Software

[azwizard]

Not sure if this belongs here or not, if not p.m. me and move it to the appropriate category.

I'm looking for recommendations from people who have and use some type of Ballistics software.. I currently use and have used for about 10 years the Lee Shooter program from Lees Precision. For the most part I've like it.

Things I like about it are Firearms inventory log, got all my guns listed and inventoried.

Exterior Ballistics calculators, Muzzle energy calculators etc...

What I don't like is the inability to add components to the Reloading section.
You can store your pet loads but only if the bullet manufacturer/type bullet is listed, Same with powder and primers.

Plus I'm starting to suffer the affects of age on my eyes and a larger window to work in would be nice.

And the big one, I discovered yesterday that I can't print out reports anymore . The DOS based operations program isn't compatible with my computer/printer any more. That sucked, I went to print out an inventory for the insurance rider I got for our guns/jewelry and couldn't. Had to hand write it all down. Sure hope the agent can read it... LOL

So my question is what do you all use? Any body got the new Lee Shooter available on Cd? Is it better? Is it an upgrade and can you import the old data. Or is there just something else that is way better out there and I just haven't heard of it.

Freeware or to purchase software either one is fine with me.

Thanks,

 

[PCJim]

Azwizard, I don't have any recommendations on ballistics software, but did come across a Microsoft Access based reloader's database at this site. It allows you to enter your own reload data, inventory, etc. If you download all the materials, you will have a very large manuals reference library, the ability to make targets, etc. The creator really put some effort into the product.

http://sourceforge.net/projects/reloadersrfrnce/

Regarding your printer not working anymore with the old DOS program, depending upon the version of Windows you are using (I'm using XP Pro), this may work. I have a HP USB port printer that I installed using the manufacturer's disks. After the installation was complete and a test page was printed, I "pooled" the printer to use the LPT1 port also. To do this, open your printers/fax folder, right click on the printer you are using, select properties, then select the ports tab. Check the LPT1 port in addition to the USB port your printer is using. Also check the selection, "Enable printer pooling". Select apply, then OK. Maybe this will work for you.

 

[AZAndy]

PCJim, thanks very much for mentioning that software. I downloaded it today and I've been poking around in it for an hour or so. An amazing amount of work went into it; I hope the author had help!

 

[azwizard]

PC Jim,

Thanks for the heads up on that software, it is everything I was looking for and more... The only problem I've found is the inability to do a back up. With the old Lee Shooter program you just move a few files to your back up directory and done. So far every time I've tried to do the installed backup I get a failed message. I'm using XP Pro Sp2 and the MS Access version, Any ideas what I may be doing wrong... Or have you had this problem too. I've poked around in the directory and can't see any obvious files that would have the load data and inventories resident so as to just do it manually. I posted a help request on the web site forum but haven't seen a reply yet.

Thanks

 

[azwizard]

PCJim,

Also wanted to thank you for the suggestion on how to make the old Lee program print, unfortunatly neither the new printer nor the new motherboard have an LPT1 port available. Man that new software is intense, There are things in there I've never even thought of.. I sure hope that guy who wrote it had some help, just compiling all the manuals must have taken months.

Thanks

 

[PCJim]

AZ, don't believe I'll be able to help you on the software backup question. If the DOS program creates backkup files, it would seen that you only need to copy those files to a backup directory. If you are referring to the Access program that I referred you to, I have not delved into any backup of that information, primarily because I have not loaded my personal load data into it. I keep that information in an Excel spreadsheet as well as my paper logbook.

Regarding the printer, I have run into this before (computer not having LPT1 port) and will have to think about it a bit. I don't recall if you can still pool the usb printer with LPT1 without a physical LPT1 port or not. I do believe there is a method to make the computer think there is an LPT1 port - it might be thru the bios. If I remember how to do that, I'll post it for you. Once the computer thinks it has a LPT1 port, the pooling trick should work.

BTW, I'm an accountant and not an IT expert. I do work on computers as a hobby and I learn as I go.

 

[Matt Dillon]

Sieerra makes a great software package consisting of reloading data as well as ballistics calculation. I highly recommend it!

 

[thunderstorm]

Laser Bore Sighters is offering the Ballistic Targeting System $19.95. The Ballistic Targeting System calculates the precise scope adjustment required to place you on target at any range up to 300 yards.

 

[Afy]

Quickload/QuickTarget

Interior and Exterior ballistics. Has really helped me with my loading.