Reloading data collection methods

Rustygun · Mar 26, 2020

Guys,
How do you collect and retain information on your reloads?

I make labels that go in every container of reloaded ammo so I know what I am grabbing when preparing for a range trip. I also have a home made spreadsheet printed out where I jot down the date, caliber, bullet, powder charge, primer, number of rounds loaded, etc. and a column to add range notes. That paper is kept in a three ring binder with the reloading books.

lot of smart people here that must have a computer based spreadsheet or a slick easy way to keep a reloading log book.

kwaynem · Mar 26, 2020

I do it the same way but I also bought a Caldwell chronograph that has a app you can download onto your phone you put all your info in then shoot it records date time weather and you can take a picture and it will store it with your info

Jcann · Mar 26, 2020

I use a 3 ring binder and record all my load data in it that produces good results. If it doesn't shoot good I don't record it. I also include ballistic data from the day(s) I shoot it.

Case/length/loading
powder/weight/lot
bullet/weight/lot
primer
Jam/Jump
CBTO length
COLA length

Temperature
Density Altitude
Altitude
Wind Speed/Direction
Muzzle Velocity
ES/SD
Mils/MOA at different distances

If you want you can go order from places like Storm Tactical a data book and record your shooting sessions in it.

Okie4570 · Mar 26, 2020

^^^^^^ this. I've got my dad's and uncle's notebooks and one of my own.

swampratt · Mar 26, 2020

Pieces of paper and tape and pencil or ink pen to write down what works.
I had a list I wrote with bullet lengths and the bearing surface length and.
The lot numbers would change on some bullets and change the data.
Then the load would no longer work that once was the load for that gun.

Data is not any good when powder lot numbers change if the next lot number is not friendly.

Varget was the worst for me ..IMR 4064 changed as did H4350.
To a point new loads had to be made.
Now i like to buy bullets and powder in bulk..I got 24 lbs of 4064 same lot number last time I bought it.

Cowcatcher · Mar 26, 2020

I use a binder also with info I’ve printed off on powder, bullets and such. I have a Lyman data log that I write my loads in.

Rustygun · Mar 27, 2020

Cowcatcher said:
I use a binder also with info I’ve printed off on powder, bullets and such. I have a Lyman data log that I write my loads in.
View attachment 157821 View attachment 157822

I did not know Lyman made a data log book. That looks very professional and easy to use. Where where you able to get this? Directly from Lyman?

EKing · Mar 27, 2020

I made up a sheet in Excel and modify it periodically as I use it. Just didn't like any of the commercially available ones since they try to combine too much into one sheet.
I keep these in a 3-ring binder with tabs for each cartridge, so 357 Mag gets its own sheet, 30-30 gets its own sheet and so on.
It works for reloading only; if I want to collect data on shooting like weather, gun, location, distance, etc, I use something else made for that purpose.

Cowcatcher · Mar 27, 2020

Rustygun said:
I did not know Lyman made a data log book. That looks very professional and easy to use. Where where you able to get this? Directly from Lyman?

I got it online from Natchez or MidSouth

Edit: I didn’t buy it from amazon but it’s the first one that popped up on google.

https://www.amazon.com/Lyman-9847261-Reloaders-Log/dp/B0037NG37G

turkeyrun · Apr 3, 2020

I use the labels that come in dies or bullets and stick them on the box.

When I get a load worked up, I mark it in my Hornady load manual, With powder lot#
A powder or bullet weight/type may be added

Reloading data collection methods

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