|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,342
Campfire Regular
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,342 |
Saw today in Handloader that Ken Waters passed away. Thought a lot of his advice over the years and generally enjoyed Pet Loads.
Last edited by fishdog52; 02/17/17.
Imagine your grave on a windy winter night. You've been dead for 70 years. It's been 50 since a visitor last paused at your tombstone..... Now explain why you're in a pissy mood today.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 30,934
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 30,934 |
I got banned on another web site for a debate that happened on this site. That's a first
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,129
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,129 |
Sorry to hear that.
Anyone have a link to his obit?.
I really liked his straight forward approach and thorough research. Not too unlike JB.
DF
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,483
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,483 |
RIP Ken Waters...............
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,617
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,617 |
My God, a wealth of knowledge gone. I'd feel fortunate to have a quarter of the knowledge he'd forgotten...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121
Campfire Oracle
|
Campfire Oracle
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121 |
"Dear Lord, save me from Your followers"
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 871
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 871 |
We all know advertising works, we just don’t think it works on US!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,129
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,129 |
Thanks guys for the Obit.
Very interesting guy and 99 yrs. old.
Wow!
He lived a good, productive and full life.
May he R.I.P.
DF
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 19,179
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 19,179 |
Man I'm sorry about that. I thot a lot of him and enjoyed his writings.
A friend of mine had a 7X30 in a Contender back in the 80s.
R I P Mr. Ken
Thanks for posting this
Jerry
jwall- *** 3100 guy***
A Flat Trajectory is Never a Handicap
Speed is Trajectory's Friend !!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 638
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 638 |
Texas
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,192
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,192 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 16,915
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 16,915 |
Enjoyed his writings for quite a few years. RIP.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 623
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 623 |
I just had Pet Loads out last night reading about 300 Savage. He was one writer I never passed over even if the cartridge didn't interest me. Fair wind and following Seas, Mr. Waters.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 14,466
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 14,466 |
One of the very best and one of my favorites.
He passed on a great legacy to us all.
Thank you, Ken Waters.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,423
Campfire Kahuna Emeritus & Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Kahuna Emeritus & Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,423 |
A fine man and a life very well lived.
Godspeed my old and dear friend.
Steve
"God Loves Each Of Us As If There Were Only One Of Us" Saint Augustine of Hippo - AD 397
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,343
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,343 |
I'll have to send some 7-30's down range in his honor.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 5,531
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 5,531 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 17,784
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 17,784 |
Sorry to hear this.. RIP.
Molon Labe
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 60,134 Likes: 9
Campfire Kahuna
|
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 60,134 Likes: 9 |
Ken was not only a major factor in helping two very small magazines get their start in the 1960's, eventually helping RIFLE and HANDLOADER become much larger parts of the shooting industry, but a major influence on many later writers aditors. I know PET LOADS is always handy in my office, one of perhaps two dozen essential references. Though many of the powders and even bullets mentioned are no longer available, he helped set the standard in handloading research, so will live on far beyond his many years of shooting and writing.
“Montana seems to me to be what a small boy would think Texas is like from hearing Texans.” John Steinbeck
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 96,158 Likes: 3
Campfire Oracle
|
Campfire Oracle
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 96,158 Likes: 3 |
Life Member SCI Life Member DSC Member New Mexico Shooting Sports Association
Take your responsibilities seriously, never yourself-Ken Howell Proper bullet placement + sufficient penetration = quick, clean kill. Finn Aagard
Ken
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,976
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,976 |
Ken Waters was the best. I began reading his GUN DIGEST material before HANDLOADER started in '66. Thirty years ago I received a one-and-one-half page, single-spaced, typewritten reply from him in response to a question. I was impressed that he would take the time, effort, and interest to do such.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,819
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,819 |
Back in the early days Ken would answer handloader's letters, I have several in my files. Pet Loads was a great work, a treasure trove of reloading data, Ken will be missed.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,073
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,073 |
I've loaned my copies of Pet Loads to a lot of new reloaders. A lot of the powders are now obsolete. But the basics remain the same. Hasbeen
hasbeen (Better a has been than a never was!)
NRA Patron member Try to live your life where the preacher doesn't have to lie at your funeral
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 19,822
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 19,822 |
R.I.P. Mr. Waters.
The timing of his wife's passing coincides with him stopping responding to letters. I had wondered if he had passed away back then. While I'm glad to know he didn't, I'm sad to hear that he has now passed.
Ed
"Not in an open forum, where truth has less value than opinions, where all opinions are equally welcome regardless of their origins, rationale, inanity, or truth, where opinions are neither of equal value nor decisive." Ken Howell
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 162
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 162 |
RIP Mr. Waters. I enjoyed his writings/articles very much.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 53,303
Campfire Kahuna
|
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 53,303 |
He sure would take the time to respond to one's letters and queries. That being back in the days where a month's turn around was considered normal, and a trip to the PO in a town 40 miles away was a twice a month occurrence.
We are diminished.
GTC
Member, Clan of the Border Rats -- “Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it.”- Mark Twain
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 31,255 Likes: 3
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 31,255 Likes: 3 |
As mentioned above, Ken's writings were a model for many, many fledgling reloading writers, including yours truly. One cannot overestimate the positive effect Mr Waters had on the shooting world.
Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 84
Campfire Greenhorn
|
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 84 |
Sorry to hear of his passing. I have spent many hours reading pet loads and always enjoyed Mr. Waters writings. I need to purchase the supplement updates.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 22,274
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 22,274 |
Sorry to read of his passing. I too have Pet Loads here. As a young person, his writings on vintage rifles and cartridges had a significant influence on me, and inspired my interest in them. I once wrote him regarding loads for the .32-40, and he replied with a very thoughtful typed reply.
His method of judging pressure my case expansion is somewhat outdated today, but it was a step forward in its time.
Outside of shooting, it is obvious he was a talented man who proudly served his country and community. RIP sir, we are diminished in your passing.
"...the designer of the .270 Ingwe cartridge!..."
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 833
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 833 |
Sorry to hear of Ken's passing almost 100 years wow RIP brother.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,844
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,844 |
RIP Ken. He was a giant in the field. His "Pet Loads" is still the first manual I reach for and his articles (I have Handloader from #1 to present) are the first ones I check when I start working with a new round.
Chronographs, bore scopes and pattern boards have broke a lot of hearts.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,970
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,970 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,437
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,437 |
μολὼν λαβέ
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 151,583 Likes: 8
Campfire Savant
|
Campfire Savant
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 151,583 Likes: 8 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,352 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,352 Likes: 1 |
R.I.P. Mr. Waters. You are missed. Paul B.
Our forefathers did not politely protest the British.They did not vote them out of office, nor did they impeach the king,march on the capitol or ask permission for their rights. ----------------They just shot them. MOLON LABE
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,584
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,584 |
I've got a well worn copy of both volumes of Pet Loads, spent many hours reading and re-reading them.
Sounds like he had a long and productive life. That's a pretty good epitaph. RIP, and thanks.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,841
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,841 |
I have gleamed much reloading info. from Mr. Waters over the decades. I saved many a "Pet Loads" column and they live in my reloading room with all of the other books & printouts of loading data. He will be greatly missed.
RIP Ken Waters!
"I'm from the government, and I'm here to help"
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,511
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,511 |
I found Ken in the mid 80's upon buying my first deer rifle, a Win 94 chambered in 7x30 Waters. My only copy of Pet Loads feel apart from use a few years ago. In the mid 90's, when he was still on the "Handloader" staff, I wrote him a couple of letters and still have the responses. Wish there were more in the world like him. RIP Ken.
"The only two things in life that make it worth livin' Is guitars that tune good and firm feelin' women"
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 223
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 223 |
Back in the day of letter writing, we talked at length about a project I had started. He seemed kind and patient with a young man who wanted to learn. I wanted a 416 express having read about it in Pet Loads. Think I'll take her out and shoot while remembering Mr Ken.
Take a kid hunting!!! Old member name - Reloader - joined 2001
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 14,262
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 14,262 |
Its all right to be white!! Stupidity left unattended will run rampant Don't argue with stupid people, They will drag you down to their level and then win by experience
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,943
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,943 |
He wrote plainly, clearly and with authenticity. Pet Loads is his enduring memorial.
Thank you, Ken. R.I.P.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15,681 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15,681 Likes: 1 |
I never skipped over "Pet Loads" when my "Handloader" came in. Many times when I got a rifle chambered in a cartridge I'd never worked with before I'd refer to "Pet Loads" to get a start.
NRA Life,Endowment,Patron or Benefactor since '72.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 176
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 176 |
Rest In Peace Ken Waters. His ability to explain the why as well as the how in easy to understand language was what always captivated me. And the fact that he was willing to try any cartridge at least once, if for no other reason than it was produced at some point.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 10,807
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 10,807 |
Mathew 22: 37-39
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,733
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,733 |
A life spent learning and teaching and learning more, always passing it on. Thank you Ken Waters.
"Camping places fix themselves in your mind as if you had spent long periods of your life in them. You will remember a curve of your wagon track in the grass of the plain like the features of a friend." Isak Dinesen
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 15,547 Likes: 2
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 15,547 Likes: 2 |
Sorry to learn this - RIP Mr. Ken. How many times have I (and so many of us) referred to his Pet Loads and numerous articles? A treasure trove of solid info from a man gracious in giving of his knowledge and experiences. I enjoyed a couple of visits with him in New Caanan and tried again to do so when through there last May.
Here in the shop, I keep small firearm accessories/parts in several cigar boxes that were his - EW Top Stone was his choice back then. The Contender in 7-30 Waters is right here - need to load and shoot some tomorrow - will look in the book again for memory sake.
NRA Member - Life, Benefactor, Patron
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,368 Likes: 2
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,368 Likes: 2 |
My enthusiasm for hand loading came from reading Ken's Pet Loads. I'll miss him.
"The Democrat Party looks like Titanic survivors. Partying and celebrating one moment, and huddled in lifeboats freezing the next". Hatari 2017
"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." Han Solo
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,589
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,589 |
God bless and God speed Ken. Your pet loads has and will always be an important part of my loading bench.
Never take life to seriously, after all ,no one gets out of it alive.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,276
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,276 |
My enthusiasm for hand loading came from reading Ken's Pet Loads. I'll miss him. Thumbed thru that book many many times. Ken's passing signals the end of an era. May he Rest In Peace.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 17,174
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 17,174 |
Godspeed Ken, Rest in peace.
Randy NRA Patriot Life Benefactor
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,065
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,065 |
Ken Waters contributed as much as anyone to handloading. It was a privilege to read his research.
Defend the Constitution
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 885
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 885 |
I spent hours reading his articles and Pet Loads books. He gave a lot of us a wealth of information.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 15,680 Likes: 3
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 15,680 Likes: 3 |
I'm sorry to hear this. He lived a very interesting and successful life. He certainly contributed greatly to us. Pet Loads is my most valued book on reloading.
RIP Sir.
Z
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 8,573
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 8,573 |
I seem to recall he was testing bullet expansion, so he'd climb up on the high dive board and fire into his swimming pool and have his nephews jump in and recover the bullets.
U.S. Army Mineplanting ? Had never heard of that.
A very interesting and knowledgeable man. He will be missed.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 11,951
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 11,951 |
Like many of us here, I learned how to handload before the internet from several books and manuals available in that day. Pet Loads was the best of the bunch and still gets used.
Someone should do an updated Pet Loads with modern chamberings and components. It would be a fine tribute to Ken Waters and his efforts.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,129
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,129 |
Like many of us here, I learned how to handload before the internet from several books and manuals available in that day. Pet Loads was the best of the bunch and still gets used.
Someone should do an updated Pet Loads with modern chamberings and components. It would be a fine tribute to Ken Waters and his efforts. Had that same thought. Would be a lot of work, like a lifetime of work. DF
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,546
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,546 |
I don't see how one person could tackle that job. With the proliferation of components available today the task is next to impossible. Personally, I am hoping JB does an update on his Handloads That Work article. Also, I would like to see a digital copy of Pet Loads.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 19,495
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 19,495 |
Retired cat herder.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 17,133
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 17,133 |
Like many of us here, I learned how to handload before the internet from several books and manuals available in that day. Pet Loads was the best of the bunch and still gets used.
Someone should do an updated Pet Loads with modern chamberings and components. It would be a fine tribute to Ken Waters and his efforts. Sorry to hear of his passing. Pet loads is one of those books I go to for something specific and end up "wasting" another hour with "hmmm, I didn't know that"
If something on the internet makes you angry the odds are you're being manipulated
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,412
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,412 |
I learned so much from Pet Loads. May he Rest In Peace. I always enjoyed his writings.
SCI Life Member DAV Life Member NRA Life Member North American Hunt Club Life Member
Your true character shows in your conduct
You cannot solve a problem at the same level of awareness that created it - Einstein
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,129
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,129 |
I don't see how one person could tackle that job. With the proliferation of components available today the task is next to impossible. Personally, I am hoping JB does an update on his Handloads That Work article. Also, I would like to see a digital copy of Pet Loads. You're right about that being a near impossible task. The beauty of the Fire, we have multiple contributors working on a vast array of projects. A lot of Fire info is high quality and well done, some not as disciplined and documneted as work by JB, Ken or other professional gun writers. But, it's info nonetheless. We can sort it out, interact, ask questions, ultimately check it out for ourselves. DF
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,852 Likes: 4
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,852 Likes: 4 |
Thank you Mr. Waters for the knowledge and joy over many years. Go with God.....
Sic Semper Tyrannis
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10,258
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10,258 |
Ed
A person who asks a question is a fool for 5 minutes the person who never asks is a fool forever.
The worst slaves are those that put the chains on themselves.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 591
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 591 |
Sorry to hear about our losing another giant in the field. His data were always reliable and his work unfailingly gave an excellent place to start load development. His pressure reports were one of the most valuable contributions to his data.
NRA Benefactor Life Member NAHC Life Member
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,581
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,581 |
Ken's writings taught me how to be a reloader and how to approach things in a systematic way. He will be missed!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,530
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,530 |
Pet Loads is one of those references you run to, when you just bought a old codger of a rifle that current data doesn't service well, like .30/30 or .38/40.
His stuff was always useful in some way, though a bit dated now, it sure helped with some guidance when data was scarce or non-existent.
I'll sure miss that, Waters seemed like a heckuva nice guy in his writings.
I've about worn out my copy of Pet Loads, but I gained a lot by his research.
RIP Mr. Waters.
You can roll a turd in peanuts, dip it in chocolate, and it still ain't no damn Baby Ruth.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,801 Likes: 1
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,801 Likes: 1 |
Rest in Peace Mr. Waters...
Died 6 months short of his 100th birthday....
as was said, certainly lived a full and accomplished life...
"Minus the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the Country" Marion Barry, Mayor of Wash DC
“Owning guns is not a right. If it were a right, it would be in the Constitution.” ~Alexandria Ocasio Cortez
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 586
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 586 |
What a life! If you've ever read the whole volume of Pet Loads, you have to wonder how he ever had time to do anything else. That guy must have never sat down in his whole life, he was that busy.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,129
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,129 |
What a life! If you've ever read the whole volume of Pet Loads, you have to wonder how he ever had time to do anything else. That guy must have never sat down in his whole life, he was that busy. He was very productive, for sure. But, he did a lot of other stuff, as well. A full life, well lived. DF
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,173
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,173 |
Another good one gone! Dang. Love his Pet Loads book. I borrowed my brothers book years ago and keep forgetting to give it back. I bet Mr Waters will be working with the Lord's Thunder n Lightening crew.
Harry
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 16,000
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 16,000 |
I started with the pet loads i think as far back as the 70's. i still read it regularly just to read the articles. times have changed, but i still use a lot of the loads he recommended. go with God Ken, you had influence on a whole lot of people.
THE BIRTH PLACE OF GERONIMO
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 398
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 398 |
My well used volumes of Pet Loads are my favorite reloading references having earned that distinction over many years. In my shooting related correspondence there are 2-3 type written responses from Ken regarding some questions that I asked regarding some reloading or cartridge issue. He was a great man by all accounts and I am pleased to have known him through his writings. RIP, Ken.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 23,098
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 23,098 |
Aside from his "Pet Loads" work, one thing that gave me a kick was his description of his home test range. He actually did what I threatened to do many times (and sometimes still do, when the scotch has my undivided attention), and that was he dug a 100 yard long trench out from his basement, laid concrete drain pipe in it, and backfilled- voila, a 100 yard underground indoor test range. I'm betting his wife was a very understanding/long suffering woman!
R.I.P.
Last edited by gnoahhh; 02/20/17.
"You can lead a man to logic, but you cannot make him think." Joe Harz "Always certain, often right." Keith McCafferty
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,113
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,113 |
RIP Mr. Waters, loved his pet loads
It is not about what you kill, it is about the hunt....
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 17,270
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 17,270 |
Another one of the good guys gone. RIP
geo
"I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man." Thomas Jefferson
GeoW, The "Unwoke" ...Let's go Brandon!
"A Well Regulated Militia" Life Member
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 23,453
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 23,453 |
America needs to understand that our troops are not 'disposable'. Each represents a family; Fathers, Mothers, Sons, Daughters, Cousins, Uncles, Aunts... Our Citizens are our most valuable treasure; we waste far too many.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,371
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,371 |
Like many of the early writers on handloading Ken Waters influence was far reaching. J.R. Mattern, J. Bushnell Smith, Harvey Donaldson, Earl Naramore and several other writers shared their passion for rifles and handloading in the budding business of gun writing. Ken Howell once commented on how little Waters received for his writing. Mule Deer pointed out these writers kept the young gun magazines from going broke. Ken Waters column Precision Reloading in the early Shooting Times has a similar look and feel to the later Pet Loads articles. Some of the pictures for both the Shooting times and Handloader articles had to have been taken at the same time. Dave Wolfe driving the bus for both magazines. Here is a Meet the Gunwriters from the December 1962 issue of Shooting times.
Slim
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 10,084
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 10,084 |
That which does not kill us makes us stronger
Friedrich Nietzsche
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 918
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 918 |
Remarkable man it seems, as with all good men we hope to remember a man we all respected and enjoyed and his passions for guns as we do! Rest In Peace Ken Waters!
Semper Fi USMC/0331
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,443
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,443 |
A true pioneer. His 7x30 is still one of my favorites. He will be missed ! R.I.P.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,722
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,722 |
He earned his rest. Rest in peace.
"Americans have the right and advantage of being armed-unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms." James Madison
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 626
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 626 |
I'm sad. I still refer to "Pet Loads" every time I test a new to me cartridge. Ken was my mentor in my mind as far as getting my start in reloading. He was very thorough in the way he worked up loads and such. Each cartridge had a "story" along with the rifles he tested them in. I've tried many cartridges based on his praise for them. I always wished I could have met him, or at least dropped a letter in the mail to him. R.I.P. Ken
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 44
Campfire Greenhorn
|
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 44 |
When I started reloading- as a young man in the Army- his work and love of the art ensured my success at the bench..
R.I.P
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,226
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,226 |
I remember buying Pet Loads about 10 years ago and not being able to put it down. About 3-4 years ago, the wife of another 'fire member texted me and asked what I thought her husband might like for Christmas. Without hesitation, "Pet Loads." I'm not sure it's ever left his bathroom.
Ken, I'd fire off a 7-30 M94 in your honor......if I could find & afford one. Thanks for all of your amazing contributions. Two of my favorite handloading books are PL and Ken Howell's book on metallic cartridges. Two huge losses in a short period of time.
Murphy was a grunt.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,342
Campfire Regular
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,342 |
I often think about the sheer volume of work that Mr. Waters put into a Pet Loads article, the pounds of powder and bullets, the hours at his press and on the range, and then writing an article that was so informative. There was never a question about shortcuts or assumptions. How many mistakes do you find in that body of work? The man set a high standard, a very high standard.
Imagine your grave on a windy winter night. You've been dead for 70 years. It's been 50 since a visitor last paused at your tombstone..... Now explain why you're in a pissy mood today.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,222
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,222 |
May God be with you and you with him Mr. Waters. Your writings continue to bring much pleasure to my life.
"That God could and would, if He were sought."
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,435
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,435 |
Like many other members of this august group, I, too sat at Ken's knee (figuratively, of course...) and learned much about handloading and just shooting in general. I have two copies of "Pet Loads"... One in my office within easy reach, and one on my loading bench. I suspect that he is now sitting around with Wayne Schwartz and discussing the relative merits of shooting, ballistics and who knows what. Even tho' I would sometimes get frustrated with some of his opinions, I still admired and respected him.
Certainly, a life well lived... Godspeed, old friend!
"As you walk thru life, don't be surprised that there are fewer people that you encounter seeking truth than those seeking confirmation of what they already believe!"
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2
New Member
|
New Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2 |
Wow! Almost a hundred years old...what a full life. Ken thanks for writing and doing all the work you did for the common person in shooting and hunting. RIP.
|
|
|
|
595 members (007FJ, 1936M71, 1lessdog, 160user, 17CalFan, 61 invisible),
2,317
guests, and
1,283
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,192,067
Posts18,482,557
Members73,959
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|