Book excerpt: In P.O. Ackley: America's gunsmith, author Fred Zeglin's years of extensive research highlight not just the history of cartridge and rifle development, but an insider's look at a humble man who influenced nearly everything we know about shooting and ballistics today. P.O. Ackley's ideas om reloading, rifle accuracy, barrel making, cartridge choice, and wildcats are just as relevant for modern "gun cranks" as they were in Ackley's heyday. Zeglin delivers the most complete collection of accurate dimensions, loading data and history for the lifetime of cartridges created by P.O. Ackley, the most influential gunsmith in America. Most shooters know him today because of his "Ackley Improved" cartridge designs. But those cartridges are only the tip of the iceberg. P.O. Ackley: America's gunsmith is the whole story. Includes a full-color photo section and an exclusive never-before-printed article by P.O. Ackley. -- back cover.