It is my opinon that Ackley's data is a relivant today as it ever was, at least for the powders that remain. A lot of his published data came from others and is noted as such. Speeds tended to be optomistic but that was before the days of inexpensive, easily available and easy to use chronographs.
Poplular web myth says cannister powders have "changed" over the years and old data should not be used. Not so. NO maker would be so silly as to change the characteristics of any cannister powder, that's the whole point of cannister. New powders are given new designations. Both legal liabilty and common sense demands that be so.
Use common practice when developing a load with new OR old powder and data, all will be well. If anyone ignores common sense practices then nothing we do is safe.
Ackley's Handbook for Shooters and Reloaders is in two volumes because there was too much for a single volume. Anyone wanting that info should obtain both volumes, otherwise you only have half of a very good source of load info, wildcat and commercial, plus a LOT of other excellant and still relivant information.
