SIMPLE record keeping for load development

[mtnwrunner]

Just curious on what you all do for record keeping when you develop loads. I currently place all my notes and targets in a file folder for each caliber but it seems messy to me. I am always able to retrace my steps and gather my info but I'm kind of looking to make it simpler I guess. Any one got a real simple and clean way to do it?

Thanks,

Randy

 

[Reloader222]

The best way is to do it on computer on a spread sheet.

 

[jkupper]

I have a cheap notebook that I write all of the load specifics down in, including velocities from the manual, and actual if I have the chrony, then I cut the group out of the target paper and tape it on the page and leave space to write any other notes that I may have. I usually save paper from ladder tests too. I like to look at the group to see what the load did so I guess I am a visual learner.

 

[cowboy]

I use 8-1/2 x 11" targets that have been pre 3 hole punched. After using target I record pertinent data right on the target.

Have a thick 3 ring binder that has divider sheets marked with different rifles/calibers. When I'm done at the range I just put them in the appropriate place for future review.

 

[JP100]

I just record everything in a exercise book and tape or glue in targets.
works fine for me and the 6-7guns I load for.

 

[mtnwrunner]

I have a cheap notebook that I write all of the load specifics down in, including velocities from the manual, and actual if I have the chrony, then I cut the group out of the target paper and tape it on the page and leave space to write any other notes that I may have. I usually save paper from ladder tests too. I like to look at the group to see what the load did so I guess I am a visual learner.

I also like to see what my loads are doing which is why I keep all the targets---I like the idea of the 3 ring binder also. That sounds neat and tidy. Hopefully I can hit a paper that size........

Randy

 

[Tamarac]

I have a cheap notebook that I write all of the load specifics down in, including velocities from the manual, and actual if I have the chrony, then I cut the group out of the target paper and tape it on the page and leave space to write any other notes that I may have. I usually save paper from ladder tests too. I like to look at the group to see what the load did so I guess I am a visual learner.

This. I tape all of my targets in a cheap notebook along with all of the load data.

 

[Browninglover1]

I use a 1" 3 ring binder with page protectors. I simply cut out my targets after my range session and tape them on to a sheet of white paper and record all relevant data. Later on you can go back and consolidate many sheets into one for easier book keeping.

You can also take pictures of these sheets and upload them to a photo album on your computer and always have a digital copy.

Here is an example of consolidating 4 or 5 months of testing this particular load in different weather conditions. This shows me in the future that the load performs the same (less than .75 MOA) regardless of weather. While not a bench rest winner, the load will be deadly on prairie dogs.

 

[CB11WYO]

I'm an computer (Excel) spreadsheet kind of guy. But the 3 ring binder with pre-punched paper targets sounds like a good idea to me too.

 

[cowboy]

I also like to see what my loads are doing which is why I keep all the targets---I like the idea of the 3 ring binder also. That sounds neat and tidy. Hopefully I can hit a paper that size........

Randy

When I'm shooting at the longer distances I use the back side of old plan drawings paper from work (Approx. 22" X 36"). When I'm done I just fold 'em up to about 8"x11", punch 3 holes, and they go in the 3 ring binder also. Only drawback on this is that I have to take the long range targets out of the binder and unfold them to do a review/reminder. I put everything on the target - date, rifle, load, wind, temp, yardage shot at, number of clicks, powder lot #, bullet lot#, vel., etc., etc. I had a stamp made up many years ago that allows me to wet the stamp on ink pad, apply to target and fill in appropriate data - which by the way also reminds me to not forget something.

When my binder gets too rediculus I will take out anything that is probably never going to be needed and put them in a file folder for appropriate rifle/caliber and put them in a file cabinet in my reloading room. Which reminds me - "Why do I have targets from 30 years ago for a rifle/load I no longer even own still in neat files"?

I like the 3 ring binder method due to the fact I can take it to the range with me and if something has made things go amok I can pull out my 3 ring and review the last time things were good and only have to scratch my head with one hand. If something has changed 9 times out of 10 I find a new lot of primers, powder or bullets makes me do some adjusting. This has given me a reason to be much more confident that something changed because of components, not my rifle, barrel wear, or scope set up.

My 3 ring binder is about 4" thick with the "big rings" - don't buy a thin 3 ring or plan on cleaning it out quite frequently and then never having the old target that you want ------ been there, done that one

 

[Idaho Sawyer]

I carry a smaller 5x8 write in the rain book. Each gun has it's own chapter and divider so it is easy to flip to. I can keep track of shot count, powder type, etc.
Where the little book REALLY shines is that I take it with me wherever I shoot and record what I dial and where the bullet actually goes. It has been a HUGE help, learning and referencing certain winds, thermals, angles, etc. in particular canyons and shooting locations.

 

[D.ID]

Those little wright in the rain notebooks work great as log books. I use the 4x6" I think, each rifle gets one and it includes load development notes and target sketches for load development and field data. Finalized Reloading data: I pull out all the "know I never will" or "never will again" calibers out of my Sierra load book which is a three ring and insert my real world data next to the book data for each relevant caliber. Keeps it all together and readily identifiable.

 

[mtnwrunner]

Those little wright in the rain notebooks work great as log books. I use the 4x6" I think, each rifle gets one and it includes load development notes and target sketches for load development and field data. Finalized Reloading data: I pull out all the "know I never will" or "never will again" calibers out of my Sierra load book which is a three ring and insert my real world data next to the book data for each relevant caliber. Keeps it all together and readily identifiable.

Thats a good one---I've got several "never will again" calibers myself.......

Randy

 

[Nimrodmar10]

I use the binder method, but years ago I bought the first version of MTM's Handloader's Log. Looks like they still sell it. I can go back for years and tell you what load I used in any gun and how it shot. All good info. Here's a link for MidwayUSA:

MTM Handloaders Log