reloading log
- Thread starter scarletfire
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I keep my reloading data in a digital format. But I only do that at home. At the range, I just write stuff down in a notebook to later be transferred to the computer.
I have a reloading folder and then sub-folders for individual guns. Then sub-folders for bullets. So I might go to reloading/6.5 Creed/140 gr. ELD Match and I can look at the load data I came up with for that given rifle. In the cases where I own multiple guns in that caliber, I have folders for each gun.
Within the folder I typically have two things: one is just a text document where I record all the information about the load. I just use Microsoft Word Pad. Then I have pictures of the groups I shot with that bullet (taken with my cell phone). I shoot the group and then I write on the target itself with a sharpie, the details of what it is, velocity and all that. I import the pictures into OnTarget which then measures the group size. So the pictures are actually files from OnTarget.
This is all stored on a cloud drive so I can access the files from anywhere including my phone.
The one catch to all this is the OnTarget software. The local device I am trying to use has to have the OnTarget software installed: so I can't look at the images using my phone. Obviously I can look at the text document.
I have a reloading folder and then sub-folders for individual guns. Then sub-folders for bullets. So I might go to reloading/6.5 Creed/140 gr. ELD Match and I can look at the load data I came up with for that given rifle. In the cases where I own multiple guns in that caliber, I have folders for each gun.
Within the folder I typically have two things: one is just a text document where I record all the information about the load. I just use Microsoft Word Pad. Then I have pictures of the groups I shot with that bullet (taken with my cell phone). I shoot the group and then I write on the target itself with a sharpie, the details of what it is, velocity and all that. I import the pictures into OnTarget which then measures the group size. So the pictures are actually files from OnTarget.
This is all stored on a cloud drive so I can access the files from anywhere including my phone.
The one catch to all this is the OnTarget software. The local device I am trying to use has to have the OnTarget software installed: so I can't look at the images using my phone. Obviously I can look at the text document.
I've got more than that for .357. I gave up and went digital.
My little bit of advice for the new guys reading this is write everything down and put it in a safe place! When i started i only started with 223rem for one rifle and one bullet and one powder and it was easy to keep track of what was what until i started reloading for my other 223rem and then trying other powders, primers and bullets and then it got chaotic. I probably redid load workups at least 3 times because i wasn't writing good notes. I would look at my note book and say what the heck is this because i wouldn't write down good notes. Moving into several other calibers and bullets/powder i then started using note cards and if i changed anything a new note card was made. I probably wasted a lot of money and time because i didn't keep good notes but i actually think its fun doing load workups and testing then just shooting the same old load.
I'm working on that part. I have all the target pictures with the load saved on the computer. Hunting season is in here and all my freetime is taken up with that so once that winds down ill begin putting them in the computer and flash drives. I like the paper copies also cause i can keep it at the bench or range with me.
someguy2800
Member
I keep two notebooks for load data. One is the load testing book, and the other is the finalized loads book. Whenever I am doing load development I write down what I'm loading otherwise I'm liable to forget if I don't shoot them for a few days. I just fill up the notebook in no particular order and jot notes when I am shooting.
I number my ammo boxes to correlate what ammo is what load in the book
sometimes I just write the load on the front of the ammo box and put any notes I want to keep in the book later
Once I have a load worked up that I want to keep I write it in my finalized load book in a more organized manner.
Each page in the book is for a specific gun. Some have only one load each, and some have 10. I do not keep any information on what dates ammo was loaded or how many. I like to maintain full boxes of ammo so for example for my 444 marlin I have exactly 50 rounds of brass and keep them in a 50 round ammo box. If I shoot 35 rounds I don't wait till the other 15 have been fired to reload them, I just reload the 35 and move the 15 remaining rounds in the box forward. So its possible I have ammo loaded on 3 or 4 dates in the same box.
I number my ammo boxes to correlate what ammo is what load in the book
sometimes I just write the load on the front of the ammo box and put any notes I want to keep in the book later
Once I have a load worked up that I want to keep I write it in my finalized load book in a more organized manner.
Each page in the book is for a specific gun. Some have only one load each, and some have 10. I do not keep any information on what dates ammo was loaded or how many. I like to maintain full boxes of ammo so for example for my 444 marlin I have exactly 50 rounds of brass and keep them in a 50 round ammo box. If I shoot 35 rounds I don't wait till the other 15 have been fired to reload them, I just reload the 35 and move the 15 remaining rounds in the box forward. So its possible I have ammo loaded on 3 or 4 dates in the same box.
scarletfire
Member
wow, thanks for all the replies.
lots of great ideas and will put them to good use.
bob
lots of great ideas and will put them to good use.
bob
just curious how you remove the marker when doing a different workup? I too do the same as you but use a label maker and put the strips on it with the charge weight like you have the marker. I ask because the strips peal off and then i have to look in my notes what the charge was.
lightman
Member
I'm not the poster that you ask, but the best stuff I have found for removing sharpie id PVC cleaner. I save plastic coffee cans to store brass and cast bullets in and the PVC cleaner removes sharpie easier than anything else I have tried.
Back to the original post. Years ago I designed a spread sheet, copied from the MTM Ammo Log , that I keep in a large 3 ring binder. I'll staple chronograph tapes or targets to some of the pages.
Buckeye357
Member
I do the same I like to write it down on paper and I always later add notes as to how well load performed or other information I learned about load. I also keep all this in a three ring binder so I can cut out good magazine articles or online data from powder manufacturers and add to my data log binder.
someguy2800
Member
acetone, mineral spirits, or brake cleaner. Whichever is handy.
anothernewb
Member
Wow. come of you have incredibly detailed information. Mine is much more limited. old fashioned paper. bullet weight /profile(or brand for The few jacketed ones I use - the rest are cast) and a powder type, charge and charge weight.
vaalpens
Member
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2014
- Messages
- 2,618
My log entries are kept in an Excel spreadsheet.
It all start with planning and documenting the load:
I have some calculated values to the right where I keep track of cost per round etc.
These columns are copied to the load result sheet, where I keep track of the grouping results:
These values contains grouping and rankings, plus some lookup and calculated values I use.
The first columns are also copied to a velocity sheet if I plan on testing them through the chrono. The following additional columns are then added where I record the velocities and calculate SD, ES, averages etc.
To the right I have some additional values where I format the values so I can post my load results on the forum. I have just a basic velocity tracking sheet I use for writing down chrono results, which I use as input to the velocity sheet. Here is an example (4th row above):
357sig, P229, 3.9"
Case: Speer
COL: 1.125"
Sierra, 125gr, VCROWNJHP, BE86, 7.6gr, CCI500
Average: 1254
ES: 20
SD: 8
Force: 436
PF: 156
Velocities: 1249, 1248, 1268, 1253, 1256
Grouping @ 10yd: 0.82"
The first columns are also copied to a sheet which I use to print my targets. These targets are then used as input to the load result sheet. The target is just a PDF with the load data coming from the Excel sheet. Here is an example with the load data on the right.
I file all my targets and velocity sheets, which then ties back to the original load development columns that contain the unique load id.
It all start with planning and documenting the load:
I have some calculated values to the right where I keep track of cost per round etc.
These columns are copied to the load result sheet, where I keep track of the grouping results:
These values contains grouping and rankings, plus some lookup and calculated values I use.
The first columns are also copied to a velocity sheet if I plan on testing them through the chrono. The following additional columns are then added where I record the velocities and calculate SD, ES, averages etc.
To the right I have some additional values where I format the values so I can post my load results on the forum. I have just a basic velocity tracking sheet I use for writing down chrono results, which I use as input to the velocity sheet. Here is an example (4th row above):
357sig, P229, 3.9"
Case: Speer
COL: 1.125"
Sierra, 125gr, VCROWNJHP, BE86, 7.6gr, CCI500
Average: 1254
ES: 20
SD: 8
Force: 436
PF: 156
Velocities: 1249, 1248, 1268, 1253, 1256
Grouping @ 10yd: 0.82"
The first columns are also copied to a sheet which I use to print my targets. These targets are then used as input to the load result sheet. The target is just a PDF with the load data coming from the Excel sheet. Here is an example with the load data on the right.
I file all my targets and velocity sheets, which then ties back to the original load development columns that contain the unique load id.
someguy2800
Member
Wow if I kept that much data I wouldn't have enough time to load anymore. I used to do all my rifle shooting on recipe cards that I would write the load data on and then punch and put in a binder but that just got to be too much clutter.
There is nothing wrong with keeping lots of information and data. If it gives one enjoyment, why not. Besides, it is easier to reference stored data than to reproduce it again.
But, for me, I'm a terrible clutter collector and I'm working at getting better. I have been able to discard much of the raw data and information that I generate around reloading and keep just the reduced data. That seems to be adequate for me.
But, for me, I'm a terrible clutter collector and I'm working at getting better. I have been able to discard much of the raw data and information that I generate around reloading and keep just the reduced data. That seems to be adequate for me.
vaalpens
Member
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2014
- Messages
- 2,618
It really does not take that much time to maintain the data. When I plan my loads I will just copy and paste previous loads and make some adjustments. This allows me then to make adjustments until I am happy with the new load development I am planning. In the same spreadheet I use the same load id and data to print a load sheet that I use as guide when I load, and then when the loads have been created I just cut it out and tape it to the container so that I know exactly what I am evaluating. This is what one of those look like:
The column to the right is a calculated cc value using VMD and the powder weight. I use Lee dippers when I work up loads. For load evaluation I also write the load number on each case which then ties back to the documented load data.
hollywood63
Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2013
- Messages
- 55
oldfortyfiveauto
Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2008
- Messages
- 488
I've been using a Filemaker database for a while now. Works great on my phone and pad too. One of the better features I added to it has been an inventory list of primers, powder and bullets. Since it's on my phone with me, it keeps me for buying stuff I think I need, but don't. I'm loading too many calibers for my old brain to track.
spitballer
Member
Wow our esteemed moderator's "simple" logs look pretty darned thorough to me! Guess that's why he runs the show. Mine are cheap and only useful to me: I have a spiral bound notebook with a page for each group. I put the chrony numbers on the top of the page and trace the actual target onto the bottom half, coloring through the holes. Even at 200-300 yards my 22 caliber targets easily fit into the notebook.
marchboom
Member
Click on the document and then open with MS Word. If that doesn't work I can email it to you.
scarletfire
Member
Hi guys,
Being that you were all so kind to lend your thoughts and methods here's just an update to let you know that i have used all your advice (at least most of it) and here are the results, so far.
It is an evolving method.
Started with the Lyman reloading log book and also began to develop my own "tags" to follow my cases along the way.
The tags allow me to leave a batch setting for a while and return to exactly where i left off...
Eventually i then print up the targets that i will use for that batch/test loads with all the pertinent data in text boxes on the targets.
Also, i put the fired cases back in the ammo box with the tag so i know what 's what when the come back to the bench for re-reloading and a last look for pressure sign, etc.
When i come back from the range i'll note date, time, range length and conditions. Then use my three hole punch and put the targets and Lyman logs in a binder.
Please excuse the handwriting.
Thanks again for the help.
Bob
Being that you were all so kind to lend your thoughts and methods here's just an update to let you know that i have used all your advice (at least most of it) and here are the results, so far.
It is an evolving method.
Started with the Lyman reloading log book and also began to develop my own "tags" to follow my cases along the way.
The tags allow me to leave a batch setting for a while and return to exactly where i left off...
Eventually i then print up the targets that i will use for that batch/test loads with all the pertinent data in text boxes on the targets.
Also, i put the fired cases back in the ammo box with the tag so i know what 's what when the come back to the bench for re-reloading and a last look for pressure sign, etc.
When i come back from the range i'll note date, time, range length and conditions. Then use my three hole punch and put the targets and Lyman logs in a binder.
Please excuse the handwriting.
Thanks again for the help.
Bob
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