Shooting Log

[Crusader103]

My guess is that someone has posted it before, but in my infinite wisdom I have been unable to find one when I searched the forum.

Does anyone else keep a shooting log? Have one you would like to share? Before designing a new one I would like to see any shooting logs you may keep that would work equally well for handgun, rifle, shotgun.

I try to keep track of the number of rounds I fire, conditions, problem areas, gun type, etc. I just don't have one that I really like yet that is all inclusive.

Thanks.

 

[sledhead76]

I've been thinking about this too... I don't know if I want to have one "master" logbook for everything, or pick up some of those pocket sized spiral notepads so each gun has its own book. Or even just keeping records on the computer... something like an Excel spreadsheet. That would actually make reviewing and analyzing data a lot easier than flipping through a notebook.
I like your categories too. Number of rounds fired, conditions, problems. I'm going to include range, group size, and ammo type on mine. Right now I've got a couple of .22s that I'm breaking in and hoping to nail down what kind of ammo they like best, this seems like a good way to document it.

 

[Smokey Joe]

Shooting logbook...

Jscott--I kept everything in file folders in a file drawer organized by caliber, for years. Then I discovered the MTM Handloaders Log--a 3-ring binder you organize by caliber, to keep reloading data and results. I've taken to including targets from particularly successful loads, notes on performance in a particular firearm, special instances to watch for, etc, etc.

Seems to be working nicely so far--and it frees up space in my file drawer, too. Has been easy to refer to, the times that has been necessary.

I'm not anal about recording every shot from every rifle, nor do I keep track of the number of rounds through each firearm. Mebbe I should, but it just hasn't seemed necessary up to now. Certainly could be done using the MTM book. If one of my "serious" rifles suddenly goes inaccurate on me perhaps I'll wish I knew just how many rounds have been down its tube. Hasn't happened so far (knock on wood).

 

[Walkalong]

I have an Excel log I use to record handloading data, but I never recorded number of shots on anything but my Benchrest gun.

I record the gun the load was shot in, the temp, all the standard reloading data. I log if it is humid, but don't get a reading.

Of course the log can be set up to record anything one wants to.

I have half page set ups, full page set ups. It all depends.

 

[longbeard48]

I use sandbags most of the time, but every now and then I use a log.

 

[Crusader103]

I just came across an online version that looks promising. Anybody used it? I'm going to try it out for a little while and will report back on it if anyone is interested. I'm still looking for and am more interested in a printed version.

www.rangelog.com

Looks like it is free (limited use).

....I'll try the sandbag thing. That may work better.

 

[taliv]

I made my own and had it printed and spiral bound for about $1/book at my local university's print shop.

I have a couple more pages in the book for sketches and notes and stuff, but these are the pages i keep track of my handloads and shooting on

 

[Walkalong]

Interesting. All my wind data was kept in my head. Hmm...that condition looks like two bullet holes left, and one bullet hole down.

Of course, sometimes that was an oh s***, so maybe it isn't the best way.

 

[taliv]

walkalong, i use the circles as a clock face. write the speed in the space to the left of the circle, and make a mark on the circle to indicate which direction it was blowing


the "oh s***" moments are captured in the prediction row. i call all my shots; a habit i formed after shooting NRA High Power.

 

[taliv]

actually, i'm going to redo that chart soon and make some new books.

the major change will be that i will move the "light" row up to the top, since the light conditions don't change THAT often during my groups. and i will figure out a way to move the wind (and possibly elevation) MOA down to record it per shot, since i usually do correct for wind during a group. and i'll change it to MILs since that's mostly what i shoot now

 

[Keb]

PD Log

I keep a prairie dog shooting log for:

date, where, number of kills, wind, longest, buddy name, caliber used, notes