[dennisH87]

I've got an older laptop that i am going to use to run ballistic programs while sitting at my reloading bench but my question is what other programs could i install on this laptop to help reloading?? I've found a group size calculator that i can use but you have to have a scanner to scan the targets. I'd like to have some kinda organizer that i can keep track of different loads and their powder charges. Any ideas??

[Griz44]

There have been a number of spreadsheets posted here for tracking loads. I have one I built to track loads and cost data. What data are you wanting to track and how detailed? Many here will be happy to help.

[ranger335v]

I use a word processor to make notes, also keep a current list of my firearms, by model and serial no., etc. A spreadsheet program would be helpful for listing load data but I don't use one.

Some chronographs have a data port to allow us to feed data directly into the computer. That's nice too.

A printer is helpful for keeping a hard copy of the load notes in a loose leaf notebook binder.

Lee's (inexpensive) ballistics program is very useful and easy to use. Mine doesn't print graphs but it does print ballistics tables, which I actually prefer.

Avery sells gummed labels in any office supply shop, even Walmart. It's easy to print labels for loaded ammo boxes using them.

If your loading room has access to a phone line, etc, for connecting to the 'net it will let you access sites for powder and bullet companies for current info when you wish. Or THR!

[Falcore]

Take a look at this--
http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78745-

[NCsmitty]

I use the Lee Shooter program for info storage.

NCsmitty

[dennisH87]

I have a program called "group size calculator" that i plan to use. All you do is take your target and scan it on a scanner then it calculates the exact size of the group. Its not necessary but neither is a laptop on your reloading bench. :) I mainly want a new ballistics program. I use Point Blank right now but I'm not terribly happy with it. Plus, every ballsitics program that I've ran my 60 gr. V-Max load through shows it drops about 3" more than it actually does. At 300 yards, on a 200 yard zero, the 60 gr. v-Max ACTUALLY drops 2.5 inches. But all the programs say that it will drop 6.41 inches. I don't know whats up with that. I loaded it to the exact powder charge thats in my manual so the velocity should be almost the same. And i used my range finder to make sure i was dead on 200 yards when i sighted it in. The only thing that i can think of that would be different is the barrel length and primer but they shouldn't make that much of a difference.

I would really like a program that calculates how many scope clicks you have to make for each range from 200 - 800 yards in 1/8th clicks at 100 yards. JBM has an awesome ballistics calculator but you can only use it if your connected to the internet and where i reload (out in the barn) the wireless internet won't reach. Is there anyway to rig that up so you can use it without being connected to the internet?

Also, this is kinda off subject but, I have a Nikon BDC scope on my .22-250. What would be the optimum velocity to match my scope with a 200 yard zero?

[hsiddall]

Iternet explorer for thr of course:D. You never know what you will need. Ive done this for a while now...

[echo5tango]

I think I may have an excel spreadsheet that might fit the bill. It's got come-ups and windage calls along with trajectory and some other stuff. Shoot me a PM with your e-mail address if you're interested.