Mike’s New Book

by
posted on November 13, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
wiley-clapp.jpg (1)

My buddy Mike Bussard has been rattling around this industry far longer than I have and I’ve been at it quite a while. In the process of working at various jobs, Mike has amassed virtually encyclopedic knowledge of ammunition, which makes him very well-suited to write books on the subject.

Blue Book Publications has published three prior editions of the book at hand, but this new 4th Edition Ammo Encyclopedia is a quantum step forward with 972 pages, selling for $34.95. Everything good about the earlier editions remains, but much more has been added.

For one thing, the earlier, sometimes confusing, layout has been improved. Beyond that, there is simply much more information that arrives in more charts, graphs and tables. Bussard is a student of the cartridge and the history of this gunpowder stuff. Mike is a steady, solid scholar, but his impish sense of humor creeps into the text now and then. For a host of reasons, this is a commendable book and a necessity on the shelf above my computer.

Latest

Henry Spd Hush Gotw 1
Henry Spd Hush Gotw 1

Gun Of The Week: Henry SPD HUSH

For its first design, Henry Repeating Arms' Special Products Division developed the HUSH, or the Henry Ultimate Suppressor Host. 

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 19, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

TriStar Arms Protégé X: A Pocket-Size Punch

Inspired by successful designs of the past, the TriStar Arms Protégé X is a pocket-size, M1911-style handgun chambered for the popular 9 mm cartridge.

Hornady Family Honored with Legacy Award

In October, the Hornady family was recognized by the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation for its contribution to the city that Hornady calls home.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1860 Spencer Carbine

One of the most revolutionary shoulder arms of the American Civil War, the Model 1860 Spencer carbine went from being an experimental design at the war's beginning to ultimately becoming the official issue arm of the U.S. Cavalry by war's end.

New For 2025: Tippmann Arms Integrally Suppressed M4-22s

In anticipation of the upcoming $0 NFA tax stamp enactment, Tippmann Arms is now offering integrally suppressed versions of its M4-22 design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.