Reloading Notes

So I suck at taking notes on different brass and what has been done it it. Things such as trim length done, when it was annealed last, shoulder bump. I am trying to get better at keeping track. What do u guys and how do u guys log what's been done to each batch of brass?

Tagging in. Record keeping is my downfall, too.

As far as information logged, critical dimensions, current load, shot count, results, observations, etc., I use a spreadsheet for each gun/barrel, and employ chronological entries. I use a second sheet for build component details & service source information.
I make field click cards (some call drop cards) with another spreadsheet. These cards are printed, laminated, and kept with each box of ammo I make.
Then I have a hardcopy folder for each gun with receipts, reamer prints, manuals, etc.

Thank u brother!

There are some templates in this thread;

https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/spreadsheet-for-reloading.51002/

I think spreadsheets are a really good idea!

For round count, I usually count the ejector marks.



Just kidding!!


I have a large notebook with all important data like brass brand, chamber length, powder charge, etc. I carry a note pad with me at the range to record round count and ballistic data.
I can go thru both references and find a answer to most questions I seek.

I have a small pocket book I put in each box of bullets and a large one that goes with each rifle. Sometimes I can't read my writing tho lol

Thanks fellows I keep some notes in each reloading box but going to try and get a little more detail oriented. Even more shooting notes with environmentals etc! Thanks again!

My method is pretty straight forward. Every rifle has it's own book. I start with all the details of the build plus a copy of reamer specs. Then, I record the touch length of all the bullets I am considering for that rifle, along with base to datum measurements of first three firings on my brass (these measurements come in handy).

When I'm reloading, I enter all details of the components & loads and what I'm testing..... pressure/velocity, ladder, seating depth, etc.

At the range, I enter date, temperature, pressure, humidity and wind speed & angle. Then as I shoot, I enter velocities, average velocity, SD and ES.
The last entry is rounds fired and an update on total round count for that barrel.

Simple, but gets the job done.

I use the 50 round MTM boxes, and the brass in each box stays with that box. I just use some white gaffers tape on the front of the box to make notes like that, as well as keeping the roman numerals for # times fired...

Remmy700 said:

So I suck at taking notes on different brass and what has been done it it. Things such as trim length done, when it was annealed last, shoulder bump. I am trying to get better at keeping track. What do u guys and how do u guys log what's been done to each batch of brass?

Click to expand...

3x5 cards in each box. works pretty good. I now keep 50 round boxes.

Remmy700 said:

So I suck at taking notes on different brass and what has been done it it. Things such as trim length done, when it was annealed last, shoulder bump. I am trying to get better at keeping track. What do u guys and how do u guys log what's been done to each batch of brass?

Click to expand...

Before being retired I was a bit of an engineer. A quote I made bout thirty or so years ago, "Too much information is almost enough".

I make a spreadsheet, starting with date and brand, lot number if available. I clean and number each piece of brass, then weight, length, wall thickness and so on. I do need to quit being lazy and measure individual volume(s).
Same data as when I reload, including temp and pressure in my reloading room, 68℉ provides consistency. When reloading or working on design I hide and my wife only gets me if I forget to eat.
When I shoot, GPS, direction of travel, angle, date, no moon position but that is easily obtainable. Time, temp, mirage, breeze, speed, pressure, temp of cartridges, everything that might make a difference, including gremlins. Found most of the gremlins came because I didn't do my job.

I did not write everything I log. I then check statistics, averages and why it isn't a ragged hole.

And most of all, I read what others have done. There is too much I don't know and I can gain a lot from listening to smarter men.

And I save my spreadsheets to two back-ups. Modify them, old saved, as I learn more of what is useful and what is just being anal.

Peace and Grace with you.

I have a small pocket note book that has all my load charges from brass type, powder charge to OAL (ogive) lengths in it.
As for the Brass, I have them in tubs with a label and smaller batches I have in zip lock bags. Then the brass Im using at the time in ammo boxes have index cards.
So far it has worked for me for 10 years.

Remmy700 said:

So I suck at taking notes on different brass and what has been done it it. Things such as trim length done, when it was annealed last, shoulder bump. I am trying to get better at keeping track. What do u guys and how do u guys log what's been done to each batch of brass?

Click to expand...

Me too. This is really a problem for me with the ones I don't shoot often. I'm terrible at it.