What I learned today.

[MikeS.]

I started reloading last May. A month or 2 into it I started taking notes on my different loads.

Today I decided to put those hand written notes into a spreadsheet. I learned that I hadn't taken any notes on my favorite caliber, .357 magnum. I hadn't taken very good notes in general.

Sow when I start up reloading in a couple days, had to take the winter off, I'm going to include which manual I used and what page. I'll write down not only the powder name and weight I used but will include the spread range of that powder.

I never loaded near maximum but did get within .2 grains on some loads.

So for all of you starting to reload be sure to take good notes so that you can replicate what you did next year or 10 years from now.

 

[LiveLife]

When I test my loads at the range (3-5 rounds per shot group), I use 8x11 copy paper and on the top right of the paper list:

- Date/Distance to target (typically 10-15 yards)
- Gun/Barrel length
- Bullet type and weight
- Powder/Charge
- Overall Length (OAL)
- Accuracy/recoil
- Other info like how clean/dirty, cycling of slide, where the spent cases landed, etc.

3 hole punch and keep them in a binder by caliber/powder for future reference.

 

[loadedround]

After you have been reloading for 35-40 years, you will find that good accurate notes will be invaluble to you when you desire to check a load you have developed sometime in the past. Remember the mind is the second thing to go!