How do you keep track of your data

I made a spread sheet on Excel to keep the data and do the calculations from them that I was interested in.

I write the chrono information down with paper and pencil at the range and transfer it into the spread sheet later. Picture of targets are taken with a digital camera or cell phone mostly now. The specific information is added as text to the picture later.

I write how each rifle shoots at the range. I use the same 8.5-11" 28# paper I make the targets from. I post what the load is, if the barrel was clean or hot, the date, wind, temperature.

I keep those papers in my reloading room and refer to them.

I also write on a cartridge with a marking pen. I write on one of that lot or box as to what the load is. I used to write on the stickers Sierra and others give us and sometimes still do however I mark the brass itself. I clean it off with steel wool.

I do the same as Steve C. (Excel and photos) I ran across Reloaders Reference which looks interesting and useful, but I haven't got around to installing it yet.

Excel Spreadsheet with every load I've done. Info about all the components including lot numbers. And I assign lot numbers to every batch... I guess years in the CPG industry will do that to you!

As far as chrono data and images, notes refer to files stored elsewhere with a link in Excel. I've toyed around with a crazy big Access Database to control component inventory too but it got out of hand.

Reloaders Reference is really good program.
But I don't use anywhere near it's full capabilities.

Most of my data is on MTM cards that come with the boxes.
I also made up my own on a pdf documents.


Reloading Labels 1-10

I use the Lyman Reloader's Data Log ( paper back ) .

Excel spreadsheet going back years.

3- ring binders with especially interesting targets from especially interesting guns going back years.
With the date, load data, & weather conditions written on them at the range.

rc

I also use Excel. I don't keep track of a lot of info - most notably the components used, charge and COL when I do a new setup. I also have a notes column where I'll comment on the performance of those loads.

I create a batch number based on the date - e.g. 20150706-01 - meaning that would be the first batch I did on that date. I don't always do a 2nd batch on a day - but sometimes I do. For example, when I'm loading up just a few rounds but different charges to test for abnormal pressure, etc.

I can certainly relate to your situation. I too load for countless different weapons, handguns and rifles, and every time I turn around I've got another one to keep track of.

I've tried using a single log book, which worked pretty well for a while. But as the number of different rifles began to exceed 5 or 6, things got out of hand. Flipping through pages searching for a particular rifle, then the specifics of the load. Needless to say, this quickly became a nightmare. I tried using a really large hard back book also, and then broke it down into chapters, if you will, but I quickly out grew that system also.

I do it a lot differently now days, in that I keep a single spiral note book, or in some cases, note books for each rifle. I label the front of the spiral according to the rifle it's for. And rather than catalog by bullet types and weights, I have the book cataloged by powder type, then the specifics of each load with that powder, bullet type and weight, head stamp, primer, and OAL, date and range notes. It's not a perfect system, but it sure works better than trying to log all the firearms together.

Handguns aren't nearly as complicated for me, so I just use one spiral for all of them. I probably only use 5 or 6 powders on the high end, but usually just 2 or 3 cover everything. What's more, I only load with jacketed bullets, so things are pretty simplistic for me in that world.

GS

I do the same as Red Rick, use the Lyman Reloader's Data Log, and have for many years. I print the pages on both sides, using the Lyman page as a master. I have three ring binders that are separated by caliber, one for rifle and two for handgun. The first volume for handgun is for up to 9x25 Dillon, and the second volume is for .40 S&W and larger.

I tried the computer programs, but the paper and pen worked best for me.

Hope this helps.

Fred

red rick said:

I use the Lyman Reloader's Data Log ( paper back ) .

Click to expand...

I use the same book and like it a lot. This item has been some of the best money I have spent so far.

I keep everything on a spreadsheet on the computer but just as a backup. My go to records are kept on a data sheet/clipboard that hangs next to my reloading press. I also have reusable business card size laminated cards with the data on them that goes in each box of reloads.

All the load data goes on to the box/container that the ammo is kept in. That way there is zero confusion about whats inside and i dont need to referance anything else. I keep load data in a notebook on my phone, but nothing that i wont know by grabbing each box and looking at it.

I use a 3 ring note book with a homemade spreadsheet. I'll occasionally staple interesting targets or chronograph tapes to the page. I have separate pages for each caliber and a few separate pages for certain rifles or handguns.

Three-ring binder at the bench and custom spreadsheet I made, logged by date first. No cartridge divisions. Pretty sure I've logged every round I've loaded but there might have been a couple of exceptions when I first began...

I recently set up a PostgreSQL database in Linux and transferred all of my written logs into it. It is very handy as I can customize the queries as I see fit. I can also use it to help keep track of reloading component supply if I choose.

Spreadsheet as well, LibreOffice and sync'ed to my phone and tablet.

The main document is an excel spreadsheet. I'll send you a copy of mine if you'd like. When I go to to the range I take notes in a spiral book and the transfer them to the spreadsheet later.

I have been using MTM Handloaders log for about 35 years---works good

I made a simple word doc template where I record all my specific load data components, notes etc. I keep them in a binder with tabs and pull it out at the beginning of each loading session to make sure I'm on spec. I would be happy to e mail it to you.

I find an accurate

combination and then, using a felt-tipped marker, write it down on the cabinet doors where I store my reloading components. After 50+ years, I'm running out of doors.

I started out with a log book many years ago. Since it works so well I've stuck with it. No need for fancy computer stuff as long as I can still write.

I keep my reloading records in three ring binders. One tab per cartridge.

In each tab is a sheet with the load data including a lot number. I have a sheet for accuracy and another sheet for velocity using the lot number as reference from the load data sheet. Since I do not chronograph or check groups on all lots, I do not feel the need to have a space for that info on the load data sheet.

I also have blank pages for notes and other information can be three hole punched and added to the tab for future reference.

I designed my own sheet but using forms generated by others would work as well.

As I have added cartridges, I have added binders so that binder size is manageable and each binder does not get too stuffed.

While spreadsheets are a cool way to keep information, I do not have a computer near my reloading bench and I do not leave the computer turned on 24/7. I can hand log my information faster than what it takes for the computer to boot up.

Ultimately mine gets written on the target. That way I have a visual of the performance of the load, as well as where the POI, compares to other loads. The info I log includes, general bullet info etc, + bearing surface length. General case info + weight, trim length, datum length, neck bushing dia and some have internal case volume. I usually have info on the loading process, which dies, case to ogive length, date last annealed, neck trim dia and roll out info. Chrono data is printed on a separate page but the important stuff I write on the target. Proven loads are logged on a portable tablet with info about the load development.