Reloading/shooting log

[craiger40]

fellas,

I am sitting here updating my shooting/reloading log book and i was wondering what everyone else uses. I mean things such as info you feel the need to record or basic categories you use or even programs you use to keep tabs on everything. I keep pretty meticulous records of stuff , but i want to know if i am forgetting anything or even if i have things to complex . I have used Microsoft to build spreadsheets, forms, and such does anyone else do this. I feel like keeping good records is as important a process as any,however there really is not a lot of good forms and programs available.
Any ideas guys?

 

[DrMike]

You are correct that good records are important. The cheapest pencil is better at remembering what I did than is my memory. I keep a hard bound journal for each cartridge I load for, recording the pertinent information (case, number of times loaded, primer, powder, bullet, OAL, anticipated velocity, source for the original data, date loaded) in addition to the information obtained during the testing (velocity, group size, weather conditions, observations, etc.). Each set of test data gets its own page, and the opposing page is reserved for targets. I know that some people maintain logs in a three-ring binder, but I find that with the passage of time the pages can tear out. Also, at the range, it is easy for them to tear. Undoubtedly, loose log sheets are better than no log whatsoever. However, we do need some way to maintain them and to review them afterwards. Therefore, I maintain a file of favourite loads on my computer for each cartridge with the pertinent information that permits quick review. Hey, it works for me.

 

[baltz526]

i just write the complete load in a "write in the rain" surveyers field note book. they are made of the best paper you can get, should last a long time. then i write cronograph data and accuracy notes with each change in load. i have them for rifle/pistol and shotgun loads. works for me

 

[Richracer1]

I hav an Excel spread sheet built for my purposes. It has a separate sheet/tab for the following:
1) load data
2) ballistics - chrono info
3) bullet inventory - yes I have enough to need an inventory
4) Powder inventory
5) Serial numbers of my firearms

 

[jmad_81]

I use the shooting log at www.mytargets.com. I have a portable file folder with a slot for each rifle I own. I save all my targets and all of my load development info in detail. After I get a good load going that has been tried for several seasons I don't go into as much detail. I'm starting to lean towards Dr. Mikes idea of having a hard folder for each rifle, as my one file folder is getting pretty dang full!

 

[old #7]

I use a note book for load development. I write down chrony results along with weather conditions and load info.
When I find a load that shoots well I save the data in an excell program that Dubyam sent me. It displays S.D, average velocity. E.S and has a place for load info.
If I get bored and want to try something new I refer back to the notebook so I don't repeat the development process more than once.

 

[JDMAG]

I use a note book but you might find this interesting
http://www.z-hat.com/Reloading%20Data%20Form.pdf

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

I've used the same 3 ring binder since I was about 14. Its getting pretty full...Most cartridges/rifles I've had over the years are in this book.

I usually write the basics, caliber, bullet, powder, case, primer, OAL, velocity, accuracy. I cut the groups out during load testing and tape them by the info for quick and easy reference. I mainly keep the good ones as thats the ones I want to use and keep for reference. I dont care about the bad ones, but I guess if my memory ever got that bad, I'd have to start doing the same with the bad loads, LOL.

Works for me...

 

[nodak7mm]

I have tried several methods over the yrs, but what I have stuck with the for the past 5-6 yrs is a combination of previously mentioned above methods.

I use a general steno notebook dedicated to a specific rifle to take notes, record dates, case loading data, shooting thoughts, things to try next time, etc.. I use targets that I keep that I have made with a box in the corner that I always fill out with data I considered necessary: Date, location, wx condition, load specifics. I keep all this in an expandable brown file folder that is easy to take back and forth from the range.

Most of my ammo boxes I insert either a label or index card with specifics to the cases, load data, seating depth, times fired, trim length, etc..

So when I go to the range, I typically have the entire history for the specific cartirdge with me.. In the folder and the ammo box.

I will admit to using an excel spreadsheet to track my bullets, primers and powder... I tried excel for tracking load data, but found I was duplicating info I had wriiten down and then when I wanted it at the range, I'd forget to print it out. So........

The tried and true simple notbook method works for me too..

nodak

 

[FOTIS]

I use Microsoft to build spreadsheets.