Record keeping- Reloading / Shooting / Casting Log

[mjwcaster]

What do you use for your record keeping?
And what are you logging?

I am on a mission to improve my record keeping.

I have been using a spreadsheet to keep track of my reloading, set up a sheet with all my reloading data on it, print it out and put it in a binder before starting to reload.

Then print out labels for each box of ammo

It would be a decent system if I kept up with it, but I have a bad habit of making new files instead of just adding a new sheet to the existing file which makes for a messy file directory.

And writing notes in my binder, but never transferring them to my computer.

Also writing shooting notes in my binder if I remember to take it to the range with me, otherwise I take notes on whatever is handy and never add them to my log or just don't take notes at all.

My first step will be to create a list of procedures for documenting my reloading.
I already have checklists for setting up to reload and cleaning up after reloading, with lots of hand written notes on them since I have never update the list on my computer.
Starting to see a pattern here.

Also I wish to add a maintenance log for my press and a log for casting/coating. And better labeling of my brass processing. I just got bit today by some trimmed, reamed, chamfered UNSIZED 5.56, must have gotten 2 cans mixed up together while processing brass last year.

Last year I had a lot of issues-
troubles with my press, a dillon 550 that just needed a little TLC and some parts, now better (thanks Dillon), but I just found a few more things I should update/replace.

Troubles with casting, range scrap with a weird contaminant, a batch of range scrap that was so soft even 45acp cases were sizing down boolits. They finally air hardened enough after 2-3 months to be ok. I water dropped some and they hardened up enough in a week or so. I really don't know how long things took since I never kept good notes on my casting. And this was before I pencil tested anything, actually the reason I finally bought a set of pencils.
Issues with Hitek not curing properly, i have a few ideas what was happening but once again without proper logs I am just guessing now.

Had issues with feeding in my XD45, turned out the chamber was filthier than I have ever gotten it. I finally realized that I had been running recluse lubed bullets due to my Hitek Issues and since it had been a few years since using recluse lube I had used about 10 times too much, no wonder the gun was a filthy mess.

Nothing major, but enough little issues to take some of the fun out of reloading/casting.

I haven't reloaded or cast all winter, just reloaded a batch of 45acp last night and a test batch of 5.56 today.
And hope to cast this weekend.

So while doing all this I will be starting a new binder and trying to update my logging procedure.

I will try to update this thread as I go along.

[mjwcaster]

Ammo box labels-
I use recycled factory ammo boxes for pistol ammo, need to get boxes for 5.56, I have just stored that bulk for now.
As I reload a batch I place it in a coffee can with a hand written label (I keep extra labels in my reloading binder)

After finishing a batch-
Random plunk test a few rounds per batch (already tested dummy rounds when setting up)
Visually Inspect each round and place in plastic tray.
Label boxes
Insert trays into boxes.
This order helps keep me from putting ammo into unlabeled boxes, or worse yet boxes that I have my own labels already on from another batch.
After boxing I have an accurate count of rounds loaded that I then add to my reloading log (or should add at least).

Label Data-

Caliber
Powder Charge - 5.4gr Universal
Bullet type- Brand/weight/diameter if commercial or mold if cast- lee 425-230TC
Alloy- RS-3b (Range Scrap pencil tested 3b)
Lube- Recluse-(RL), HiTek(HT)
Primer type
OAL
Date

So a typical label would look like-

45 ACP
5.0gr Universal
Lee 452-230-TC RS / RL
Win LPP / 1.18 OAL
3/13/19

Looking at it I should change my HiTek abbreviation, it could be confused for Heat Treat which I normally don't do, but did once last year.

Other than that I am fairly happy with my ammo box labeling procedures.
Just need to stay on top of things, I am labeling an boxing up a batch tonight that has been in a coffee can since last year.
And I also need to separate batches of ammo loaded by cast boolit batch.
I normally just grab the next coffee can of boolits during a reloading session and keep going, after last year ammo batches will be separated by casting batch also.

[mjwcaster]

Reloading Checklist-
This is my personal reloading checklist, complete with little love notes.
While specific to my Dillon 550, most of it is generic.
It is formatted nicer as a table in a word document.
Printed out and kept as the first page in my reloading log.


-------------- Reloading setup -----------
Clean off bench, all odds and ends, powder, bullets, primers etc.
Clean press, blow off primer slide, turret.
Set out reloading notebook.
Pick out load data
Verify load data against sources.
Set up press for load- change tooldhead/priming system.
Remember to loosen set screw for shellholder change.
Label powder measure with load data- caliber/bullet/OAL/powder charge
Cycle Powder measure a few times to verify its fully empty
Pick bullets- check weight, type, sized, lubed
Pick cases- check cleaned, sorted, prepped
Pick Primers- Check Primer type, log type and lot number in log, double check type (sr/sp)
Load dummy round, check OAL/crimp
Plunk Test / Gauge / check actual feeding in firearm
Pick powder from cabinet. Make sure there is no other powder in reloading area.
Double check powder type- READ THE FREAKING CAN, DUMMY!!!
Fill powder measure- Set on small charge. Visually verify powder properties against log.
Set powder charge
Check powder charge with 10 charges
Fill Primer Tube / double check primer type / check primer feed with 10 primers first.
Make sure primer flip tray isn't sitting over the edge of the bench, DUMMY!
Start Loading- Inspect the first few rounds off the press

[mjwcaster]

I even have a checklist for cleanup, much shorter list.

----- Reloading Cleanup ---------
Cleanup-

Empty powder measure- Dump into powder can. Visually verify powder in can and measure look the same first.
Replace PM and run a few cases to verify completely empty.
Put powder away
Empty primer system (if needed)
Put primers away
Put cases away, making sure to put lid on container.
Put bullets away
Clean off press- Blow off and wipe down turret/primer system
Cover Press

[mjwcaster]

My reloading log won't format for posting here easily.
My log is separated into calibers.
I keep a separate page for each batch loaded.
I have the standard data, caliber, bullet, powder charge/lot#, OAL, Crimp type/measurement, Brass, Primer.

I also have the relevant load data from various manuals on each log page, as many recipes as I can find, including source info such as Lyman #48 p 397 or Hodgdons website / date.

And copies of the actual pages printed/copied from the manual/website in each calibers chapter so I can easily verify my load data. In this game I rely on check, check double check as much as possible and a simple typo can be disastrous.

I am adding a visual description of the powder to each log. Not perfect but it will help to verify I have the correct powder.

And a powder weight table for 10 throws, ie 2.3, 4.6, 6.9 etc.
This way I don't have to think while checking my powder throws (10 times) and can verify each throw is progressing accurately.

Both of these things I have been writing on my log pages, but have never made it back to the computer. Hey, at least I am consistent.

[gloob]

I use a real paper notebook. I enter data very simply in sequential order listed by the date of operation. I just write down what I did, in so many words. Then i label the ammo with the date.

If i made the same thing recently, i will only record minimal info such as caliber, bullet style and weight, and power charge. But anytime I make a change it should get recorded. So if I have a lot of ammo with a date on it, I should be able to work backwards through the book to know primer type and lot number, powder charge and lot number, dies, powder dispensing method, and be able to verify OAL by finding previous entries for that caliber to look for the last change.

[nicholst55]

For those with multiple guns chambered for one cartridge, do you use separate pages/folders in your notebook or spreadsheet?

[mjwcaster]

For those with multiple guns chambered for one cartridge, do you use separate pages/folders in your notebook or spreadsheet?

That is a good question.
I need to start a shooting log. I also think I will use the date loaded as my lot# for my ammo, maybe with a number added if I load more than 1 batch per day.

I also think I will start keeping targets in my shooting binder with standard info, date, time, distance, wind/temp. I normally use self printed targets so keeping them in the binder would be as easy as punching holes in them.

At least for rifle work, which I need to do more of.

My pistol shooting is more short distance (20-25 yard) breaking clays or shooting steel, but I would like to start accuracy testing at 50yds (closest I can shoot from a bench).

[avogunner]

I've recorded every round I've ever reloaded since I started this obsession in 1981. At first it was simply basic info; caliber, case, powder, primer, bullet, and # of rounds, and really just to track how many I loaded. I would add a note now and then if the round had a specific attribute (accuracy, feeding issue, pressure indicators, etc.), either good or bad.
One of the many things I've learned after joining this board is how my system was wholly inadequate and really didn't tell me much. So now, I try to be as detailed as possible on load particulars and take pictures of exceptionally good targets to add to my data. I wish I had the motivation to sit down and create a spread sheet so using key word/meta data, I could quickly search my now mountain of records.
Maybe after I retire?
Semper Fi.

[Shopdog]

Std typing paper folded across the short way to make the beginning of a pamphlet. Each rig gets it's own. Then use it as a journal, documenting every bit of info that rig needs to be fed.

[SgtDog0311]

Should I say "I can empathize" or just "I resemble that remark".

Same here, but on startup I included notes on target performance and if I chronographed the particulars as well, and got pictures too and believe it or not I've scrutinized them many a time before filling the boxes in that calibers cubbyhole again. Notes certainly have got more meaningful over time. Sometimes when I look back to my startup entries I think 'jeeze, what good was that info'?

I do say 'empathize' though because any more I wonder 'WHY? Is it just because you are that dang OCD'? Oh well, sometimes you just got to wear it.

My stuff is in Excel so that tells you I have not been doing it as long as you. I got out in 76 and didn't know what a spreadsheet was then. Lot of data when you have a lot of calibers.

Semper Fi back at You Brother!

[JSnover]

I just use 5 subject notebooks with each section dedicated to one gun. A quick sketch of the targets with some notes on the right side of the page and I don't save anything to the computer. That way I force myself to Never Forget to Put the notebooks In The Range Bag.

[Rick Hodges]

For those with multiple guns chambered for one cartridge, do you use separate pages/folders in your notebook or spreadsheet?

My logbook is made from pages on an excel spreadsheet I made up. They are stored in a loose leaf notebook with sections for each caliber. I keep track of the particulars of cast bullets on a separate page within each caliber. I keep track of weight as cast, bhn (lee tester) lube and/or PC and sized diameter. I refer to the bullets with simple numbers...in the load data page.
I use a column with a code for the gun in question. I have 4 .223R/5.56 rifles. Savage Heavy barrel (HB) Savage model 11 (sav) AR (AR) Ruger Mini-14 (rug).
I don't try to keep up with the information on the computer I write it in ink in the note book. Each load is numbered sequentially. I use a piece of masking tape with the number of the load, number of rounds and date in each box of loaded ammo. I keep another piece of tape with the number of times the brass has been fired taped inside the lid as well.

[lightman]

I designed a spreadsheet years ago, long before everyone could download stuff like that off of computers. I have them laid out by caliber and sometimes the individual gun. It has case brand, primer, powder type and charge, bullet type and weight and a section for notes. The note section covers group size, pressure signs, muzzle blast, seating depth, ect. I keep them in a 3 ring notebook.

My biggest problem is remembering to log the stuff that is loaded with my pet loads. I do pretty good with new loads.

[dragon813gt]

I have two versions. One paper and one digital. The paper one is separated by firearm. The digital is by caliber only. Train being it’s easy to search the digital version to find the gun I’m looking for. It keeps things more organized this way.

Every load gets its own serial number. Today would be 2019-03-15-01 to start. Subsequent loads get 02+ as the last digits. There is no way to have duplicate serial numbers this way. The number is easily searchable in the digital logbook. I keep a sheet at the front of the paper version with the serial numbers and firearm it was for.

Completed rounds are either placed in a ammo can which is labeled, label maker, with the serial number and pertinent info. Usually bullet, OAL, primer and charge weight. A piece of paper is placed I the ammo can w/ the same info. Or they’re put into MTM ammo boxes. Serial number and pertinent info is again applied w/ a label maker.

I’m not the best and keeping any other data than this. I find it’s just clutter. If it doesn’t pertain to the gun or load I don’t write it down.

[Tom Myers]

What do you use for your record keeping?
And what are you logging?

I am on a mission to improve my record keeping.



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[Hossfly]

I simplify things by recording data on my phone at the range, then transfer interesting data to log book when I get back home. Can take pics of targets and mail them to my self for future ref. Works for me. Also ladder test recorded on I pad or Phone from Chrono. When it works, if not, just jot down on back of extra targets. Then adj. power or coal, back in the reload room. You have to keep your mind on it, or the fun part will take over and you will for get what your learning.

[trapper9260]

For me I make up index cards that you use for cooking recipes and the box with the tab cards to mark for what it is for. Like one tab will be for 38 Spl and then another for 357 mag and so on. Then on the card I would write on the top 38 spl. then to the far right if it for cast the size to size the boolit to and then on the next line What cal bullet is used and then cast boolit and state cast or jacket bullet is use and make and then to the far right the OAL
then the powder make and how much
Primer the size and make
notes if need to have .
Then put it in the box under the tab. If it there is different guns that is need different data for the same cal. I color code the card and on the tab card I have it wrote of the gun and the color for the data on the card because I just use a sharpy marker for the ID of each gun also use the same color for the mark on the primers to know what one it is for. Then when I want to load some ammo I look for the card and the bullet and then got from there.That way do not have any paper or computer to depend on. all on cards. Works for me. I also keep the test sheets of when I test ammo out of how each powder and load that is used that I shot into in a different folder. to use if need to check or what was tested .

[PJEagle]

Any method that works for you is the right one. It can be a hand written notebook, a spreadsheet or a relational database. All of them will work if you record the data. None of them will work if you don’t record the data.

I happen to be on the far end of the relational database end of the scale, but I also agree with those who use a spiral notebook. I spent years keeping track of and analyzing data in the two businesses that my wife and I started. That provided accuracy in estimating and told us what areas to forget and what areas to develop.

I started reloading after I retired about five years ago. My hobby database has been continually evolving over that time. These are the general areas I keep track of and there are many other tables to keep related component information. My wife calls this my science project. Only a small percentage of reloaders will be interested in the detail level of my data.


Firearm: Brand, Model, Barrel Length, Caliber, Slug Diameter, Weight, Serial Number, Date Purchased, Purchase Price, Current Blue Book Value & Notes

Alloy: Component Source, Batch Weight, One Week BHN, Batch Cost, Amount of Tin, Weight Remaining, Cost per Pound & Notes

Bullet: Mold Used, Bullet Type, Bullet Weight, Alloy Batch, Bullet Lube or PC, Date Cast, Number Cast in Batch, Bullet Cost, Bullet Diameter & Notes

Loaded Ammo Batch: Date Loaded, Caliber, Number of Rounds, Brass Batch, Number of Times Brass Loaded, Primer Used, Powder Used, Powder Charge Weight, Powder Meter Setting, Bullet Used, Intended Firearm, COAL & Notes

Range Reports: Firearm, Date Fired, Distance, Type of Sight, Type of Rest, Load Batch, Average Group Size, Average Velocity, Extreme Spread, Standard Deviation & Notes

[stubshaft]

I keep a separate journal for each of my guns with notes on weather conditions, wind, powder, etc.

[JoeJames]

I keep a notebook which handles 1/2 letter size pages, and which has tabs for each of the main calibers I load for. I print my own targets on letter size paper, and after I've shot, I scan them in as a jpg file. Then I insert them in the notebook after my notes on the particular load, which is also noted on the target along with the rifle or revolver used.

238002

[trixter]

238003 I've been using these pages for years.

[higgins]

My method is 3-ring binders with a dividers for each firearm, or a couple of firearms where appropriate like where I don't shoot many groups for a given caliber. This allows adding notes that are pertinent to a particular rifle or pistol. When I shoot a test target I trim it down to size and place it in the binder; on the target I write load info, chronographed velocity, etc. Sometimes I just tape the load info I wrote out when I loaded the cartridges onto the target. Seems like information is more likely to be missed when its transcribed. If a handload or factory load is particularly bad I discard the target and make note of that load and enter it in the notes pages, or on one of the targets I shot and kept. I don't do much load experimentation anymore so I'm not adding as many pages as I used to.

Load data begins when I smelt bullet metal. On each ingot I stamp with a screwdriver or scratch with a punch the date and metal composition (i.e., wheel weight, cast bullet metal, jacketed bullet core, plated bullets, misc., etc.). When I cast bullets a tag is placed in the container with the bullets identifying metal used, date cast, and any additional information like which mold was used if I have more than one mold for a given bullet design.

I know this an archaic method, but it's survived a computer crash, a move, and I have the satisfaction of looking at the actual target fired.

[Cherokee]

Reads like you have a good idea of what data you want to keep. You have to always enter the data, one central place, for it to be worth while. The way you keep the data is less important than consistently recording the data for reference. Me, I use a "WORD" document I developed many years ago for each variation of a load for a cartridge along with range results for whatever gun was used. When I load another batch of the same load, I add it to the same record.

[T_McD]

I have abandoned any record keeping of “pet loads” as I buy whatever powder is cheapest when it comes time to resupply.

However, I have found it useful to write down load data for loaded cartridges so I am not guessing about the contents later. I just put a slip of paper in the ammo can and completely empty it before adding newly loaded cartridges.

Could probably do better, haven’t seen the need yet.

[Arkansas Paul]

I don't keep meticulous records. I make general notes in a book about what loads I liked and what loads I didn't.

When I accumulate multiple revolvers in the same caliber, maybe I'll keep better notes.
I do have a notebook keeping up with every round fired out of a certain gun.

[dragon813gt]

238003 I've been using these pages for years.

Those are what I use for my paper logs. They have all in the information you need on them.

Here’s the basic spreadsheet I made if anyone wants to use it. Easy to change it however you want.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/iq1yjfa6duuo6j3/Data%20Log.xlsm?dl=0

You should keep two sets of records in two different places. Otherwise you open yourself up to loss. Could be caused by a flood/fire or just getting tossed in the trash by accident. For guys that have been reloading for decades it can be a daunting task to copy everything. For people just starting out it adds little time to create a second set and is peace of mind. There are members here who have lost all their data due to one reason or another.

[Chainsaw.]

K.I.S.S. Is the way I do it. One small spiral notebook, divided with tabs, which are labeled for caliber/cartridge. Each cartridge gets about twenty pages, I load a small batch of test ammo, the load gets written on the box, the ammo gets shot, if the test ammo is good to go the load goes inti the book with any notes such as accuracy, smoke, leading, recoil etc. All my ammo gets bagged or boxed, the bag or box gets the load written on it in sharpie. Pretty simple and it works well.

[Winger Ed.]

I've got a old blank notebook that I write down a cal., powder charge & boolit weight in.
And note how fast & accurate it is for info. I want to keep and have a record of.

For loaded ammo, brass, cast boolits, etc.
I just use freezer bags I've rescued from the kitchen trash, saved & cleaned out.
What ever is in them, I write that down on a sheet of paper inside it.

At the range, if it is a good load, I'll makes notes on and save the sheet to write in the book.
And the bag gets recycled again for the fired brass.

I've gotten away from mass storage in plastic ammo boxes because they take up so much
room in a .50 cal, or 20mm ammo can compared to the freezer bags that are loose filled.

[dverna]

i use 3x5 file cards and a plastic box that holds them. I have not purchased file cards for over a decade. I no longer experiment very much.

[goryshaw]

Like many I have an Excel spreadsheet for a log. Separate tab for each caliber. Another sheet for gun firing records, with individual tabs for each gun. Another sheet for components, tabs for primer, powder, bullets, cases. Unfortunately I'm horrible at keeping load logs, the others are pretty good. For new loads I'm better, but for standard loads like .223 / 77 gr Nosler CC/ 24.0 gr RL 15 / maglength, I don't bother. I know I have 600 of them loaded (enough for the season), but I need to buy another 1k from SPS.

I am very good about labeling boxes, although my horrible handwriting doesn't help.

.223 Remington x500
Nosler 52 gr CC
25.5 gr Hodgdon Benchmark
LC & Fed mixed cases
S&B SR maglength

[Hick]

I keep two separate spreadsheets. One is simply a list of loads by firearms with all the data (Firearm, projectile, powder, loading, measured velocity, measured sight setting for zero, standard deviation and notes about accuracy or other comments). My second is a spreadsheet with one sheet per firearm. This second one is most valuable to me, because I keep for each firearm an inventory of how many bullets I have of each type, how many primers, how much powder of each type and a tabulation of sets of brass. I have it set up so that when I plan a trip to the range, I click on the brass set I am going to use and it updates how many reloads on that brass. I select the bullet I plan to use and it subtracts the bullet set from inventory, and simultaneously subtracts the primers from inventory. Then I click on the gunpowder page and plug in the load I'm using to update the powder stock. With my system, I take a post-it note and make it into a box label (firearm, brass set, bullet, primer, powder, COL and sight setting), then it only takes me a couple of minutes to update my spreadsheet with this information. Because my spreadsheet is always up to date, it automatically shows me exactly how many bullets of each type, primers of each type and powder of each type I have in stock, and even gives me an estimate of when I will run out of powder or primers, and when I should plan another casting session to fill in gaps in my bullet inventory. It even gives me an up to date estimate of my cost per round and is also up to date on how many rounds have been fired in each firearm since I started keeping records.

[Land Owner]

Interesting thread. There are many ways to "skin that cat". I believe that whatever way you use is better than no way.

Logging - first and foremost - HAS TO BE FUN. It cannot be "a chore". Start with just a few notes and go from there. Nothing "Earth shattering". No "War and Peace" novel. In due course you will have filled more pages than you would have thought in the beginning.

My bound and lined log book is filled with information that is unique to my calibers, my shooting, my reloading, my casting, my measurements, my photos, and my targets since it is written FOR AND BY ME. It is my aid when I need to remember rather than reinvent the wheel.

Perhaps there are time gaps (lamented) where nothing was logged although "effort" was expended. I even write about those gaps. It is ALL good.

One thing that should be done periodically is to re-READ what you have written. Over time, your log becomes an historical record of your experience in this gun/shooting/casting hobby and it DOES reflect the time line and magnitude of your experimentation, hypothesis formed, frustrations, failures, successes, satisfaction, and much more.

Try to read some else's for an insight into their world - if they will let you...

[Bazoo]

I use a 3 ring binder and loose paper. That way I can add or remove as needed and change the order as desired. I rarely have ever had more than one gun in the same chambering so each section is both gun and caliber specific. It will include info on the gun such as which springs get replaced and where I purchased it, when it was made and the like. Also I cut targets and add if they are of interest, usually I keep a target from each factory load of ammo I test too. I do this with the 22 and my centerfire.

For rifle data I segregate into lots and keep a record of each time fired with the load, then I have a separate sheet with what I've tried and the results as to whether the gun and or shoulder liked it.

I keep a page on the gun with any problems, such as a jamming, or leading, or whatever.

Also I keep a section with any reloading anomalies such as scratched cases and what I try to remedy it.

I don't do it with all guns, just depends. Got nothing for my shotgun.

I keep also a page for each mould, what it likes and such. Then a page on the resultant bullets, loads I've tried and results.

[mjwcaster]

Thanks for all the feedback.
I just cast my first batch of the year the other day, need to finish hitek coating it.
I am starting my casting log with it today.

Also has some problems with my AR, finally found the problem.
Broken extractor pin.
Replaced the bolt with the one from my pistol.
Shoots great and brass now piles up in a perfect pile at my 5 o’clock.
The gun used to eject forward and to the side, leading me to now believe that it was never right.
I wish I had kept a better log on shooting it.
Or had more experience with ARs and had noticed the ejection pattern.

So I am also going to start my firearm log.

And add info about primer strikes and ejection pattern to the log.

Log all failures, cleaning dates etc.
Maybe even get better at keeping track of round count.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[robg]

I save targets shot with all info of the loads on them .