At a Glance
1899 – 1984
Idaho rancher and gun writer whose big-bore handloads led to the magnum revolver cartridges.
Accomplishments
- Heavy-load experiments that fed the .357 Magnum (1935)
- Driving force behind the .44 Magnum (1956)
- Pushed for the .41 Magnum (1964)
- Ordnance inspector at the Ogden Arsenal in WWII
- Longtime Guns & Ammo and American Rifleman writer
Books
- Sixgun Cartridges and Loads (1936)
- Shotguns (1950)
- Sixguns (1955)
- Keith: An Autobiography (1974)
- Hell, I Was There! (1979)
March 8, 1899 – February 14, 1984 (85)
During World War II, was an inspector at the Ogden, Utah Arsenal
Rifles that he inspected are cartouche stamped with the initials “OGEK” in a rectangular box
Creator of the:
1935 – .357 Magnum cartridge
1956 – .44 Magnum cartridge
1964 – .41 Magnum cartridge
1956 – first .44 Magnum revolvers: the Smith & Wesson Model 29 and the Ruger Blackhawk
"HELL, I WAS THERE!"View on Amazon ›
Book links are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Minuteman University.com earns from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Across the Gun Websites Network
- Elmer Keith on After Action.net After Action.net
Profiles on Minuteman University.com are editorial content compiled from public sources. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of, sponsorship by, or affiliation with this site or the Gun Websites Firearms Network. Corrections and removal requests are welcome through Contact Us.