keeping a log

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Axis II

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I started today writing down some of the tips you guys have given me and would like to keep a log of how my groups are, what charge, what primer, what case, etc.

the things I can think to record are

1) how many times brass has been reloaded.
2) what primer used
3) what brass used
4) what bullet, powder combo
5) what the temp and wind are for that range day
6) what charge I see pressure signs
7) what day I loaded what rounds

can you guys think of anything else I missed or what would be good to record?
 
-OAL
-Velocity, and which gun they were chronoed from

Personally I don't really care what day they were loaded.

If I see something that looks like high pressure signs, I will certainly note that, but don't make a habit of pushing every load to that point.
 
Personally, don't count how many times brass is loaded. The primer pockets get loose or the necks split, when I notice either, I scrap it. I track the recipe and the COL. Settings on my dies and measure. Chrono results and groups average. I don't substitute bullets, primers or brass. I keep these pages in a binder and save even the bad loads for reference. I use a different page for each rifle in the same caliber. I have a set of dies for each rifle of the same caliber and I treat them like a separate caliber.
 
Trim length and number of times trimmed (for rifle or revolver brass). I have never trimmed handgun brass.

I keep an Excel spreadsheet for each caliber/bullet I load.
 
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I use a spread sheet type log. I have the caliber, brass, times fired, primer, powder type, powder weight, bullet type, bullet weight and notes. I basically copied the old MTM log from years ago. Ten minutes at the copy machine at work covered probably the rest of my life! I use a seperate sheet for each caliber and a different sheet if its a rifle caliber loaded for a specific rifle. Good on you for starting your record keeping early on in your loading career!
 
I don't bother with keeping track of how many times a particular car has been fired. I scrutinize them as they are prepped, and toss them out when they get tired. (I will mark the case if it's primer pocket is getting too loose)

But for the log: I note which firearm tests were run through as well.
 
I record component information on everything thing I reload but I do not shoot all lots for groups or velocity.

I keep group and velocity data in separate logs referencing the lot number from the reloading log so that I can see what components the rounds were assembled with.

It minimized the amount of empty spaces in the logs.

I'm old school and use loose leaf binders for my reloading data. One tab per cartridge. Each tab has reloading data, group data, velocity data, notes and occasions some other miscellaneous information.

Lots of good suggestions on what information to log. To add, where I use micrometer seating stems and micrometer powder measure metering inserts, I record those numbers to make it easier to return to those settings.
 
In the container with the reloads: Date loaded (Month/year), number of rounds loaded, bullet, powder, primer, Load #.

In the log, it depends on the load. Pistol load, rifle load, accuracy load, plinker load, target load, match load......You can get as fancy as you want.

Here are a couple of simple ones.

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Mine I have lot number (assigned numerically), caliber, bullet manufacturer, type, weight, part number and lot code, powder manufacturer, type, charge weight, and lot code and my primer manufacturer, type, and lot code. I track OAL for all, and chrono'ed speed and SD for my accuracy loads.
 
I use lot numbers to reference the logbook entry.

The date you loaded it will be very important to you 20 years from now.

Except for auto pistols, I have always kept brass together in 1 box lots for its lifetime, and DO record the number of times it's been reloaded. This is how I can confidently tell you that a lot of what you hear about different brass and it's lifespan on the internet is bunk. :)

I also keep a filing cabinet with test targets.
 
If you can truly keep track of how many times you've loaded a case you're a better man than I am lol. Actually the information regarding the number of times cases have been trimmed is worth knowing, now that I think about it. I may start doing this myself. The only addition I can think of at the moment other than velocity figures (already mentioned) would be some way of archiving targets. Usually I just take a skoal can and trace a circle in my range book and pencil in the holes for a quick reference rather than archiving the actual targets, but IMO it's worth archiving the targets because it helps to to visualize what a particular load did on paper when evaluating past loads and considering new ones.
 
If I am using cases from the same manufacturer I record the case wall thickness
at the mouth.

I have always recorded the bullet diameters. But recently I started recording the
mouth diameter of the finished cartridges. This gives me some control over neck
tension.

If I am using a Redding Competition Seating die I record that setting. I always
recorded the cartridge OAL.

If I am using a Redding Competition Crimp die I record that setting.

If I can I record the number of times I have used a case.

If I have prepared the cases before shooting I record all of the related information:
trim length, chamfering/deburring/swagging actions. These are recorded on the
box or bag holding the cases. I do record the as-sized case length in my load log.

I record the primer lot number but not powder lots. As most of my cases are bought
in bulk or as once fired brass I usually have no case lot numbers. I never recorded
bullet lot numbers.
 
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But recently I started recording the
mouth diameter of the finished cartridges. This gives me some control over neck
tension.
Click to expand...
You need to record ID and OD of the case neck before seating the bullet. I use pin gauges and a caliper. (Micrometer for 6 PPC, although there I am only really concerned about the OD of a loaded round for a tight necked (.262) chamber)
 
whats the point of recording powder lots? if I use a lbs of powder then the next lot will be different right?

I'm confused.
 
ohihunter2014 said:
whats the point of recording powder lots? if I use a lbs of powder then the next lot will be different right?



I'm confused.
Click to expand...


I work in manufacturing. Traceability through every step is a must.

If I load up 1000 rounds using 2 different lots of powder and then the manufacturer issues a recall on one lot, I can identify which batches were loaded with that lot and pull them apart. If not, I'd either have potentially dangerous reloads, or unnecessarily break down more rounds than necessary.
 
The powder sold for handloading is very uniform from lot to lot for safety reasons.

Can the velocity or pressure vary slightly with a new lot? Sure. If we are on the bleeding edge of max with one lot should we check things with a new lot? Yes. If we have a nice safe load somewhat under max do we need to recheck things? Doubtful. If we are shooting finely tuned match guns do we need to tweak things with a new lot? It pays to check.

For 98% of reloading though, we can just grab the next pound and go for it, as the manufacturers do a great job of keeping the powder lots very uniform on canister powders.
 
What firearm are these being run through?

I load a gazillion rounds of 9mm and 45 acp for range fodder and competition.
I use only the finest brass I dig out of the mud. :)

I place a computer label on each box of ammo that states the following:

Caliber and bullet type and mfg..
Powder and charge
OAL
Date it was loaded.

A typical label would read:
9mm 124 Grain Plated RN (RMR)
4.0 Grains Titegroup
1.15 OAL
March 24, 2016
 
WessonOil said:
What firearm are these being run through?

I load a gazillion rounds of 9mm and 45 acp for range fodder and competition.
I use only the finest brass I dig out of the mud. :)

I place a computer label on each box of ammo that states the following:

Caliber and bullet type and mfg..
Powder and charge
OAL
Date it was loaded.

A typical label would read:
9mm 124 Grain Plated RN (RMR)
4.0 Grains Titegroup
1.15 OAL
March 24, 2016
Click to expand...
+1 What WessonOil said:

I do the same info on a label as well as an index card.

For my notes, I made up a 5x8 index card that fits in my sierra binder. I run it throught the printer and punch the left edge and keep it in the binder.
 
My main objective is to find the best go-to load for each combination and highlight it for future use. I went through the last powder crunch. I intend to be more prepared in the future.
But one can be like the Federal Government and generate way too much info that will never be called for.
Stick to basics as a minimum! Pistols, not rifles
Weapon:
Bullet:
Powder:
Oal:
Accuracy:
*Function: problems encountered
*Date loaded (mine don't last long)
*primer
* optional
Man I hate records, but they are a necessary evil in the quest to the final answer.
I generated pages of 45 acp data during last crunch AND FOR WHAT?
 
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