Reloading Database

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arkansashogsfan

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Hey everyone. I'm pretty new to this site and just getting into hand loading. In preparation for starting, I wanted a way to record my recipes. So rather than writing them on paper and losing them, I figured I would create me a database. I have searched the net for something like this and couldn't find one, so I made one.

I figured I'd post it here so others could try it out and use it if it helps you with your hand loading tracking. Let me know what you think. Suggestions for improvements are appreciated. It looks like it is installing something, but really it is just copying a database to your hard drive. The installer was just an easy way to package and distribute.

Have a look.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/16889931/Reloading Recipes.msi

Jason
 
Wrong section

Sorry. I posted this in the wrong area. If one of the mods can move it to the Reloading section, I'd appreciate it.
 
2 thoughts for you...

1. I keep all my reloading records in Excel.

2. Back in the day when I was a young shaver, I hand wrote all my records and comments in a small loose leaf notebook. It is a real blast to look back at my loads and comments from the late 1970s and 1980s.

Whatever method you use, it's really nice sometimes to be able to look back over the years and see what you were doing a long time ago. You'd be amazed at how much it can help you. It might not seem important now, but someday.... you never know.
 
There are a lot of good excel based programs out there to use. Handy to take to the range for working up loads.
 
I did something similar when I started because I wanted an electronic method for storing my loads. Then, being a programmer, I went a step further and wrote an entire application to handle all my reloading data.

Funny thing is I still use my paper notebook most of the time. Guess I'm too lazy to carry my computer downstairs to the reloading bench. Electronic methods are beneficial for the tech savvy though.
 
it is just copying a database to your hard drive
Click to expand...
What "data".

I just made a simple Excel file to record all my data in. My data, from my guns, with my reloading technique. I would not assume it is safe for everyone. The only data I consider relatively safe is that put out by the labs for powder and bullet companies.
 
gojuice101 said:
Funny thing is I still use my paper notebook most of the time. Guess I'm too lazy to carry my computer downstairs to the reloading bench. Electronic methods are beneficial for the tech savvy though.
Click to expand...

Yes, me too. The computer is not convenient to the reloading room. Besides, I am still old school and like to spread out information from several sources around on the desk for review.

I am up to four loose leaf binders for thirty some cartridges and shot shells.

But, electronic logs have their purposes as well. Easier searches and more information recorded per entry.

I agree with Walkalong. My data and logs are for my purposes. Folks need to research loading data for their purposes from reputable sources.
 
The data in the database is just the recipes that you input. It wasn't my intention to replace the reputable companies that provide the load data. I've read in this thread that most people use Excel and paper to keep track of the loads that they use. That is all that this is for.

If you were to open the DB now, it is blank...until you add something. I have a spare laptop that I'll probably keep on my bench and instead of writing my loads on paper, I'll put them into the DB. For me, as cfullgraf stated, I wanted it for searching purposes.

I can search for specific component combinations and use what I know worked in the past.
 
Thanks for the DB. I've seen lots of people use Excel to create a database, which is mainly financial. I was glad to see an Access Relational DB for once. I haven't explored your program but I think it is something like mine. All my recipes don't mean anything if I don't have the supplies. I have a running total of use and running inventory and it's shared with all my gadgets. A lot easier to use the smart phone at the reloading bench. When I'm cruising thru gun shows or stores I can check on 'stuff' needed.
 
Sticking with paper. Guess I'm just getting older. Have all my notebooks and labels on everything for the past 3 decades. Definitely do not have the same computer hardware, programs, or operating systems. PC Jr anyone? ;-)

Aside from my own uses, if some day down the road my stuff gets turned over to my kids or someone else they will be able to just open the notebook.
 
Thanks everyone for the comments. Who knows, I may end up resorting to paper, but I can usually keep up with stuff easier digitally. Just thought I would share it in case anyone else wanted to go digital.

This is an excellent forum. I'm sure it will come in handy on my reloading venture.
 
I gave up on paper and do it all digitally now. I save it in four drives on two computers and two flash drives every time I make any change and occasionally save it on an exterior USB drive I keep in the safe.

Never trust it to one place or one computer.
 
I'm building a PHP/SQL site to use for reloading days. I'll eventually have mobile apps as well. It gives me something to do with my downtime at work. At some point it will be open for everyone to use
 
Well looks like is doesn't want to work on my android tablet, get an error message (Can't open File)
 
I used MTM's Reloaders Data book for years
Bought their new book to update--never have used it
Bought Lymans Reloaders Data Book--never used it--maybe some day but I doubt it
I store all my reloads in 50 rd boxes with a label on each box-that's enuf data
H
PS: I was never really able to get my kids or grandkids interested in reloading---so I gave up keeping tech notes
 
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I'm doing it all electronic too. Made my own document and sync it to my phone and tablet. I've consolidated load charts from 3-4 different sources as well into one so when I go into a store and see a powder I can look it up and see if I have data for the powder and decide if I want to buy it or not.
 
That is a very nice piece of work. I love all the technology that can be used in reloading and shooting. I'm a tech person and its part of what I enjoy about shooting, optics, reloading, chrono, etc...
To each his own for sure and I am using an extremely complex Excel workbook to track everything including all the items I purchase, load data, Inventory, etc...

One minor suggestion would be to include sample data so folks could fire it up and immediately see how cool it is.

keep up the nice work and I appreciate sharing with us reloaders.....
 
Dropbox does the trick for me. Sync to multiple computers automatically.
Click to expand...
Unless I am wrong, that is one place, you simply access it from multiple places. I don't trust online storage. I don't have it at all that way, someone else does.
 
I still use the old pen and paper. I have multiple hard cover books that I use, this way I can take a book to the range with me and make notations. But the data base idea is great too. As long as your safe, do what ever floats your boat.

GS
 
I played around with it today.

You might think about adding a place for the brass head stamp. Many of us sort our brass this way for all loads and some just for rifle loads. Sometimes the case capacity varies.
 
I converted my years worth of data to Excel a few years ago. Upload to dropbox, download to two or three other computers and my phone.

I have considered creating a database similar to this.

Will this one pull from an existing excel spreadsheet if I map the fields?

I want to be able to look/sort by the individual fields. i.e. 4064 powder, then I see everywhere that I tried that powder. NCSRM primers, everywhere that I used Wolf Magnum primers.
 
My Excel file is on a laptop. I have a docking station near the reloading bench, so it's handy. I'm pretty anal about keeping records though, so I've incorporated all my gun records into the loading records - each gun has a separate worksheet that shows me a one-line comment on the last range session with the gun, and a cumulative count of rounds fired, among other things.

That file is backed up to a USB that's stored in a safe, and to an additional external drive that's connected to the main docking station in the house. I don't store things "in the cloud"... and I work in the software industry every day! :)
 
I tried the excel spreadsheet for a bit. What I did was go to the local box store and bought a small memo pad for each caliber I load for. Once I find a load I like, I jot it down in there. I also carry a small notebook to the range with me to write notes down on about my loads.

I'll have to take a look at that database.

Welcome to the addiction and THR.
 
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