Reloading software?

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mlaustin

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I've been shooting for years but have just recently started getting into accurate centerfire calibers, and I'm acquiring equipment to start reloading for accuracy.

My question is whether or not any of you use computer software or a database to track different loads you've tried, group size, and velocity. Or do most people here just make a binder and do it by hand? I'm looking for what's worked best for other people so I don't try some system that will absolutely not work and end up having to transfer all my data in a few months.
 
Unless you're looking for something to predict results, Excel will do what you just asked for quite nicely. I take notes at the range and then update a spreadsheet when I get home.
 
Targets in a loose-leaf binder with the gun, load data, weather conditions, and date written on them is pretty hard to lose to a hard drive crash!

I do that, and also keep an Excel spreadsheet with "loads that work / favorite loads" data for each caliber I own.

I keep a print-out of it on the loading bench and another in a loading manual so even if the computer eats it, I have hard copies..

rc
 
I started with Excel spreadsheet, and then moved to Access database. Three base tables for caliber-loadrecipe-loadlog, supporting reference tables for powders/primers/bullets/brass and reports, e.g., to find how much powder is left in the kegs. Loading, shooting notes, and attachment columns for recipes and logs allow recording various aspects of the process.

Access has no problems exchanging data through common formats, so with the database I do not feel tied to the single program.

I will publish the empty Access database here if there is any interest.
 
Over at Cast Boolits I found a GREAT MS Access DB application called Reloaders Reference V 9.3x74r :)

I cannot vouche for anything in the DB, but it is well put together and has a ton of good info.
 
Helg, I am dabbling in DB's for work and would love to see it as a reference to something I actually care about :)

You can PM me for my email if interested.
 
I think keeping detailed records is a great practice. I use a couple techniques- first, I print out custom labels that go on my boxes of reloaded ammo that have lots of detail. Second, for each new load combo, I record it in my ledger (binder) and if a load performs well, I add notes later. I think software would be great, but for reasons others have mentioned, it can be less than practical :)

Ideally I'd like to have software with the following integrated:
- Online load data from bullet and component manufacturers
- "My Load Data" history
- Integrated Avery label printing for ammo boxes
- Ballistic calculator
- PC and Phone options (separate apps that interoperate with your data)
- Chronograph support for the range

There you have it :)
 
The Oehler Ballistic Explorer is a good all-purpose program. It has a great data base and you can enter your loads and compare ballistic performance with other loads. Go to the Oehler site for more details. Another outstanding program is QuickLoad, especially for determining load combinations and keeping them on files. Check it out on web site.
 
I have the Lee Shooter program to log my loads in, and I've networked my computers to save info on more than one. I learned the hard way when my basement hard drive puked a few years ago and I lost all my data because I didn't back it up. Older and wiser.



NCsmitty
 
mcdonl said:
Helg, I am dabbling in DB's for work and would love to see it as a reference to something I actually care about

You can PM me for my email if interested.
Click to expand...
PM with a link to archive is sent.
 
I've looked at a lot of different packages. Many I've liked, some I haven't, and a few I haven't cared for at all. The one I've used for a number of years is Point Blank 1.8a. It's free and quite decent. There are a few things I'd like to see changed, but I'm sure I could say that about 99.99% of all software programs out there. Version 2.0 is in beta testing, and while I do like some of the changes to it I still prefer the older version. You can find it at www.huntingnut.com.

Other software I liked
RSI Shooting Lab ($99)
Dexadine Ballistic Explorer ($69?, also sold by Oehler).
Pinsoft Shoot! ($39.95, Also sold by Remington I believe)

All three of these have demo versions available. RSI Shooting Lab is my favorite, but at $99 it's a bit out of my budget. Ballistic Explorer is also cool, but I hate how the demo will only show a 0.500 B.C. for most all bullets in the demo. Pinsoft Shoot! while a bit on the simplistic side is something I initially didn't care for because of it's simplicity. I've come to actually like it for that reason, although it's trajectory graph doesn't agree with most other software packages (it shows bullets dropping less at longer distances). If it's trajectory graph was more in line with JBM Ballistics, RSI Shooting Labs, Quick Target, etc I'd be more inclined to like the program and trust it beyond, say, 300 yards.
 
I use Point Blank it is a nice program I would highly recommend it,plus it's free.:)
 
I am having problems getting reloaders reference to work i have tried everything the developer said to do i would like any help that could be givin
 
I use point blank, too. It will store all of your loads and has a firearm database where you can enter all of the serial/model number stuff so if you ever get ripped off, you have all of your info in a handy spot.

The ballistic calculator is nice, also.
 
I shoot groups on the Mountains Plains Targets that Sinclair sells. They get put into gun specific binders for later reference.

Like rcmodel, I like the fact that they don't disappear when my HD crashes again...and it will.
 
I use Quickload to select loadings, and then keep my targets in a binder for later reference.
 
Helg's data base is working good for me ... he so kindly allow me to download it.

The KEY to harddrive failure is... BACKUP! I double backup most of my data "now" after losing a lot of expensive Photography Data while I was in the Photography business. I was going to backup all that days files "in the morning" ... problem was the computer never rebooted the next day. I did recover the files only after paying a huge fee to a recovery company. Lesson learned! Don't count on USB data keys to save your rear either, one of my photography friends learned that the hard way.

Jimmy K
 
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