Always the hard way records

Although I don't write the charge on every cartridge, I do write it on one along with the CBTO and neck measurement. Every round in that box is identical and those and all other information is written on the box. As I only open one box at a time when shooting, even if I tip the box over, I know what load they are. I also keep my load log with me so I can reference the information on the box to what's in the log.

I usually make a sharpie mark across the base and make a note of which load each color represents. I've always figured I'd spill the box...and I have...so I try not to rely on how they're arranged.

chamokaneman said:

I usually make a sharpie mark across the base and make a note of which load each color represents. I've always figured I'd spill the box...and I have...so I try not to rely on how they're arranged.

Click to expand...

Same here

When I shoot a load ladder I, too, color code the cartridges with a sharpie and then write the code inside the box lid with sharpie.
When I find a load I like, beside logging it into a notebook, I write it smaller and more neatly in sharpie in the box that contains the ammunition.
This helps with two loads that use the same bullet.

An alcohol wipe cleans it right off, but won’t get lost otherwise.
Even though I really like the little tags that come in the Hornady boxes, they just don’t stay put in the world. Sometimes I just tape these into my notes, they actually stay there.

I had wind steal my paper “map key” once. I could still shoot the color coded load ladder, but had to wait until I got back home to my notebook to what load it was.

After having a box getting knocked over and bullets going every where, I mark each and every one. This works when friends are looking at your ammo and don't put them back into the correct spot. I've tried the color coding but you have to keep up with the cheat sheet to know what you have.

sharpy markers are your friend ... I make a key on the box, and mark each cartrdige. I usually mark the bottom with lines, -, +, X, * ... and at a quick glance you can see what each one is in the box. If the box gets lost or damaged, I write the same key down in a loading notebook. you're totally correct, a working system works, and modifying it for some reason just introduces new possible errors or gaps in the process.

Besides doing much of what is already posted I have a whiteboard next to my bench where everything I am currently doing is posted and then updated as things move along.

My wife (long time secretary, writer, word person) suggested I use Avery stick on labels. I did and templates are free on line and I can make professional looking labels to stick on my ammo boxes or bags.

chamokaneman said:

I usually make a sharpie mark across the base and make a note of which load each color represents. I've always figured I'd spill the box...and I have...so I try not to rely on how they're arranged.

Click to expand...

This. I only color the primers. The ink survives firing. Later, at home, I can look at the case heads with a jeweller's loupe for signs of over-pressure.

The colors can mean something, like black = lowest charge, red = hottest. My penmanship sucks, so no numbers or letters. The color code really helps at the range, where everything/everyone is conspiring to distract from the task at hand.