Reloading Log

Demonical

Demonical

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Whitecourt, Alberta
I've been reloading since 1995, 26 years.

During that time, I kept 2 different logs. Just plain lined notebooks. Why 2 logs? Cuz at one time all I had was .30-06 and .338WM, so I had a book for each...

As I got more gear (Chrony), more and more rifles in different chamberings, my data got more and more jumbled.

I was putting some stuff in the .30-06 book, other stuff ended up in the .338WM log.

So the other day I got the idea to make spread sheets on the computer. Started off by creating a spread sheet with all the necessary info, and of course I used the same template for each cartridge I have loaded data for.

Then I went through both books, transcribed all those log entries onto spread sheets.

When I was done I was amazed at how terrible my data recording was! Like very inconsistent in recording all the pertinent stuff. Many of the entries don't list the case, c.o.a.l., what primer etc... Some didn't even have the particular bullet I had used.
And hardly any of the data from the shooting bench record group sizes.

About the only thing I was consistent on was recording velocities, when at the range, for the different loads I've tested.

The other observation was how nice it is to be able to look at a spread sheet, to see every single load I've tested, on the different cartridges. All right there on one page.
 
Yes. I’ve been reloading for probably 15 years. I have a binder with different sections for each rifle. I’m amazed, sometimes at how poor my record keeping has been.
I have now developed a spreadsheet which I print out and then fill in the blanks. It is sort of a checklist for my procedure. So I check off or comment on each step. Bit better,but I still miss crucial data.
 
I bought a couple of small book type binders from a dollar store.
On the cover I have: Make; Caliber and Serial number
Not only do I record load data but also date number of rounds fired - if I do a really good clean also document it. May be a bit of an over kill but I am all about details.
 
I gave up on keeping detailed logs of my reloading and flying a long time ago...After 40 plus years of both too many different calibers and aircraft...Just too much bother and paper.

Once you get over the novelty and ten thousand hours a guy just does it and enjoys the ride.
 
I have been loading since the mid 60's and learned to keep minimal but proper notes.
My memory isn't what it used to be however so these last few years I have been adding more than normal.
Cat
 
I use spreadsheet too, back it up twice a year or you'll be sorry someday

I organize cartridges by folder, then have folders inside that for each bullet type. Inside that is spreadsheet for each powder tested.

I record OAL, jump to lands, primer type, brass type/volume. Powder type, charge weight and the resulting velocity, standard deviation, air temp when shot. Group size and distance to target
 
I keep all my data in a spreadsheet and also have other pertinent and interesting info in a workbook. That would be all the info on my firearms - when I purchased, rate of twist, and work or stock refinishing, gear mounted etc.

I also have recorded powder, bullet and primer purchases so I know how old supplies are. Man, the prices sure have changed!

I load test on 8.5x11 targets so they get hole-punched and inserted into a binder. There are lots of notes on the targets and they are probably more valuable than the spreadsheet.
 
I enjoy keeping notes in a binder. Keep My better test targets in there. And results of tests. I suppose though after years of this it becomes way too much. But perhaps my daughter will enjoy shooting as much as me and could re reference what I had done.
 
Keep short notes (primer, powder weight, bullet & OAL) written on the targets and let the targets speak for themselves. A bit bulky after 35-40 years to keep all targets so generally only keep the better/ proven loads.
 
I do think that everyone should use what's best for them. I keep all of my reloading info in a dollar store book, but I also have pondered putting it on a computer.

However,

My first spreadsheet was Lotus 1-2-3. Then Mesa (for OS/2). Footprint Works which became IBM Works (for OS/2). I think StarOffice was next. Then OpenOffice. It forked and for a long time used LibreOffice. Now much of the spreadsheeting I do is in Google Docs. I no longer have access to Lotus 1-2-3 and my 5.25" floppy discs. Others will say "Just use MS Office". I guess I could use the online free version. But then will Microsoft change it from free to paid and hold me hostage? I currently run the CentOS version of Linux, and own a couple of Chromebooks so Google Docs makes the most sense at this moment. But will Google Docs always be supported and free? I used to use WordPerfect for years. Then switched to the DeScribe Word Processor. Same path. Still waiting for an MS Office package that works perfectly with Linux (currently LibreOffice and Google Docs). Hey, who else used LaTeX? :)

Just thinking about what the future of computers is for the next 10-20 years, I think I'll stick to pen and paper.

Cheers!
 
I use a large 3 ring Binder with targets in it listed according to chambering: 22 Hornet to 375 H&H Mag.
Rifle make/model, scope, distance and group sizes are written in a box on the target just for that info.

When I get rid of [or replace] a specific rifle, I move the data for it to another 3 ring binder for reference.
At present, I believe I have 4 of these extra binders.

All the data for each target is listed on that target: [Velocity, Case make, Primer, Powder and charge,
COL, Distance to lands, plus any other relevant details.

It has worked well for me. Trust me, 55+ years of reloading accumulates plenty of information. :)
Regards, Dave.
 
I cut the groups off the targets, glue them onto a page in a spiral binder booklet and write the gun, bullet, powder, charge weight, case, primer, length, velocity if I bring a chronograph, date and weather. Also write a sticky note of the same data of the best groups and keep it with the spent cases. If I’m doing load development I load 10 rounds of each trial and do 5 trials at a time. I keep the cases in a 50 round container and keep lots of 50 cases. I wait until all 50 cases are spent before loading them. Typically brass comes in lots of 100! I split them up and load 50 at a time. might be a year or so by the time I get back to playing with that gun and set of cases so I keep the data with the cases so I know where to start off every winter (I fish in the summer).

To add to this, I also have a 222 heavyweight and a 243 heavyweight that are scary accurate with certain loads. When doing load development I bring one of the two as a check. I’ll shoot a couple groups with those and if I’m on, I consider my load development valid. If I’m off I just shoot them and leave the trial batches for next time.
 
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What works for me is a two book system.

First one has log sheets that I created to capture the particulars of every batch of reloads. I assign a lot# to each batch which incorporates the date of assembly, (for example the second batch I made yesterday would be, 5/11/21-2). It then includes the particulars; cartridge, case, bullet type and weight, powder type and weight, primer used, and OAL. I also have a column for velocity and remarks (such as "This batch was made with the help of my grandson.") I don't always fill in all the columns but usually do. After 30+ years I have also slipped in a page that lists my personal pet loads. Some calibers are not loaded often and this page is a quick reference to proven recipes.

The second book is a spiral binder that goes to the range. It only comes out when I am actually testing something and isn't limited to just load data. In fact, if I have changed something on the firearm like grips or a trigger assembly, I just have to put down my lot number and I can cross reference the load later. The rest is whatever I feel is noteworthy.

You can always ignore old data, you can't accurately make it up.
 
I made a load data ledger page, and then printed off as many as I needed. Keep them in a binder. Still manage to forget to record things from time to time.
 
This is the “system” I use. Each “group” panel is bundled and saved.

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^ I do this but I tape one representative group in the book after cutting it out then include all relevant load data

Also my groups do not look like that lmao
 
Eagleye said:
I use a large 3 ring Binder with targets in it listed according to chambering: 22 Hornet to 375 H&H Mag.
Rifle make/model, scope, distance and group sizes are written in a box on the target just for that info.

When I get rid of [or replace] a specific rifle, I move the data for it to another 3 ring binder for reference.
At present, I believe I have 4 of these extra binders.

All the data for each target is listed on that target: [Velocity, Case make, Primer, Powder and charge,
COL, Distance to lands, plus any other relevant details.

It has worked well for me. Trust me, 55+ years of reloading accumulates plenty of information. :)
Regards, Dave.
Click to expand...

This is exactly my system also but I have everything in the last 20 years on an excel spreadsheet also as well as my inventory of reloading components. I guess you could call it a backup system of paper and computer. I'm now in my 60's and have been doing this since about 17 and trust me you will forget details so I even have a notebook for casting bullet reference , what temperature, what lead mixture etc and any extra little info that I know I will forget.
 
In the end you use what is convenient and fits your needs. I don't think anyone would argue against keeping records of some form or another and one of the benefits (more evident today than ever) is to have lists of components that were tested in the past.
Components that worked but fell out of usage in favour of something better, are now on the watchlist. For example, I tested IMR3031 in my 303 Brit and it worked but I ended up switching to IMR4046 as my go to. Now that 4046 is very hard to find, when I find a hidden bottle of 3031, I can grab it knowing it is usable. I also have testing data so I don't have to burn up a quarter of a pound finding the best load, it's already done. Same goes for different bullet weights, some are acceptable and others just won't work and are not worth taking a chance on.
I have gone back through 30 years of records to make a list of substitutable components to keep an eye out for and put them on a list on my phone. Never know when you will score.
 
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