Hatcher’s Notebook | Review

Hatcher’s Notebook is a classic in the early development of applied ballistics. Much of the information contained within this book is still relevant to many of today’s firearms and their use. It is recommended for any serious shooter.

It is a classic reference by a renowned expert. Invaluable information for shooters, gunsmiths, collectors, and hunters.

Starting with the ’03 Springfield and ’17 Enfield, this guide describes the development of automatic and semiautomatic weapons. General Hatcher describes how they work. Next, he discuses rifle barrels and experiments with obstructions.

Additionally, this book contains discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of military rifles. Later, Hatcher explains receiver steels and heat treatment, headspace, recoil problems, gunpowder, corrosion, triggers, and the Pederson Device.

Finally, it also covers noted gun makers, tips to match ammunition, interior and exterior ballistics, velocity variation, measuring methods, weights, overloads, and ranges.

Some consider the information in Hatcher’s Notebook outdated. It is pure reference material by an expert in the field. I found his experiment with the 308 round drop over distance to be an amazing test that only a General could set-up.

In conclusion, I believe any serious student of firearms must have this book. Not only do I own a PDF copy, I have a printed copy as well. As I have said before, PDF’s are convienent, but what happens when the power goes out.  Their is something to be said for a solid physical copy.