new guys-keep good notes!!

I like to write on the cases of dummy rounds with a sharpie pen as well as notes and list the load on the box of bullets.

CC

Good records are huge, you will always need them.

I started writing each load (bullet, primer, powder, charge, OAL) on a half index card. Each load is separate, I can write notes for what rifle each load is for, and I keep the cards in the die boxes. It beat the heck out of the notebook I had been using, having to flip through the pages as things got out of order...

I started by putting labels on the plastic MTM and Berrys boxes I use. But that didn't leave a place to make notes on how they shot, etc.

So now I have a composition notebook which I keep details notes. I still label the boxes but the log book is where I now record my range trips and my reloading data.

I started by putting labels on the plastic MTM and Berrys boxes I use. But that didn't leave a place to make notes on how they shot, etc.

So now I have a composition notebook which I keep details notes. I still label the boxes but the log book is where I now record my range trips and my reloading data.

The last time I worked up a load for a rifle, I kept my targets for comparison. I made notes on every target, of every detail.
It is very interesting and helpful what you discover.

I wrote the exact prescription for the most accurate loads I could develop for my rifle inside the lid of my shooting box, with a sharpie.

I think I'll write it inside the door of my reloading cabinet too. I put a bunch of work into getting that info..... I would hate to lose it.

I keep my reloading records in a loose leaf binder, but a computer spreadsheet would work just as well..

I have kept information on every batch of reloads that I have ever reloaded since back in 1980.

In my binders, I have a tab for each cartridge. Basic information kept is a Lot number, date, case, bullet, primer, powder charge, and general remarks about the the lot number. The lot number is used on separate sheets recording chronograph data, if I chronograph the load, and accuracy data, if I shoot the lot for accuracy. The lot number allows me to match up the data from various sheets.

The tabs also have pages for notes on the cartridge and I store additional info on the cartridge in the tab.

(Edit) With the loaded rounds, I keep a note with the lot number, date, cartridge, bullet and powder on it. The lot number allows me to return to my records if I want more details on the ammunition. (End edit)

There are any number of ways the information could be recorded and the information recorded can be tailored to the individual wants and desires. But keeping good records is the important thing.

If you do not keep records on everything, you cannot reproduce the load at some point in the future. Also, if you do not keep records on everything, you cannot remember data that should not be reproduced for whatever reason.

I use 3x5 cards in conjunction with Excel Spreadsheet, backed up with MS Access Database.

Each time I load, I print out a checklist for my reloading procedures. I also print out a data sheet for the load (date, components, powder type and charge, c.o.l., etc.) which also has a section for chronograph readings as well as a note section for subjective impressions of the load's performance. When I box up the loaded ammunition, the box is assigned a unique identifier which is also recorded on both the checksheet and the data sheet which are kept with the ammunition until it is fired and are then put in a binder chronologically by caliber. This lets me track every round "from cradle to grave" so to speak and keep a record of its performance.

I have records back to 1975, it helps a lot. Transferred them to the computer and to a Excel spreadsheet.

Along with keeping hand written logs/notes.
When I do my load testing, I use a target that I print out on 8 1/2 x 11 paper. I might have five different loads/groups on one sheet. I date it and make notes on it and then put them in a binder for later references.
I also have speadsheets with chronograph data.

I use sticky back mailing labels on the boxes of loaded ammo with all load info, or write the info on the zip lock bag for larger batches. I'm getting ready to pack up my reloading gear for the summer...too hot in the garage this time of year. I'll be including my favorite load data on an index card in the die box when I pack them up. Also got the round lee die boxes, and leaving the dies set up in the turret disks so when next season comes around i can get right back to pumping out my favorite loads

I have a load development notebook and a master load notebook. When doing load development I write down each load variation and number them by row so I can tell which bullets are which in the ammo box. Then I make notes next to each load when shooting it. When I settle on the load that's a keeper I write that in the master load book I keep in the loading room and also write them on the box so I can tell what it is. If I have two guns in the same caliber that don't share the same load I use a different headstamp of brass to separate them and I write in big sharpy marker on the box what gun its for. I used to shoot groups on recipe cards and put them in a 3 ring binder but that got to be alot of work and I always lost them and got them mixed up. I lost a lot of loads and pulled alot of mystery bullets before I settled on a system that works for me.

I use the Lyman's reloader's data log and I put a note in my die box with what I last loaded .

It all amounts to developing a record system that works for you. As we've seen, there are many ways to approach this task, but it should be regarded as essential for anyone who loads their own ammo. I keep mine in a spiral notebook, with each session entered chronologically. There's also a section for determining volume density values of powders used. When changing powders, or at the start of a new loading session, charge weight data is recorded to verify that the powder measure has not varied in calibration from last time. I hand prime off the press, so bulk priming data will be recorded as well - case headstamp, primer size, manufacturer, lot # & date purchased. This helps in inventory control too. Specific load data recorded includes caliber, bullet weight,type & manufacturer, powder type, charge weight & lot number, primer data as noted above, COL, and quantity loaded.

For years I kept all my notes in a MTM handloaders log.
Now I just pick something out of the 10 or so reloading
manuals I have.
If something not too good happens--it goes in the log.

I get a few laughs when I read my hand-written notes from reloads that I worked up back in the 1970s. When I had no money and was casting .45 bullets on the counter of my apartment's kitchen, with a popcorn popper heating element. No eye protection. Likely no gloves, but I don't remember. I didn't sweat the small stuff. Wow, times change and you get smarter.... and I still have all my appendages, but I digress... my loading notes have been invaluable over the years. Now I computerize them with Excel and keep the best ones to keep using or move them out to the archives. It's part of hand loading.

I recently found an MTM box in my garage that I haven't seen since last spring. 50 empty 300WSM cases and a note that reads "65.5gr WOW!". I have no idea what the recipe was.

Based on very good advice when I started out, I have a master load book. Which is back up by an excel spreadsheet book. The only thing I wish I had done at the get go was a round count of how many were loaded. Fixed that problem down the road a little. Been fun looking at all the loads that have worked, not worked and the different components used.

The guy who taught me to reload had kept all the spent primers that he had ever punched out as a visual of how many rounds he had loaded over the years. I thought that was neat so I have always done the same. He had a big size Folgers coffee can full when he was teaching my about 15 years ago.

badkarmamib said:

I started writing each load (bullet, primer, powder, charge, OAL) on a half index card. Each load is separate, I can write notes for what rifle each load is for, and I keep the cards in the die boxes. It beat the heck out of the notebook I had been using, having to flip through the pages as things got out of order...

Click to expand...

That's my note keeping method too. I take the note card with me when I go test a new load. And if the new load doesn't work well for me, I write on the note card what I didn't like about it in red ink.