[JRWhit]

When I started into loading I just kept track of my loads by a sticker on the case or a small card provided by the bullet manufacturer. I soon found that to be deficient and moved to a notebook binder to list progress and current loads in use,along with number of brass uses, brass length,OAL exe exe.
Just curious and hopeful to learn or copy, how does everyone catalog there loads?

[RandyP]

No catalog, I just use a self-created load label on each box of my reloads. When I need more I just follow the data listed on the box.

I try to make reloading as choreless as possible - lol

My caveat, I am only reloading for 4 pistol calibers, ALL using the same powder Win 231/HP-38. It's what I started reloading using and I have not found a reason to change. But honestly I'd stick with the self-adhesive labels regardless of the number of calibers or powders.

[rfwobbly]

I started with a notebook, one page per bullet. That worked great when there were only 2 calibers. Now I wish I had put pistol in a separate notebook from rifle.

Now I'm considering one large Excel workbook, with a tab for each caliber. Easier to sort. Better for house keeping. More of a pain to enter.

[leadchucker]

I keep reloading logs in three ring binders. I record all pertinent information about any load I work up. I also record the details of every batch of ammo I load, both in the log, and on an Avery sticker that goes on the box or boxes of ammo themselves.

It's fairly easy to create printable forms for all the data entries, using Word or Excel.

[tbob38]

For years, I used index cards and a box for them. Now I have started a load log book, we'll see if that's any better.

[jr_roosa]

Excel spreadsheet.

Includes load data, chrony data, and cost data.

Separate sheet has match result data and shooting dope.

Used to have a notebook but then it's too hard to go back and look things up.

J.

[Andrew Leigh]

Spreadsheet, wanna copy?

[ReloaderFred]

Having lost several computers over the years, I'm very reluctant to rely on one for keeping records, even with back up technology. I remember 8 track tapes, Bournuli disks, etc.....

I keep my logs in 3 ring binders, one for rifle and one for handgun, and I'm about to start a second handgun binder. Lyman makes an excellent record page, but it's only one sided, so I copy it and make my pages two sided.

I also make labels for each box of ammunition (Berry's Plastic 100 round boxes), so I can simply look at my shelves of ammunition and see what lot it came from, the load, date, etc., at a glance. I don't keep track of the number of times a piece of brass has been loaded, but do a thorough inspection prior to loading each piece of brass. Avery #18167 return address labels work great for this.

I now load 30 different calibers, from .380 acp to .45-120 Sharps, so there's no way I could keep track of the thousands of rounds of different ammunition I have without keeping good records on paper. Once Walkalong asked me how many rounds of .38 Special I had loaded that year, so I went back through my records for that caliber and was able to give him the exact amount, which was somewhere around 10,000+ rounds for the year in that one caliber, if I remember correctly.

My method works for me, but everyone has to come up with the method that works best for them. One size doesn't fit all.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[FROGO207]

I have several 3 ring binders for the loads and development that I can update. One for .22 to .260 one for .270 to .30 and one for above that in rifles. Similar sets for handgun/shotgun. I keep track of what worked and what did not and what it worked in. I reload for 38 calibers presently as well as shotgun data so it would be really confusing otherwise. Also after all these years I find myself looking before I try a different combo and see that I already tried that and save myself time and money in the long run. Note that this method works without need for electrical power if need be.;) As far as what I do with the ammo I list the particulars on recycled paper (cut up envelopes) and insert it into the box/freezer bag for positive ID as well as a reminder of what I need to reload in the future to replace what was used. Low tech and easy that's what I like.

[Walkalong]

Home made Excel log. I save any change to three other drives and two memory sticks, every time. I occasionally save it to another drive stored by its self and not hooked to anything.

[Kingcreek]

Not real pretty but my three reloading manuals are chuck full of pieces of paper and targets and groups with my notes scribbled all over them and inserted as book marks under appropriate caliber. Totally unaffected by my last computer crash. Low tech and not elegant but it has worked for me for 30 years.

[jrdavidson]

So I admit it, I'm a geek.

I use a version of Filemaker database for the Mac called Bento. Its basically Excel on steroids, except it has customizable entry and report forms.

I log all my reloading sessions with the usual fields: date, caliber, headstamp, bullet profile, bullet weight, powder, powder amount, oal, etc.

I can answer all sorts of questions regarding my reloading history and inventory of live rounds. I also maintain an inventory of all reloading components to alert me when I'm running low. I scan test targets and load them through a group size analysis tool and enter the image and group sizes into my database to objectively compare test loads by group size and spread (a chrony is on my wish list).

I use this online group analysis tool: http://blog.robballen.com/apps/SGA/

My reloading log database syncs to my phone so I can review the log at the range too, if need be.

I tried a paper log, but always forgot to update it. Now I update on my phone while cleaning up after a session and it automatically syncs to my desktop and stays updated everywhere.

Am I obsessive? To quote the Bud NFL commercial: Its only weird if it doesn't work...:)

[RainDodger]

Excel.

... but the other day I was perusing my OLD reloading manuals (Sierra) from the 1970s. They had a section of blank pages (ring binders) to record your loads. It was a barrel of fun reading my comments from back then and looking at the loads.

Theres something to be said for handwritten records! :)

[thomis]

This forum won't allow you to attach an excel sheet so here are some pics of the one i put together.. All I have to write on the target is the "Load ID". The third tab on the spreadsheet is data from a ballistics calculator, so then I know how much holdover for the given load, or thereabouts...




http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb255/jtleamer/Untitled1_zpsb932f59f.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb255/jtleamer/Untitled2_zps842dfbf5.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb255/jtleamer/Untitled3_zps6033b850.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb255/jtleamer/Untitled4_zps6d0a09a8.jpg

[James2]

Labels on the loaded ammo boxes or bags. I feel this is very important so loads can be identified. Labels contain date, primer, powder and bullet.

Notes in the loading manual.

3 ring binder for additional data and notes.

[ATLDave]

I just started reloading last year, and I figured the more data I logged, the faster I might learn things. And logging the data keep the process slow and careful. So I keep a reloading log. Each loading session gets a new page. Powder, primer, brass type, primer type, bullet weight and brand and type, are all listed at the top. I also list the powder thrower settings, if I'm throwing the charges. Each finished round gets weighed and OAL measured; those numbers get recorded for each round. If I'm throwing charges but tare-weighing them in the case, then those get recorded as well.

The completed rounds go in cases, and a post-it note, folded in half, follows that records the caliber, bullet weight, and powder charge. If a box contains a bunch of max loads or something close, I'll note that, too.

[ArchAngelCD]

I use cards in the boxes so I know what I'm shooting. I catalog the loads in a note book so I always have access to them when loading and I also put all the loads I try, along with range notes into a spreadsheet for access when at the computer. Range notes are also included in the note book.

[Walkalong]

Here is my simple one. I have three or four variations, depending on what I am trying to do with the load.

[Walkalong]

Here is another one. I'll get a pic of .308 later. Much more info logged there.

[Arkansas Paul]

No cataloging here. I do label each box, and or ammo can with bullet type, weight and powder charge.

[Clark]

I label each plastic box with post-it and Scotch tape over the post-it.

I write up a range report and staple the targets to the report.

I started reloading 14 years ago by using a spread sheet to record results.
I was trying to over load every 9mm bullet and powder combination.
No more spread sheets.

I have had contracts where I am to supply source data. I have hired people to collect data for aerospace and medical equipment development.
What we would not want, is some abstract representation in a spread sheet. What we want is observational data like would be entered into a lab book.

The way that Ackley described overloading military rifles in 1962 is a model of how to describe the independent variables [situation] and the dependent variables [results] in working up loads.

[Reefinmike]

Once I find something I like, I stick with it. for pistol, they all get tula primers and hp38 powder. 380 gets 2.9gr powder and a 100gr bullet, 38 gets 3.4gr powder and a 158gr bullet, 357 gets 7.0gr powder and a 125gr plated bullet and 45acp get 4.9gr powder and a 230 grain bullet. I cast em all except the 357 bullets so they all get the same bullet type, profile and alloy. different turrets have dies set and they are not moved so readjusting and different seating depths arent a thing. periodically I will check oal to ensure they are all seated the same.

as for labeling- since I know they are all the same, I simply box em all up and slap a little sticker with the date on one of the rounds in the box and pack em away in a 50 cal can. 800 38/357's to a can, 1,000 45's to a can and 1,200 380's to a can. I shoot the oldest ones first to keep them "fresh"

[jjjitters]

When I got a new laptop I went through and made up a spreadsheet for all my bullets and powders, attached photos of my targets, spent hour and hours getting everything real nice. Month four the hardrive faulted, lost everything, said p**s on it and just use the labels and scribbled down some of my best recipes in a notebook I had . They are laying around somewhere.:banghead:

[Cherokee]

I started with a note book back in late 50's, then went to index cards, then to a Tandy 1000 PC. I entered all the manual data at that point into a word processor file and used that for several years. Then I converted everything to Microsoft Word documents and have stayed there because I did not want to convert all those files into a database. I use Excel for a lot of reloading stuff but not the load records. Here is the basic Word document wherein I keep load data, batch data, chron, and shooting results for each rifle or handgun load. I print the Word records and file in binders by cartridge. I also back up everything on my PC's every few months. I also use a removable Avery label to identify each box of ammo with brief load data.

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee102/DCS44256/Reloading/ReloadRecord.jpg

[MEHavey]

1 Gun/1 Notebook each

Then a simple WORD document that I enter the load data into, cut out into a strip with a pair of scissors, that then goes in the ammo box behind that loading.

At the range the strip gets pulled out and scotch-taped into the Notebook along with the results:

http://i49.tinypic.com/w7dieo.jpg

BTW: That "WORD" document just gets longer and longer as I add load data into it -- all different cartridges in serial sequence. I can then look things up (a) in the book; or (b) in scrolling down and/or "search" in the document

[J_McLeod]

I use an excel spreadsheet. Every so often I print out the sheet and put it in a binder along with Hodgdon load data and other stuff.

[cfullgraf]

I use three ring binders, one tab for each cartridge.

Each tab has sheets for reloading records, notes, accuracy, and velocity.

The reloading sheets are the main sheets with a lot number, date, case, bullet, powder, primer, and some equipment settings. Each session at the reloading press is recorded.

All other information is referenced by the lot number and cartridge.

The separate accuracy and velocity logs are because I do not test every lot. No sense cluttering up the reloading log with empty spaces.

Each container of loaded rounds are labeled with the lot number, date, bullet and powder.

I keep a list of favorite loads to make it easier to remember what i need to load. For most cartridges, I have alternate powders in case I cannot fine my favorite powder. This list helps keep the alternate data front and center.

Lots of good suggestions for the OP. He should have lots of ideas to experiment with.

[dragon813gt]

I use these in a 3 ring binder.
http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/publications/reloading-data-log.php

I could easily make one up but I picked this up when starting and have kept with it.

For the loaded boxes. I just put a piece of paper in the box with Load #/Powder/Charge/OAL and bullet design.



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[witchhunter]

Raindodger, we must be old dudes, I also was looking throgh an old Sierra manual and laughed at my comments on those blank pages.....I noticed my 357 loads were pretty stout back then, wow, I was a speed freak with the 110 grain loads. I have a log book also, used an excel program for a while but lost it when my computer crashed. Still have most of the paper trail and notes though. Love the old Midway labels.

[JRWhit]

Lots of good suggestions for the OP. He should have lots of ideas to experiment with.
You can say that again. Lots of great ideas here. I really like the spread sheets. I'm going to have to play around with Microsoft word and see what I can come up with. Thanks everybody for the great ideas.

[emptybrass]

So, I was reading this thread last night with interest since I am just getting into reloading and want to track my recipes. Last night I downloaded the Mememto Database app for my Android tablet and set up a database to record my data. The database even allows you to populate fields with photo, so you could take pics of range targets to store grouping data.

I have also started a database of my firearms with a pi of each along with SN, etc.

[Adam the Gnome]

You guys are professional. I tried post its on boxes, but now have tons of post its in my closet.
I was thinking a binder but spreadsheets seem easier. jrdavidson has just about sold me Bento.

[Vec]

I just made a spreadsheet on Google docs and keep it there. I'm not doing any complicated formulas or anything, just tracking data.

My scheme:

Everything goes in the spreadsheet -- down to the lot number of the powder and the primers. From every row I should be able to replicate the load exactly.

On the boxes of cartridges I have the lot number (that relates back to the spreadsheet) and high level details: bullet type and weight, powder type and charge, OAL, etc.

I'm sure it's note perfect, but it works for me.

-G

[Powerglide]

Great ideas for an old reloader.I still use lickum stickers on the boxes.Of course., I still can't use my cellphone either.Always learning.

[JRWhit]

I was talking to my wife last night with excitement showing her my note book catalog system and telling her about all the ideas I got from this thread. As I carried on about getting it into excel on the computer, she called me a nerd.:eek:
Guess I won't be sharing with her anymore.:neener:

[StrawHat]

I use a three ring binder for all my reloading info. The poster who mentioned one binder per rifle is certainly on to something, I may adopt that idea. Here is the page I use, this is for black powder cartridges but a similar page could be drafted for smokeless.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc194/StrawHat/LoadDataSheet.jpg

I like the log books as it is easier for me to carry a notebook to the range. A computer would not work for me at the range.

I just checked, M. E. Harvey, good idea!

[PhotoBiker]

I am still working out my system.

Right now, I use 3 x 3 3M stickies to write down the load information before I start loading, I use that while loading then place in the box of ammo. I then write down the info in a notebook with a comments section that is blank. At the range, I shoot paper plates, then write down the load information on the plates as well as comments on the 3M stickies. When I get back, I throw the plates into a stack and update the notebook with my comments (like "NO", "OK"...).

When I am getting the next load ready, I look at the notebook first, then the stickies (in case I had more notes on them), then sift through the plates to see the groups.

This process will not stand the test of time...

[dickttx]

In the 60's/70's when I started reloading I used a piece of tape stuck on the box to record the pertinent info on the load. When I pulled out those boxes of loaded ammo forty years later they still had all the info I needed.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=637938


If the above link works, post 10 shows what I use. Easy.

After being an accountant for 52 years and a CPA for 48 years, I don't really want to do any more record keeping than absolutely necessary.:rolleyes:

[GLOOB]

For pistol, I label the containers in which I store my component bullets. This label contains my load info and expected velocity for that bullet, with any and all of the appropriate powders I have for that bullet. For pistol bullets, this is only 2-3 powders for each caliber.

Sometimes I don't label a batch of reloads, at all. If enough time passes, I may have to pull a bullet to see which powder is in there. Once I identify the powder and the bullet, I know the powder charge. For 357, I try to buy CCI magnum, Win regular, to tell the difference between my H110 and Unique loads by primer color. But that doesn't always work out, due to availability.

But generally, I load what I shoot, and shoot what I load. It doesn't sit around for long. I label any ammo meant for longterm storage.

For rifle, I pretty much have one favorite load I've chosen for each bullet. Even easier. Look at the type of bullet, and I know how much of what powder is in there.

For small workup batches, that's different, of course. Those are labeled, usually with a handwritten note taped to the bag. Or a shapie scrawl on individual cases.

So my main step is to keep loaded batches separate. I have never done up a batch and then dumped it into a box with previous batches. They go in their own bag, even if they're essentially the same thing, different day. Afterall, I don't really care what's in there, as long as it's actually what I intended. All my loads work. If I were to run into a problem caused by human error, such as taper crimp, OAL, powder charge, primer seating, etc... then all I really want to know is how to identify the rest of that batch.

[Hondo 60]

Wow, some of you guys carry this on pretty far.

I just use home made cards that look exactly like the MTM cards that come in new Case Guard boxes.

http://www.jbabcock.net/guns/load-cards.jpg

[ScratchnDent]

I keep a hand-written notebook for each cartridge I reload. When I find a load I like, and load them in quantities, I pack them in old factory ammo boxes with the bullet weight, powder charge, and load date marked on a couple pices of tape. Some of my ammo boxes must have a 3/8" of tape wrapped around them by now. :)

[sbrader]

I tend to load 100 round boxes with anywhere from two to ten different loads (in rows of ten) that I am testing; so putting a sticker on the outside of the box doesn't let give me the information I need. I keep the detailed information in a spreadsheet. I print one out for each of my firearms and keep track of the loading data in there; including which rows of the ammo box apply to each load. Then I stick a small card inside each box with very brief notes of the lot number by row so I can jot notes on each different load that I transfer to the spreadsheet when I get home.

It may not be the most efficient, but it works very well for me. Having a separate sheet for each firearm also allows me to tweak loads for different firearms of the same caliber.

Scott

[JRWhit]

Well just like working up loads and can see this progressing with time. I really like the use of exel and started toying with it on my PC. I'll be making a trip to an office supply store to get some other goodies so that I can catalog in exel and print to hard copy in a binder for load bench access and back up record.
Funny , I started reloading in large because of cost of ammo. All the while thinking that I wasn't interested in getting caught up with the fine tuning aspect of reloading.My plan was to find a reliable load cheap to produce and go with it. I was ill prepared for how much I would enjoy that process and it rapidly grew to more than just paper puncher handgun loads. Now unexpectedly, I find even more enjoyment in the cataloging process and fine tuning my findings. I think my wife may be right, I'm a gun nerd.:eek: I'm not sure how many more side Hobbies are to come from the original hobby of shooting, but I must say thanks to all here on HighRoad, this has been a fantastic source to consult and learn from the more experienced. :)

[robowo]

I am a programmer so I wrote a Microsoft Access database. In it I track all the details on all firearms. It includes pictures of each gun, along with holsters and other accessories and modifications. I also track all ammo, whether it be factory or reloads. Most, except .22 LR is reloads. There is a report for each gun that shows the amount of ammo on hand for it. It also shows how many rounds have been fired in each gun. It also contains an inventory of reloading components. I also entered the data for over 1,400 loads for .357 Magnum and .38 Special. I have reports that you can sort by caliber, bullet weight, powder, or any combination of these. I have a reloading history form where I enter all the details of each load. A screenshot of this form is the 1st attached picture. For marking the ammo boxes I have a report that is printed and put in each ammo box. This is shown in the 2nd attached picture.

Besides the load info, it also contains 2 other pieces of useful info for when we shoot on our range. It also shows the drop in inches for 50, 75, and 100 yards for each of my revolvers for that load. This comes in handy since we routinely shoot at those ranges on steel targets.

It also shows the recoil for that load in each gun, which I find handy when introducing new people to shooting. I start each new shooter on a 22 revolver and then work up in power. Usually 148 grain wadcutters, followed by a mid-range 38 Special, then a mid-range 38 +P load and then low end 357 Magnum followed by full house 357 Magnum. By working up the recoil ladder, each shooter can tell me when they have reached the recoil threshold that they are comfortable with. This way they get comfortable shooting and enjoy it much more. I have had 2 couples come and shoot for the first time who later bought 357 Magnum revolvers. With one couple, the wife was only comfortable shooting 38 Special, but her husband was comfortable with 357 Magnum rounds. In the other case it was the wife who liked the 357 Magnum rounds better than her husband who has a lingering wrist problem.

I also built in recoil, muzzle energy, momentum and power factor calculators and have a trajectory calculator linked to it.

[jhei88]

How does a guy get a copy of that robow,that's exactly what I've been looking for

[HighExpert]

I guess I am really anal about this. I have a full list in a Word file on my computer and three backup drives, labels on all the Dillon boxes for each caliber and a row of sticker labels inside my reloading cabinet door with everything listed. Bullet, Primer, Powder, Charge, OAL, Chrono and gun loaded for.

[JRWhit]

Well here it is. My THR inspired load workbook. Thanks all for the ideas that led to it




181164
181165
181166Page shows work up for load, followed by a log sheet behind it after I have figured my findings for firing sessions and load sessions.

Still changing or adding things here and there but that's it in a nutshell. I'll have to add a spot for velocity after I get a chronograph.

[JJ-]

I use Evernote. I enter every bit of information when working up a load and then even snap pictures of the target directly in the app. Syncs across all my computers iphone and iPad so I always have access to my load logs

[Reefinmike]

I keep it simple and stick to one load for each caliber and simply put a sticker with the date of the lot on the box of ammo.

I keep the load info written on my bench just in case I have a brain fart when setting up the press for a loading session.

380's all get a 102gr cast boolit seated to .980 and 3.1gr hp38 using the .30cc autodisk and a small pistol primer
38 spl get a 158gr lswc seated to 1.435" and 3.4gr hp38 using the .32 autodisk and a small pistol primer. newer lots have a small rifle primer- tula copper colored so they are easy to know what is what
357 mag gets a 125gr plated swc seated to 1.585 and 7.5gr hp38 using the .71 autodisk and a small rifle primer
45acp gets a 230gr ltc seated to 1.170 and 4.9gr hp38 using the .46 autodisk and either a large pistol or small rifle primer depending on the case.

Once I find what I like, I stick with it and dont tinker around with the load. I have a good stack of 50 cal cans full of ammo and I really dont see the need to write down anything other than the date for each lot of ammo that way If I were to come across something like a squib or a junky alloy that leads up the barrel, I know what lot to set aside. As I get my monthly take of lead, I turn that into bullets and load it all up in one or two sittings that way each "lot" of ammo has the same lot of boolits seated in em.

Tldnr- a garage sale sticker with the date of manufacture on the box and thats it.

[gamestalker]

I'm pretty anal about keeping records of reloading. I have a large record book and I catalog each load for each action or pistol that includes,
1. fps
2. pressure signs
3. powder charge & type
4. primer
5. bullet brand / type
6. head stamp
7. OAL,
8. accuracy
9. Temperature it was tested at
10. Trim length
11. Where it zeros on the scope turrets at 200 yds., if it is a rifle cartridge obviously.

That last entry is extremely handy when I'm loading up for a hunting trip. I just love not having to re-zero each time I load.

GS

GS

[Jesse Heywood]

I used to keep them in Sears, Pennys, and Wards catalogs. But since they quit mailing catalogs, we been running short for Aunt Sally. And ma really pitches a fit when she does her business, only to find a loaded cartridge it the catalog page.

[SlowFuse]

I have a stack of index cards by my press. When loaded, all of the pertinent info goes on the card an into the box/bag of loaded ammo.

After shot I keep notes on the back side. Good ones go in a "keep" bag and other go in a "scrap" bag. If it really stands out (in a good way) it makes it into a coil bound log I made with a simple excel spreadsheet.

I have a separate 3 ring for "keeper" targets.

[dickttx]

Last year, over several months, I checked and discarded eleven four-drawer file cabinets, containing over 50 years of client files. I hauled them, two trash cans at a time, to a shredder and paid to have them shredded. I soon realized that probably two years worth for any client would have been sufficient.
I am pretty sure I will not need a complete history of any cartridge, so a stick-on label is all I ever use.

[James2]

Labels on each box/batch of ammo.

Notes in the reloading data book.