Reloading Data Sheet Looking for a Few Good Suggestions

[Kevinakaq]

Gentlemen,

I have used several data sheets and always found myself 'wanting' as to the variety of information that I could include. As an admitted data hound I decided to create my own to satisfy this craving. I have posted this in hopes of getting additional input concerning fields that should be added/subtracted/modified/moved/etc. When complete I will add multiples to a single sheet and upload as a PDF and the original Word file for anyone to use.

While I realize there is quite a bit of data to fill out on this sheet it is meant to be inclusive and you can simply leave fields blank you don't wish to use. It is there is you need it. I currently use the data sheet in the following manner. I fill it out when I reload, take it with me to range with the ammunition and continue to enter data, then return and staple it to my target and file it in my notebook for that particular caliber/rifle. Though I use a computer (OnTarget software as well), and do have a data sheet, I find myself preferring the paper trail and immensely enjoy browsing through my notebook dreaming up new loads. To each their own.

Once again I'm sharing this in hopes of improving it. Let me know your suggestions!!!



Was not sure of the best place to post this...if it needs moved please do Mods.
Thanks again,
Kevin

[Ben]

I use this for all my rifle loading data record keeping.

It meets my needs just fine. I like to load rifle ammo and store it in flip top 50 round ammo boxes, when I'm searching for a good load, I'll load in " 5 round lots " ( 10 rows with 5 rounds in each row ) and keep my reloading data on this sheet. I fill mine out with a pencil and fold it and store it inside the box with the ammo.

[Kevinakaq]

thanks for posting that Ben as I can see that I forgot about neck/fl sizing. I do like the method of using one sheet for multiple loads. Have done that myself in past with custom sheets that fit into the lid of my mtm trays. For myself I like stapling my information to my target so I always have it, or if I scan the target in using OnTarget I place the cutsheet on the target prior to scanning. Either method inevitably I will be entering duplicate information on each target which is a pain but I can't seem to find a way around it.

Some edits already using your info and small changes -

[Ben]

I think each of us has to go at this record keeping in the same way we would buying a pair of comfortable shoes.

Find what fits you best and enjoy it. May not be what the next man would do, but it is about what fits YOUR needs.

Ben

[Kevinakaq]

I consider this like building a custom stock. While I design it to fit my body I still look around at various designs that others have done and pick those ideas/components that I like best.

Seeing other sheets that people use and listening to their ideas helps. It is up to me what I incorporate which is the great thing about custom work.

[Alvin]

Here's a good one from the days when Herters was still around, I posted to another thread as well as other forums and people seem to like it. It has a lot of places for information, but you can always tweek it for your own needs.

[Guesser]

I started out using 3 X 5" recipe cards back in the early 60's, still use them. Gave them away with the gun and the dies a couple times and later got another gun in that chambering and had to start development all over again. 3 X 5 cards work so well and I never let them out of my control now.

[Teddy (punchie)]

For me It is Kiss : Date and Time, Gun , Brass (with a number as times used), Load, Powder Charge and Type, Primer Type, AOL (covers trim length and seating depth) , Bullet type and Speed. Notes if any: Like where data came from and why using this load.

6-8-2014; 10:00 PM:
300 Ack., Wby x8, Deer , 4831; 69 grs, Win. Lg Rifle,

AOL ?? can't recal, Sierra 150 gr. SPBT,
3200 ft. 1.5 " group at 100 yds. 1" high good to 200 yds.

[MtGun44]

Pretty much have given up on written cards - found out that looking at the
group was THE MOST important piece of data, so -- here is what I have now - all sorted into
subdirectories on the computer, easily found and reviewed.

[Kevinakaq]

Thanks for the examples gentlemen. Below is how I have been doing it traditionally either in a book or scanning as shown into the computer using OnTarget software. I'm trying to do one or the other and inevitably always find myself forgetting to write stuff down because I'm not prompted. If I have blank spaces on my sheet it prompts me to record more useful information. Least that is the theory!

[Kevinakaq]

Gentlemen,

I promised I would upload the files when I am complete. I suspect I will continue to modify over time, but for now I'm satisfied. If you can find a use for them great and you are welcome to them. Including original file in Word that you could modify to your preferences and a PDF version.

Word Document - https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...ta%20Sheet.doc
PDF Document - https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...heet%20PDF.pdf

[dudel]

As an old database programmer, don't let the form dictate your data.

Use a database (or Excel). Create however many columns you want, adding new ones as the fancy strikes you. Some of my fields have to do with the components used. Print the form only using the fields you want. You can do the mailmerge from Word, using the Excel spreadsheet as your data source. That way, you have rifle data where needed and it won't clutter up the label when you don't. Changing labels is an easy job, and Word is already set up for a wide variety of stick on labels. Excel lets you sort and search the data easily as well.

Let the computers do the drudge work.

Keeping records is important. When I'm loading up an already developed load, I'll print the label(s) for the number of boxes I plan to load. Keep that on the bench so I get the right powder, primer, boolit/j word, etc, then stick them to the box when complete. I've also found it's a handy way to work up loads without plowing the same ground two or there times.

Of course, if it can be done, it can be overdone. I wrote myself a small app that lets me enter, view, print, and search my data from a small Windows phone app. The nice thing to me, is that basically the same code can be run on the desktop or the phone. I guess my next step, would be to tie it back to an inventory system. If I know what I have, and what I used; maybe I'll be less likely to order more of what I already have in abundance!

[Kevinakaq]

I was a programmer in another life as well and have designed many databases. I contemplated creating a relational database using Access for this project and just having it print out the sheets for me in varying sizes for my boxes. There is a side of me that just likes the paper trail and stapling it to my target which enables me to browse from my notebook and gives me personal satisfaction. If I spent the time to design the database and then knowing my nature continually tweaking it I would loose time enjoying reloading/shooting. I do have a simple sheet I was using in Excel but found I like the paper better - after all our sport is all about putting it on paper. To each their own of course.

[noylj]

Does powder come in make/model? How about name/lot number?
Where's the barometric pressure?