Organizing loaddata
- Thread starter durachoke
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edwardware
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I use a collection of roughly a dozen hardbound notebooks, organized by caliber (not cartridge) or action.
A simple batch takes 20 lines. A complex, interpolated, or oddball batch will consume a page. An annealing, caseforming, fireforming, load workup procedure for a wildcat will take 3 pages.
Each container of ammo also gets a batch tag with just enough info to be dangerous, and a link back to the appropriate databook page.
A simple batch takes 20 lines. A complex, interpolated, or oddball batch will consume a page. An annealing, caseforming, fireforming, load workup procedure for a wildcat will take 3 pages.
Each container of ammo also gets a batch tag with just enough info to be dangerous, and a link back to the appropriate databook page.
RMH
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I also use 3 X 5 cards. I made a template in Excel and print them on 110 lb paper/card stock then cut them on a paper cutter.
sfl_gunner
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Notebook and excel spreadsheet. I keep the notebook on the reloading bench and the excel spreadsheet is an electronic back up.
I use three ring binders, one tab per cartridge.
Inside each tab is a section each for logging load data, velocities and groups using a lot number to reference between sections. I also have blank ruled pages for notes. Information from other sources on the cartridge that I wish to keep are added to the back of the tab.
I designed the record keeping pages with the information I wish to record.
Inside each tab is a section each for logging load data, velocities and groups using a lot number to reference between sections. I also have blank ruled pages for notes. Information from other sources on the cartridge that I wish to keep are added to the back of the tab.
I designed the record keeping pages with the information I wish to record.
buba68
Member
If you have some computer skills and have Microsoft Excel that is an excellent way to keep track of your load data. You can create tabs for each caliber you load. On that tab you can make a column for the bullet you use, type of powder you use and amount of powder, type of primer, COL and type of brass used. Even the number of times the brass has been reloaded if you are that anal about it. Their is no limit to what you can keep track of on an Excel spreadsheet and it can be updated with a couple strokes of the keyboard anytime you need to add additional information.
lordpaxman
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I have an Excel spreadsheet for the load data and fired data. I use a three ring binder for the reloading bench notes.
In hindsight, a database with a set of queries would have been better than the spreadsheet but I didn’t want to buy that version of Office. Nowadays google docs or Numbers will open just about anything.
My spreadsheet is organized similar to @buba68 with a separate sheet for each caliber. In each sheet I organize from fastest to slowest powder, lightest to heaviest bullet, and short to long COL. Even with computer skills, spreadsheets can be frustrating. A couple of hints - if you’re going to add a column of data, you should do that to all sheets at once by selecting all sheets. I also add a column of monotonically increasing numbers that’s updated every time the sheet is edited. I need this since I have a set of macros from performing certain functions and if I sort the sheet I can return it to the form I want.
I use Word mail merge with the spreadsheet as the source to print load data or targets with the load data on them just to make it a bit easier and avoid the carbon based life form problem. Good luck!
In hindsight, a database with a set of queries would have been better than the spreadsheet but I didn’t want to buy that version of Office. Nowadays google docs or Numbers will open just about anything.
My spreadsheet is organized similar to @buba68 with a separate sheet for each caliber. In each sheet I organize from fastest to slowest powder, lightest to heaviest bullet, and short to long COL. Even with computer skills, spreadsheets can be frustrating. A couple of hints - if you’re going to add a column of data, you should do that to all sheets at once by selecting all sheets. I also add a column of monotonically increasing numbers that’s updated every time the sheet is edited. I need this since I have a set of macros from performing certain functions and if I sort the sheet I can return it to the form I want.
I use Word mail merge with the spreadsheet as the source to print load data or targets with the load data on them just to make it a bit easier and avoid the carbon based life form problem. Good luck!
The "no online data" is directed towards forum threads and not bullet or powder manufacturer websites. LoadData compiles published data from manufacturers and reloading manuals. That being said when I working up new loads I check at least 2 and more like 5 sources to see if I'm in a safe range.
Initially I print/copy all the data I can find and enter the data of the ladders I created into a spreadsheet. Once I established the best charge for the componants I'm using I mark that as the best and move on to the next bullet or powder combination.
Initially I print/copy all the data I can find and enter the data of the ladders I created into a spreadsheet. Once I established the best charge for the componants I'm using I mark that as the best and move on to the next bullet or powder combination.
Charlie98
Member
I have about 4 Excel spreadsheets... one to print data labels for loaded cartridges, one to inventory all of my components, one to save my actual shooter's data, with notes about temperature, velocity, and such, and a 4th where I've scanned in hard copy data, or transferred online (digital) data. I have a binder with all the relative info in it, updated each range session, that goes with me. If I don't have everything all in one place, I tend to leave it behind... or lose it somewhere.
Like many others, I use a combination of published (hardbound) data and what I call 'corporate' online data... that is, data from manufacturers provided online. I also have a small mix of data sourced off the internet... not from commercial sources. In some cases, I have a cartridge or bullet weight that has limited (or no...) data for it, and I have to wade out into the Sea of Lies and Misinformation and find something.
Like many others, I use a combination of published (hardbound) data and what I call 'corporate' online data... that is, data from manufacturers provided online. I also have a small mix of data sourced off the internet... not from commercial sources. In some cases, I have a cartridge or bullet weight that has limited (or no...) data for it, and I have to wade out into the Sea of Lies and Misinformation and find something.
Carmell269
Member
Here’s a screenshot of one I made in Numbers. Further to the right (not seen in photo) I have cost data with formulas to calculate per round expense just to keep track of things, but that part is kinda overkill. Super easy to make and as others have referenced, the same can be done in excel. I do like the documents being saved to my iCloud account for an extra layer of saving my work.
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mstreddy
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Another Excel user here. I have worksheets that are a combination of two other workbooks I found online, and my own formulas. I use one worksheet per caliber, I track my bullet, powder and primer inventory, as well as the total loads and powder used. I track these as it's good to know the stock of components so I don't get caught short. I also calculate the per round cost, just because.
I started with a spiral bound notebook, with sections for each caliber. I ran out of space in the 9MM section, and rather than going to another notebook I decided to go to Excel.
I started with a spiral bound notebook, with sections for each caliber. I ran out of space in the 9MM section, and rather than going to another notebook I decided to go to Excel.
Chuck R.
Member
Another Excel fan here. I have a workbook created for each gun, it's been a work in progress for a couple years now.
Once I developed a spreadsheet to automate OCW calculations and that became the base document for my load data. Each load has it's own TAB, named for the bullet and powder. I plug in 3 max charges from different load sources and it spits out the test charges. I then added spaces and columns for OALs and some formulas for oft used calculations like OAL averages and SDs. The OCW calculations give me my powder start loads for testing. I also created an OAL measurement calculation for that bullet using an initial comparator reading as the start point, and the formula then spits out the lengths for testing.
I then download the sheets from my LabRadar and import them in that rifle/handguns workbook.
Once I developed a spreadsheet to automate OCW calculations and that became the base document for my load data. Each load has it's own TAB, named for the bullet and powder. I plug in 3 max charges from different load sources and it spits out the test charges. I then added spaces and columns for OALs and some formulas for oft used calculations like OAL averages and SDs. The OCW calculations give me my powder start loads for testing. I also created an OAL measurement calculation for that bullet using an initial comparator reading as the start point, and the formula then spits out the lengths for testing.
I then download the sheets from my LabRadar and import them in that rifle/handguns workbook.
Ole Joe Clark
Member
I use Excel to log all my loads on. I used to keep the records on a note pad, and copied them all to the computer.
It's easy to sort by caliber and be as detailed as you want. I sort by caliber, date, bullet wt, powder chg., etc. It will become a valuable reference for you.
Have a blessed day,
Leon
It's easy to sort by caliber and be as detailed as you want. I sort by caliber, date, bullet wt, powder chg., etc. It will become a valuable reference for you.
Have a blessed day,
Leon
sparkyv
Member
Excel for me anymore.
Cannibul
Member
As a fellow LoadData.com subscriber.
Pick your favorite loads on the site, then print them out and put them in a binder.
Pick your favorite loads on the site, then print them out and put them in a binder.
I use a three-ring loose-leaf binder. Each time I load anything (even just a few test rounds), it is recorded on 1) a load data sheet giving data about the load, powder, primer, case, bullet, etc., and 2) a reloading checklist that verifies each step of the reloading process has been followed - at the time it was actually conducted.
I use Excel as well. A folder each for handguns, rifles, military etc. In each folder, I have a page(s) for each gun. Top loads are displayed at the top of the page, just under the heading. The Heading has gun, caliber, serial number, date acquired, date manuf. if available all on a singe line.
I also make note of groove and cylinder throat dia's., alloy make up for cast bullets, and sources of data if the load is from another source; also number of rounds fired.
In the data section I have columns for each bullet entitled; Bullet, Powder, Charge Wt., Primer, Case, LOA, Ext. Spread, and Notes. Groups size, bullet dia. and date are noted in the "Notes" column for each bullet.
I began keeping reloading notes in 1966, and have nearly all of my original notebooks, all now transcribed into Excel spreadsheets. I back up my work with/on thumb drives and every year or so I've made hard copies placed in a 3-ring binder. With 50+years of data on a broad spectrum of guns, I don't want to lose any...Computers are nice, but I've had some scares over the years but always managed to get the data back...be careful if you treasure your notes.
I've used the data sheet below for the past 10-15 years with good success. Be sure to back up your work, and make hard copies from time to time. I keep track of alloys, cylinder throat sizes, annealing...anything that makes the load unique to that gun. It helps, especially when you get up in years.
Best regards, Rod
I also make note of groove and cylinder throat dia's., alloy make up for cast bullets, and sources of data if the load is from another source; also number of rounds fired.
In the data section I have columns for each bullet entitled; Bullet, Powder, Charge Wt., Primer, Case, LOA, Ext. Spread, and Notes. Groups size, bullet dia. and date are noted in the "Notes" column for each bullet.
I began keeping reloading notes in 1966, and have nearly all of my original notebooks, all now transcribed into Excel spreadsheets. I back up my work with/on thumb drives and every year or so I've made hard copies placed in a 3-ring binder. With 50+years of data on a broad spectrum of guns, I don't want to lose any...Computers are nice, but I've had some scares over the years but always managed to get the data back...be careful if you treasure your notes.
I've used the data sheet below for the past 10-15 years with good success. Be sure to back up your work, and make hard copies from time to time. I keep track of alloys, cylinder throat sizes, annealing...anything that makes the load unique to that gun. It helps, especially when you get up in years.
Best regards, Rod
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Blue68f100
Member
Excel and 3 rings note books for me. I normally print the spread sheet out and put it in a 3 ring binder for that caliber along with the target.
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