Reloading log info needed.

I started using a spiral bound notebook. I divided up into sections for the calibers (cartridges) I was loading. I would include date, bullet brand, type, weight, powder, charge, OAL, and quantity loaded. When working up loads, a note on how it shot.
After filling the section on 9MM, the caliber I load/shoot the most, and having to come back to find if I had loaded all of a certain batch of bullets (manually looking and adding) I decided to move the data to Excel. So, I created a simple spreadsheet with a tab for each caliber. I found a couple of variations here and another site that had some nice formulas and calculations. I borrowed and modified them to suit my needs.
The advantage is that now my spreadsheet is not only a log, but it gives me real time inventory information on the bullets, primers and powder.
I've thought of taking it all into Access or some other DB, but, the Excel file is working pretty well. And I still find Excel better for calculations.
I don't have the computer in the reloading room, but I go sit down after I load a batch and enter the information into the log.

I also place a label on each box/container of ammo I load with the load data -- caliber, bullet type/weight/brand, powder, charge, primer, date and OAL. This is just a handwritten address type label.

Use whatever is comfortable for ya. I use a Google Docs spreadsheet.

Now that you've got the 650 there are a few "upgrades" that ya really need.

Primer stop switch, case feed cut off, quick detach powder measure thing, spent primer upgrade, unused primer upgrade at a minimum.

Walkalong said:

After every change to my excel file I save it to the hard drive and two external drives on a computer which isn't connected to the internet, three flash drives, my laptop hard drive, and every once in a while I save it on an external drive I keep in the safe.

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You sound like a man that has had a hard drive fail... Me, too. I back up my entire OS drive every night to 3 different sources. I don't do the cloud thing, however.

I use 'Excel' sheets (actually, LibreOffice, which is open source and free) but keep the hard copy in folders at the bench. The same sheet is printed twice... one for a record, the other gets cut up to go into the cartridge boxes... I sized the template to do so. I can then use the box insert to note things while I'm shooting, that way it stays with the load data. I also have a legal pad that I have velocities and other data tabulated on, although I'd like to digitize that, too, some day... my chicken scratches can be hard to read sometimes.

The advantage is that now my spreadsheet is not only a log, but it gives me real time inventory information on the bullets, primers and powder.

After buying the wrong stuff, twice, I also ginned up a sheet that inventories all my components, too... it's pretty handy.

I use the Lyman Reloading Data Log books.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012865981/lyman-reloading-data-log-reloading-manual

I'm on my fifth one.

Walkalong said:

After every change to my excel file I save it to the hard drive and two external drives on a computer which isn't connected to the internet, three flash drives, my laptop hard drive, and every once in a while I save it on an external drive I keep in the safe.

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I do a similar thing.

From my reloading room laptop, I email a copy to myself, so now the file resides on the email server. I then download it onto my main computer which then gets backed up to the cloud.

Each time I save it to a new name with the current date, so I have an entire collection each saved with a new timestamp.

I have 4 copies around plus the handwritten notebook.

1. Reloading room laptop
2. Email Server
3. Main computer
4. Cloud

Like I said, "I like redundancy"!!!

I've been reloading for a little over 9 years now - never had the need for a log book, can't see one in my future. I created a simple Word template that I use to print out Avery #8163 labels that I stick on or into each container of reloads I make.

I use loose leaf notebooks. I load enough different cartridges that I have four going, handgun cartridges, small rifle cartridges, large rifle cartridges and shot shells.

I have one tab per cartridge. Each tab has log sheets for the load data, velocity data for those lots that I tested, and accuracy data for those lots that I tested. I use a lot number to reference between the pages. The lot number with basic load information is also used to label the ammunition boxes

Each tab also has some pages for notes and info and I store a few special information pages related to the cartridge.

I log everything that I load from a small run of just a few cartridges to mega-runs of a couple thousand cartridges.

My system is archaic and old school. I started it before home computers were common place and affordable. I'm too lazy to update it to a computer although having a printer in the house that makes copies is handy for generating blank sheets for the logs. It could be easily done in a computer spreadsheet.

Bottom line, use a system that makes you happy but by all means, log your reloading session data. Among other things, it is handy to have the history to refer back to sometime in the future.

RandyP said:

I've been reloading for a little over 9 years now - never had the need for a log book, can't see one in my future. I created a simple Word template that I use to print out Avery #8163 labels that I stick on or into each container of reloads I make.

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I went that way for near 30 yrs. Kept a log just to have the info I needed. Then since I buy in bulk I have primers and powder that's several years old before I start using them. Then 1 year I had problems with primers piercing. I was able to look up lot numbers and mfg and contacted them. Having that info handy make it easy. The mfg replaced all the primers in that lot a 2:1 ratio. And paid for the gun repairs.

I keep loading logs in a notebook. I spend too much time on the computer for work.

If the load shoots well, I copying into a hardbound notebook and note the guns it shot best in.

I use composition notebooks. One for pistols, one for revolvers, one for rifles, etc.

Then I allow several pages for each caliber. Within each caliber section I allow one whole page for each bullet. This is because I typically try 5 or 6 powders with each bullet. Obviously my section on 9x19 Luger is larger than my section on other calibers that aren't shot as often.

Everyone I know that tried to keep everything on the computer lost it all eventually due to erasures, computer crashes, or some other mishap.

I'm a computer geek. Been doing it since code and data was on punch paper tape. But for this app I prefer a loose leaf notebook. I can rearrange the pages as I see fit. Attached is my layout that works for me. You may want other data and info. I also record velocity on factory ammo. For 9mm and .38spl I have about 5 pages each which includes factory ammo velocity and loads for 4 or 5 different powders.

Wing Rider wrote:
I know that it is probably overkill for a new reloader...

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Yes it is.

...but I dont want to buy twice. [sic]

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...if only you could buy a hand, an eye or a face a second time.

The few reloaders I know who went directly from zero to a progressive have destroyed at least one firearm due to un-noticed squibs or "double" charged loads. So far, none of them have been physically maimed by their reloads, but there's still time.

My question is how does everyone keep their reloading information in a reloading log?

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Before you bring either powder or primer anywhere near your Dillon, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, take the time to study the HOW TO RELOAD section of more than one reloading manual - as well as the Dillon manual. Once you have done so, please formulate a reloading checklist based on what you intend your steps and quality checks to be.

Follow that checklist EVERY time you reload.

Do you just use a notebook or is there a designated computer program that is designed to keep a reloading log? I have learned a lot from this forum and know that I have much much more to learn.

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No computer program.

I use a custom-made reloading form to record relevant information from each reloading session. The form is accompanied by the reloading checklist from that session (to verify all steps were followed) and the form also includes space to record formal and informal results when the rounds for that session were fired. These are all kept in a 3-ring binder filed chronologically by caliber.

alfsuave wrote:
I'm a computer geek. Been doing it since code and data was on punch paper tape. But for this app I prefer a loose leaf notebook.

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Agreed. Not every record needs to be computerized nor put into a cell phone.

All kinds of reloader's log books out there. https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&k...targid=kwd-59399145275&ref=pd_sl_1bv4prpzrb_e

I don't remember what I used years ago but since I started again after many years of off time I now use Excel.

Excel Spreadsheet here also.

Makes it easy to add the Labradar data sheets and I have a sheet that does OCW computations. It's all kept on a laptop in my reloading area. Periodically I email myself back-up copies at home and work.

RandyP said:

I've been reloading for a little over 9 years now - never had the need for a log book, can't see one in my future. I created a simple Word template that I use to print out Avery #8163 labels that I stick on or into each container of reloads I make.

Click to expand...

I also print stickers that I put on my boxes. Every batch I make has a lot number sequence that I started with my very first reloading session.

I use, a written book, individual load cards & a spreadsheet.
That's probably overload, but it helps me keep all the data I want.

Doublehelix said:

I do a similar thing.

From my reloading room laptop, I email a copy to myself, so now the file resides on the email server. I then download it onto my main computer which then gets backed up to the cloud.

Each time I save it to a new name with the current date, so I have an entire collection each saved with a new timestamp.

I have 4 copies around plus the handwritten notebook.

1. Reloading room laptop
2. Email Server
3. Main computer
4. Cloud

Like I said, "I like redundancy"!!!

Click to expand...

Most e-mail providers do not guarantee backups unless your paying big $.


Anyway I use LibreOffice and sync to my own server, phone, tablet, etc as well as print out and keep in a binder. My documents are formatted to where I can fill in data by hand if needed then re-type into the document later.

doubleh said:

I use a small note book. No charging, no waiting to boot, just open to the page you want and read. It can't get any simpler or easier. Also it weighs very little and if you drop it there is no danger of breakage. Just don't spill your coffee on it.

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It does get easier then a notebook with excel sheets. I don't have to go find the notebook when I need to know anything, I just open the drive on my phone, computer or work computer. I keep my electronics charged so there's no waiting around there. By the time you get your notebook and open the page I have already looked at the info on my phone without moving my butt off the couch.

To each there own and I don't care what people do with there info but I get tired of the anti computer crowd or tech challenged crowd always talking down on the guys that use the tech. The anti crowd always have a hundred reasons why paper is better but most of there reasonings just show how little they know about the tech or how to use it.

Muddydogs said:

..... just show how little they know about the tech or how to use it.

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But I did use Excel to create my notebook pages.

I just re-read the OP's original post and share hdwhit's concerns. No reloading experience and starting off with a Dillon 650 is not unlike wanting to learn to fly and starting off with a high performance airplane. IMHO

There are a number of critical processes going on at the same time on a full boat progressive press like that Dillon which deserve individual attention to detail. If I might make so bold, the OP would not be badly served processing just one case at a time through the full reloading cycle to a completed round. In essence using the Dillon as a single stage press until total familiarity with the operations is achieved, measurements are verified, powder throws weighed and confirmed etc.

I also always suggest that YouTube videos are your friend. Watch them, study them, early and often. YOU are the only quality control inspector of ammunition manufactured on YOUR reloading bench. And it is your fingers, hands and eyes that will be the first things to know how good an inspector you were. Have fun and stay safe. It is a wonderful hobby, but like many hobbies that have the potential for danger, it deserves respect.

I'm another guy who likes redundancy. I write my notes in spiral notebooks and in a self designed spreadsheet. The spreadsheet is saved in my computer, an external backup harddrive, a thumb drive and a backup site on the cloud.

Don't forget the pieces of paper you throw in the book for later use lol.