books, etc.


08 July 2012, 07:04
Cross L
I picked up my copy at DSC last January--it is well worth it--ranks up there with Keith and O"Conner

IMHO a modern classic.

SSR
08 July 2012, 08:14
Idaho Sharpshooter
IMHO, which is just and only that; the book is overly padded (wordy!) to cover the subject.

It also does not compare favorably to Craig Boddington's earlier volume on the subject, which covers the same ground, in a much more concise fashion.

It seems to reflect payment on a word count.

I own both (and have read them back to back twice), so I feel qualified to compare them.

For the same $$$ Boddington's book is the better of the two; let alone at twice the price for Pierre's epistle.

Rich
08 July 2012, 08:15
Idaho Sharpshooter
quote:
Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
IMHO, which is just and only that; the book is overly padded (wordy!) to cover the subject.

It also does not compare favorably to Craig Boddington's earlier volume on the subject, which covers the same ground, in a much more concise, yet more complete fashion.

It seems to reflect payment on a word count.

I own both (and have read them back to back twice), so I feel qualified to compare them.

For the same $$$ Boddington's book is the better of the two; let alone at twice the price for Pierre's epistle.

Rich

08 July 2012, 13:35
interested
quote:
Originally posted by PWS:
Can I ask a ballpark price you paid?



As many have posted, you may be able to get a free copy from Nicole at AO or AHG (can't remember which -- I'm not home)in exchange for a 4 year subscription/extension, even tho the offer terminated several months ago.
08 July 2012, 18:14
tetonka
I got the hardcover from Safari Press in Calif.
for $85. Had to wait 3 months. Ordered for
Christmas 2011, then tried to get at DSC in Dallas.
Finally got it in early march. Good Book IMHO.

Good Shooting and Hunting,

Tetonka
DRSS
08 July 2012, 18:26
shootaway
quote:
Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
IMHO, which is just and only that; the book is overly padded (wordy!) to cover the subject.

It also does not compare favorably to Craig Boddington's earlier volume on the subject, which covers the same ground, in a much more concise fashion.

It seems to reflect payment on a word count.

I own both (and have read them back to back twice), so I feel qualified to compare them.

For the same $$$ Boddington's book is the better of the two; let alone at twice the price for Pierre's epistle.

Rich
Thanks,Rich!!
08 July 2012, 19:31
MJines
quote:
Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
IMHO, which is just and only that; the book is overly padded (wordy!) to cover the subject.

It also does not compare favorably to Craig Boddington's earlier volume on the subject, which covers the same ground, in a much more concise fashion.

It seems to reflect payment on a word count.

I own both (and have read them back to back twice), so I feel qualified to compare them.

For the same $$$ Boddington's book is the better of the two; let alone at twice the price for Pierre's epistle.

Rich


I must be confused. What two books are we comparing? I have never seen a Boddington book that compares to African Dangerous Game Cartridges by van der Walt. I think van der Walt's book is outstanding, particularly for big bore shooters and reloaders of nitro express cartridges. If van der Walt's book is being compared to Safari Rifles or Safari Rifles II, they are apples and oranges in my view. If I had to give up either Safari Rifles/Safari Rifles II or African Dangerous Game Cartridges, it would be the former.


Mike
08 July 2012, 20:40
Cross L
Rich

you know you are in trouble when Shootsaway agrees with you.

Wink

SSR
08 July 2012, 21:07
shootaway
I have not read it but thank Rich for giving me a warning or something to investigate.
09 July 2012, 04:30
RIP
quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
quote:
Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
IMHO, which is just and only that; the book is overly padded (wordy!) to cover the subject.

It also does not compare favorably to Craig Boddington's earlier volume on the subject, which covers the same ground, in a much more concise fashion.

It seems to reflect payment on a word count.

I own both (and have read them back to back twice), so I feel qualified to compare them.

For the same $$$ Boddington's book is the better of the two; let alone at twice the price for Pierre's epistle.

Rich


I must be confused. What two books are we comparing? I have never seen a Boddington book that compares to African Dangerous Game Cartridges by van der Walt. I think van der Walt's book is outstanding, particularly for big bore shooters and reloaders of nitro express cartridges. If van der Walt's book is being compared to Safari Rifles or Safari Rifles II, they are apples and oranges in my view. If I had to give up either Safari Rifles/Safari Rifles II or African Dangerous Game Cartridges, it would be the former.


Same shock here.
Agree with MJines.
Rich found his copies in an alternate universe?
09 July 2012, 06:46
shootaway
I heard many say it is a good book,but what is so special about it? Was it written by someone with a lot of DG hunting experience? Shooting experience? Is there data available in it that is not elsewhere? I see he has an article out on solids too.
09 July 2012, 07:49
DArcy_Echols_Co
I think Van der Walts book is outstanding enough to post it or our blog. I'm confused as well about the comparison to Craig's "two" Books which two ? As I'll buy them as well
09 July 2012, 08:59
RIP
Boddington's SAFARI RIFLES books compared to Pierre van der Walt's book: no comparison!

Pierre's book has all kinds of load data and cartridge spec drawings, as well as the historical research out the wazoo, as well as the anecdotes of PHs, hunters, shooters,
like the other anecdotal books from Taylor to Boddington.

It is in a different class. A higher class of book.
Could only be better if there were no limits on the size of the book and the time of the author.

More! More!
09 July 2012, 09:15
458Win
Boddington's first book was nicely done with good, but mostly predictable, info. I found his second "updated" edition little more than a crass plug for Hornady and Ruger.
While I don't necessarily agree with everything in Pierre's book, he has more information, including a lot of original thoughts and ideas, than any other book on the subject since Taylor.


Anyone who claims the 30-06 is ineffective has either not tried one, or is unwittingly commenting on their own marksmanship
Phil Shoemaker
Alaska Master guide
FAA Master pilot
NRA Benefactor www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com
09 July 2012, 10:45
Todd Williams
quote:
Originally posted by 458Win:
Boddington's first book was nicely done with good, but mostly predictable, info. I found his second "updated" edition little more than a crass plug for Hornady and Ruger.
While I don't necessarily agree with everything in Pierre's book, he has more information, including a lot of original thoughts and ideas, than any other book on the subject since Taylor.


I agree with you Phil. 100%!
10 July 2012, 06:28
nitro450exp
Rich, you forgot to take your pills !

The value of Pierre's book, is that he compiles all published load data for each cartridge, in essence he combines every reloading manual currently out there, for big bore cartridges.

Nitro


"Man is a predator or at least those of us that kill and eat our own meat are. The rest are scavengers, eating what others kill for them." Hugh Randall
DRSS, BASA
470 Krieghoff, 45-70 inserts, 12 ga paradox, 20 ga DR Simson/Schimmel, 12 ga DR O/U Famars, 12 ga DR SXS Greener
10 July 2012, 18:58
shootaway
I don`t need data for every cartridge out their.My Lott will do for everything,but I feel really tempted to buy it-it sounds really good!
10 July 2012, 19:23
Todd Williams
quote:
Originally posted by shootaway:
I don`t need data for every cartridge out their.My Lott will do for everything


I suppose there will always be those of us who "know what I know and that's all I need"! Then there are others that seek knowledge for ... Wait, this is ShootAWay we're dealing with! Damn, I almost got suckered in again!
10 July 2012, 20:29
jaegerfrank
I bought the book after D'Arcy made me aware of it on his blog.I like it very much as it is very good information on a lot of topics which are lot limited just to cartridges. Further, the book is nicely illustrated and even comes for a fair price.
I must say that Craig Boddington (first) book has to get a lot of credit for being the first in offering comprehensive and good advice. Often overlooked is the book from Gregor Woods "Rifles for Africa" which offers useful information too.
10 July 2012, 22:22
Mike Scott
Does anyone know if this book includes the 375 Flanged Magnum? Mike
10 July 2012, 22:59
Cross L
quote:
Originally posted by Mike Scott:
Does anyone know if this book includes the 375 Flanged Magnum? Mike


Yes it does, starts P.164

I just happened to have my copy at hand-- Wink

SSR
10 July 2012, 23:47
Mike Scott
Thank you! I am on my way to order a copy...
10 July 2012, 23:59
Idaho Sharpshooter
I did not say it was worthless, just that it has very little to offer that is of use to me.

Since it is all about me (in the comfort of my own home), my opinion is the only one inside these walls that matters. Just ask my wife...

Rich
11 July 2012, 02:45
MJines
That's okay Rich, everyone is entitled to their own opinion . . . even though they are wrong. Cool


Mike
11 July 2012, 04:36
465H&H
quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
That's okay Rich, everyone is entitled to their own opinion . . . even though they are wrong. Cool


Absolutely correct Mike. If wrong opinions were illegal, we wouldn't have any democrats! stir

465H&H
11 July 2012, 07:13
MJines
quote:
Originally posted by 465H&H:
quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
That's okay Rich, everyone is entitled to their own opinion . . . even though they are wrong. Cool


Absolutely correct Mike. If wrong opinions were illegal, we wouldn't have any democrats! stir

465H&H


. . . and in the words of Louis Armstrong, what a wonderful world it would be.


Mike
14 July 2012, 01:33
PSmith
Re Democrats...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a6YdNmK77k


Paul Smith
SCI Life Member
NRA Life Member
DSC Member
Life Member of the "I Can't Wait to Get Back to Africa" Club
DRSS
I had the privilege to fire E. Hemingway's WR .577NE, E. Keith's WR .470NE, & F. Jamieson's WJJ .500 Jeffery
I strongly recommend avoidance of "The Zambezi Safari & Travel Co., Ltd." and "Pisces Sportfishing-Cabo San Lucas"

"A failed policy of national defense is its own punishment" Otto von Bismarck
14 July 2012, 08:28
Duckear
I am enjoying my copy.


Hunting: Exercising dominion over creation at 2800 fps.
14 July 2012, 08:30
Duckear
quote:
Originally posted by PWS:
Can I ask a ballpark price you paid?
.


About $145 or so to my door from SA for the signed, special hardback.
The personalized inscription was a nice, unexpected touch.
Mine is #66 of 100


Hunting: Exercising dominion over creation at 2800 fps.
14 July 2012, 18:00
Mike Scott
Amazon UK has some of the standard edition for just under $100 shipped to the US.
14 July 2012, 18:29
Todd Williams
quote:
Originally posted by PSmith:
Re Democrats...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a6YdNmK77k


rotflmo That's a good one Paul!
16 July 2012, 00:28
PWS
quote:
Originally posted by Mike Scott:
Amazon UK has some of the standard edition for just under $100 shipped to the US.


Thanks for the lead!!! Got one headed to the states. tu2
17 July 2012, 06:50
Indy
I got mine from Safari Press for $85 (hardcover).

I think it's about 200% better than either of Boddington's safari rifles books. It concisely explains things like why flat-point solids penetrate further, why bullets tumble inside of game, and practically everything else about the subject.

I read it after I had killed eight dangerous game animals and learned more than I ever learned from any other source, except possibly Kevin Robertson's "The Perfect Shot."


Indy

Life is short. Hunt hard.
01 September 2012, 18:43
Gert Odendaal
I got a copy of this book as well...for me as a novice on Big Bore subjects this book gave me a lot of insight what it entails to own and shoot the big bores...I think the most important issue regarding the author..is that he does not shy away from questioning previous data printed by other authors and their views...even questioning Taylor`s views on certain scenarios ....the book is easy to read and understand it explain difficult concepts in such a manner as to make it easy for a novice to understand....this is the first type of book regarding literature on big bores and hunting that gives an over all discussion regarding the different facets of hunting...I would say it is good enough to give it at least an eight out of ten....
01 September 2012, 23:45
Dave Bush
I think it is a great book too despite Pierre's prejudice for the 404 over the .416 Rigby. .007 of bullet diameter can't possible make much difference on the receiving end.


Dave
DRSS
Chapuis 9.3X74
Chapuis "Jungle" .375 FL
Krieghoff 500/.416 NE
Krieghoff 500 NE

"Git as close as y can laddie an then git ten yards closer"

"If the biggest, baddest animals on the planet are on the menu, and you'd rather pay a taxidermist than a mortician, consider the 500 NE as the last word in life insurance." Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading (8th Edition).
07 September 2012, 12:29
lawndart
Well, Pierre owns and likely uses a nice 404. Familiarity breeds comfort; or something like that.

I even wash my hands before reading from the book. I like the little nuggets of gold that are buried in most every chapter.

Somewhere in there he mentioned the Old Western Scrounger retiring and selling out to some one from back East. I wonder if anything came of that. It would be nice to have a steady source of Berdan primers.


07 September 2012, 14:50
Wink
quote:
Originally posted by Dave Bush:
I think it is a great book too despite Pierre's prejudice for the 404 over the .416 Rigby. .007 of bullet diameter can't possible make much difference on the receiving end.


Now let's not equate rational conclusion with prejudice. Cool The 404J is obviously better from the point of view of the vehicle you need to launch the bullet: standard action with "normal" bolt throw length and faster reloads, more capacity in the magazine, less powder for quasi-identical real world results on animals, etc.


_________________________________

AR, where the hopeless, hysterical hypochondriacs of history become the nattering nabobs of negativisim.