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Joe, Mule Deer, I may be able to add a little to this thread.

A couple of years ago I wrote a book about accurising the Lee Enfield rifle, which contained a chapter on wildcat/improved cartridges based on the 303 British case. I included claimed velocities and old (read VERY old) reloading data for 26 different types, gleaned from various sources. There were disclaimers, warnings etc on every page within that section. There was a BIG warning at the beginning of the chapter. At the time I thought that these bold, black advisories would cover things nicely. After all, the information was only included for historical purposes and not for actual use.

Over time, I sent off letters to various publishers pitching the book. In turn, they all said they would be glad to have a look. In turn, the manuscripts all came back with a rejection letter outlining the same explanation - liability issues.

I'll deep six the recipes! No, they said, that wouldn't help. I was told that someone will read the velocity information and attempt to recreate same...with any old powder they think would work. There's a lot of reloaders that, well, live on the edge.

At first I thought that they were just being nice and using the data as a polite excuse to say no thanks. My last attempt was a Canadian publisher that said they'd do it.

When I told him about my previous attempts, he told me that the liability laws are different in the US, you were an unknown and, in some cases, not an employee of the company. Oh. That would matter?

Now, I'm not saying that this is the definitive answer. I think that it points out possible problem areas. I would also agree with Ken WRT writers using factory ammunition and a heavy schedule.

As an aside, I enjoyed your article in Rifle magazine about premium bullets John. Keep spreading the word. They listen to guys like you. Thanks.

Safe Shooting! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Steve Redgwell
303british.com