Rating: 
Summary: The Bible (nothing else!)
Review: I've read earlier editions of Mr. Barnes' book and I'm about to order the latest. Although I disagree with some of his opinions (for instance about the 8X57 Mauser family, specially the 7.65X53 Mauser a.k.a. Argentinean Mauser) he has produced the ultimate reference book on cartridges. Keep up the good work, Mr Barnes!
Rating: 
Summary: Standard Reference Work, though not perfect
Review: If there is one standard handbook for cartridge collectors as well as for "everyday" users, this one should be named foremost. It covers a very large range of current and obsolete cartridge both from the metric and the "imperial" (read: British and American) measurement systems, civilian and military alike. A number of the better-known wildcat and proprietary cartridges are also treated. Almost all cartridges are illustrated (though mostly not with measurements, which are confined to some cumbersome tables at the end of the chapters). While this book is not "the bible" and still contains many (often just minor) errors and inaccuracies, it is infinitely useful, and the well-known new editor, M.L. McPherson, has already made improvements over the previous (7th) edition. I strongly recommend this book as a "must buy" for even a very small firearms reference library - you will end up using it daily.
Rating:
Summary: Standard Reference Work, though not perfect
Review: If there is one standard handbook for cartridge collectors as well as for "everyday" users, this one should be named foremost. It covers a very large range of current and obsolete cartridge both from the metric and the "imperial" (read: British and American) measurement systems, civilian and military alike. A number of the better-known wildcat and proprietary cartridges are also treated. Almost all cartridges are illustrated (though mostly not with measurements, which are confined to some cumbersome tables at the end of the chapters). While this book is not "the bible" and still contains many (often just minor) errors and inaccuracies, it is infinitely useful, and the well-known new editor, M.L. McPherson, has already made improvements over the previous (7th) edition. I strongly recommend this book as a "must buy" for even a very small firearms reference library - you will end up using it daily.
Rating:
Summary: I've prayed for a book like this!
Review: Mr Smith of Pahrump Nevada, who reviews this book negatively above, is just too close to his subject for balance. Personally, I have ardently wished for a book like this with its simple goal of comparing cartridges by size, applications, and history. It is such a confusing topic to the relative beginner -- like me -- that its a wonder such a book has not been available and updated every five years since the first brass cartridge was produced. I now see clearly where before I could not easily grasp the differences between a 308, 30-30, 30-06 and 7mm Magnum, or between a 22WMR, 222, 223, 22-250, 25-20. I know now, and its easy! Mr Smith, we know you know a fair amount about ammunition, but we also sense you would be a bore writing on this topic. Leave it to others. And by the way, the word is "hogswill"! My advice to anyone interested in ammunition -- get this book and all questions will vanish. Note: I have no link whatsoever to publisher or writer.
Rating:
Summary: You will need this one lads..
Review: Pretty much THE standard firearms reference text. For the beginner the task of choosing and recognising a cartridge can be a tad confusing at best ( A simple example will suffice- this round is a .22 rimfire. Is it a .22 short? a .22 Long? A .22 Long rifle? a .22 shot cartridge? a 5mm rem. Magnum? a .22 Win. Mag?- you get the idea. Lets not even start on .30 Cal. Magnums!)This is the authortive guidelines on every cartridge ever produced, with short history, ballistics and so on. Handloaders, and collectors must have this- hunters might manage to live without. There are some opinions scattered throughout the book, but nothing in those is particully worrying- there is certainly no opinion that I would consider dangerous or worrying. And even if there are opinions which you might disagree with, gentle reader, this is still the only book that I am aware of that goes into such depth on such a range of cartridges. Recommended. Grade: A
Rating:
Summary: The best reference on cartridges!
Review: The most complete listing I have found of cartridges and data on them. Some minor data is missing, such as detailed dimensions, but in general, you cannot find a better reference, especially for old and obsolete cartridges.
Rating:
Summary: Top Notch
Review: This book has every bit of info I've come to expect from COTW editions. Reloading data, cartridge historys, really neat side notes... you name it it's in there. This book is undoubtedly my most used firearms and cartridge data book. A must for any student of the gun.
Rating:
Summary: Great book but not for everyone
Review: This book is an encyclopedia of cartridges. It gives a bit of history and background for just about every cartridge ever made and where possible it also gives velocity and energy figures for several factory and handloaded loadings for the cartridge. There is also a bit of history of ammo, markings, and more. If you are at a point where you don't know the difference between a cartridge and a bullet you may find more info than you can handle. If you are ready to start really learning about common, rare and obsolete handgun, rifle and shotgun cartridges this is the book for you. If, like me, you are an information junkie and you are into guns, this book is indespensible.
Rating:
Summary: Great book but not for everyone
Review: This book is an encyclopedia of cartridges. It gives a bit of history and background for just about every cartridge ever made and where possible it also gives velocity and energy figures for several factory and handloaded loadings for the cartridge. There is also a bit of history of ammo, markings, and more. If you are at a point where you don't know the difference between a cartridge and a bullet you may find more info than you can handle. If you are ready to start really learning about common, rare and obsolete handgun, rifle and shotgun cartridges this is the book for you. If, like me, you are an information junkie and you are into guns, this book is indespensible.
Rating:
Summary: 1500 Short Stories
Review: This book provides extremely useful information to the avid firearms user and those just beginning. Cartridge description covers dimensional, reloading, history and sporting/military firearm background. The book is a must for anyone looking to build a custom rifle, pistol or shotgun as the description of wildcats and obselete calibres is reasonably wide and varied. The author manages to focus well on the task at hand, making the book a pleasure to read and money well spent.
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