How do you keep track of your loads?
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The Bushmaster
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SciFiJim...As you have joined our little group you should know that our "Boss" (Mr. Dallan) is working on Point Blank v2.0 as we speak. If you have an idea you need to voice it to him on that web site. He is very accommodating to our wishes when possible...
scrat
Member
note pad and paper. Then on the sides of the brass i use a sharpie to put on some of them. So i can quickly identify and track results
oneounceload
member
paper and pen in either the plastic ammo boxes or the zip-lock baggie; results transferred to hard-bound books
matrem
Member
Yellow Scotch 35 electrical tape & a Sharpie marker on the top of the plastic ammo box.
On occasion,if some "odd" loads are to go in same box ( range or hunting trip) , different color Sharpies on the primers will let me ID which is which.
All loads go on paper..I don't trust "puters"
On occasion,if some "odd" loads are to go in same box ( range or hunting trip) , different color Sharpies on the primers will let me ID which is which.
All loads go on paper..I don't trust "puters"
CSA 357
Member
I bag all my ammo after its loaded with the load written on the out side, i highlight my loads in my book, most of my loads are the same time after time, after i work up a load i like, i have a set load for my plinking loads, and my hot loads, csa
LCTitan
Member
I created a spreadsheet in MS Excell that I back up to a memory stick. Works great and can be printed out at any time.
Wayne02
Member
Good discussion. I've not settled on a good system yet and run a hybrid computer and hard-copy deal at this point.
One thing that is kind of annoying:
1. If I don't write down the data/observations right there at the range I will sure as heck forget it by the time I finally get around to documenting anything. So this means either writing the load observations in a notebook or dragging the blasted laptop along, firing it up, and typing in the notes. I'm reluctant in bringing the laptop along as it already feels like I take everything but the kitchen sink on range trips, and part of the reason I go to range is to get away from dang computers.
If I write the observations in the notebook at the range and don't transfer that to the computer files when I get home there is the opportunity for duplicate and possibly confusing records between the two.
One thing that is kind of annoying:
1. If I don't write down the data/observations right there at the range I will sure as heck forget it by the time I finally get around to documenting anything. So this means either writing the load observations in a notebook or dragging the blasted laptop along, firing it up, and typing in the notes. I'm reluctant in bringing the laptop along as it already feels like I take everything but the kitchen sink on range trips, and part of the reason I go to range is to get away from dang computers.
If I write the observations in the notebook at the range and don't transfer that to the computer files when I get home there is the opportunity for duplicate and possibly confusing records between the two.
While working up a load, I use small pieces of paper--one on the bench in the "Working Load" box, and another piece of paper that goes into the container with the cartridges. (Those baggies are a good idea.)
Once I determine the best load, pertinent information is noted on a 3x5 card and indexed in a recipe box. That box stays on my reloading bench. When loading for that cartridge, even if I know the specifics, I still put the card on top of the box where I can check it at ease.
Every box of cartridges is labeled--sticker on the box. When one walks into my cartridge storeroom, each load label is visible. I have sons, and enough cartridges that could cause problems if used in the incorrect firearm. The Boys are very good about checking everything--I'm thinking the system helps toward avoiding mistakes.
The reloading charts I've printed from the internet are indexed in a notebook. Surely helps in not shuffling and looking through papers. That notebook lives beside my loading manuals.
Had the idea last week to include my 3x5 information in the notebook, but haven't decided yet on a simple way to present it.
The methods the others have offered are fine also.
Once I determine the best load, pertinent information is noted on a 3x5 card and indexed in a recipe box. That box stays on my reloading bench. When loading for that cartridge, even if I know the specifics, I still put the card on top of the box where I can check it at ease.
Every box of cartridges is labeled--sticker on the box. When one walks into my cartridge storeroom, each load label is visible. I have sons, and enough cartridges that could cause problems if used in the incorrect firearm. The Boys are very good about checking everything--I'm thinking the system helps toward avoiding mistakes.
The reloading charts I've printed from the internet are indexed in a notebook. Surely helps in not shuffling and looking through papers. That notebook lives beside my loading manuals.
Had the idea last week to include my 3x5 information in the notebook, but haven't decided yet on a simple way to present it.
The methods the others have offered are fine also.
Shootingbuff2
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- Feb 5, 2009
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shoot em before I forget ;-)
Actually I only have one load per caliber I load for with a given bullet and in ref to SG I use diff colored hulls to keep everything straight.
You can make up your own labels or purchase them pre printed.
I have a small notepad, a box for index cards and a spreadsheet I log the loads into for historical data more than anything else when I am trying a new load.
When trying a new load as others have stated drop the rounds in a ziplock bag and place a note inside.
sb
Actually I only have one load per caliber I load for with a given bullet and in ref to SG I use diff colored hulls to keep everything straight.
You can make up your own labels or purchase them pre printed.
I have a small notepad, a box for index cards and a spreadsheet I log the loads into for historical data more than anything else when I am trying a new load.
When trying a new load as others have stated drop the rounds in a ziplock bag and place a note inside.
sb
I've used this Microsoft Access custom database for many years.
You're all more than welcome to try it:
http://mauser98.com/db21.zip
(Zipped for easier download...)
You're all more than welcome to try it:
http://mauser98.com/db21.zip
(Zipped for easier download...)
1. Book with pages filled out for every recipe load. Any change in powder, amount of charge, type of primer, bullet makes a new entry. A few rounds in experimental loads makes lots of entries.
2. A colored sticker, or taped on piece of paper on ammo box can refer to recipe #, though knowing 'which' load when I insert the mag or spin the cylinder is my preference at the range.
3. Pet (fav) recipes help!
2. A colored sticker, or taped on piece of paper on ammo box can refer to recipe #, though knowing 'which' load when I insert the mag or spin the cylinder is my preference at the range.
3. Pet (fav) recipes help!
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rfwobbly
Member
I use a lab notebook. On each page I list one bullet. Below that I show all the specs I use for that one bullet. Seating depth, OAL, settings, special things I needed or ran into with that bullet.
Then under that, every time I load that bullet the number of rounds and add how they shot when I get back from the range.
Then under that, every time I load that bullet the number of rounds and add how they shot when I get back from the range.
SyberShooter
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- Jan 22, 2009
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- 32
When I am working up loads I use a black sharpie and mark right on the brass case - either the bullet grains+powder+charge (IE: 55gr23.5A2230) or I just mark a sequence # on each and put the load on a chrono range sheet.
For quanity in boxes or baggies I either write on the box/bag or I assign a code such as 223-55SP235A2230
I also keep an excel spreadsheet with all load data and gun/range/chrono/target results and pictures of each target.
For quanity in boxes or baggies I either write on the box/bag or I assign a code such as 223-55SP235A2230
I also keep an excel spreadsheet with all load data and gun/range/chrono/target results and pictures of each target.
SciFiJim
Member
SyberShooter, I had not thought to include a picture of the target for each load in the stored info. Good One!
moooose102
Member
since i am rather absent minded, i do a number of things. 1, i keep a database on the computer. 2, i usually write on each case what the load is, UNLESS i am doing over 100 of them (example: 230g - 9.5g aa#7 -820fps). even though the velocity might not be actual, (i use the info listed in the manual) it will give me a good idea what it is before i shoot. if i am working up a hunting, or serious target load, i chrono them to get an accurate velocity. and 3, i label the box i put them in with the load. i really hate not knowing what i am shooting!
Uncle Chan
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- Nov 3, 2007
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- 326
I wrote my own program that I used for development.
jjohnson
Member
I use QuickLoad.
I bought Quickload several years ago (www.neco.com) and it's great.
I bought the software because it'll let you 'model' nearly all powders for charges and calculate pressure, trajectory, velocity... blah blah. It's really powerful software (and I do software for a living). Not too complex to use though.
I used to keep all my loading data in a logbook and assign batch numbers then label all the containers with lot number, so I could figure out what went right or wrong with a given load. I still do that, but since I use Quickload for all my loading data, I use its function to store actual cartridge data.
I guess that means I really should back up my data frequently - my bad, don't do that yet.....
I bought Quickload several years ago (www.neco.com) and it's great.
I bought the software because it'll let you 'model' nearly all powders for charges and calculate pressure, trajectory, velocity... blah blah. It's really powerful software (and I do software for a living). Not too complex to use though.
I used to keep all my loading data in a logbook and assign batch numbers then label all the containers with lot number, so I could figure out what went right or wrong with a given load. I still do that, but since I use Quickload for all my loading data, I use its function to store actual cartridge data.
I guess that means I really should back up my data frequently - my bad, don't do that yet.....
I keep a log book by my reloading press that indicates date, bullet, powder, load, OAL and qty. I then take an old business card and on the back write the same information and put that in the box of ammo. Then I put the same info into a spreadsheet that contains even more data like loaded ammo inventory and bullet inventory. I do this so that whether I am at my computer, loading press or range, I have all the data I need.
philbo
Member
Cascades said:
Exactly the system I've developed. Notes from shooting sessions are recorded in the notebook.
Master Blaster
Member
A label the date load powder charge bullet primer number of times case was reloaded, OAL for rifle.
I like all of my reloads labeled, I also track number of reloadings on the Brass.
I like all of my reloads labeled, I also track number of reloadings on the Brass.
Walkalong said:
Walkalong, very, very well done and very impressive. I thought I was doing a good job writing everything down in a log book (one for each caliber) but you've inspired me to do better ... MUCH better! That's one of the things I like about this sight ... it really does encourage higher standards ... none of that "lowest common denominator" rubbish that is prevalent in so many aspects of life.
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