Data Keeping

[DLH_]

I am an avid note taker and I feel that in precision reloading you need to be. Consequently I have a huge quantity of notebooks, binders, targets etc with different data strewn everywhere. I was wondering if anyone has an Excel spreadsheet that they wouldn't mind sharing with me, or a different method of data handling that they would point me toward. Take in consideration that I'm not the most Excel experienced, hence the request for a template.

Thank you everyone
Josh

 

[DeadWoodDan]

Not an answer but I am learning Access and hoping to have a database by summer. Sorry i cant help sooner as im after the same!

 

[Cowtownup]

I have been keeping a word document per barrel and it works okay... I copy and paste photos of load development targets into the document and update chamber wear on 200 round increments.. It's not the most ideal, but it's been working for me. I am interested in what others are doing as well.

 

[jepp2]

Consequently I have a huge quantity of notebooks, binders, targets etc with different data strewn everywhere. I was wondering if anyone has an Excel spreadsheet that they wouldn't mind sharing with me, or a different method of data handling that they would point me toward.

People call me OCD. I think they are not organized. I would be happy to share with you anything you want. I use all of the following:

- Word files (tables) I use to keep track of my brass and load labels.
- A MS Excel file someone shared with me that I record all my loads and the results
- After shooting I scan the targets and my chrony data as .jpg files and keep them on my NAS
- I run QL models for all my loads and keep the files for recall or reference.
- I generate my targets with a table I created in MS Word that does exactly what I want in a target

I can look at summaries and then targets, call up QL calculations, etc. I understand "different data strewn everywhere", I lived that life.

 

[SheepDog]

I use a word document (clone) to record my load workups and my "favorite" loads. I keep them on the computer in separate folders for caliber/gun to keep them separate. I also keep copies in three ring binders and on two other computers. (I have lost records in the past) I also keep all my current favorite loads in a single 3 ring binder.

I would be happy to share the forms for you to modify as you need.

 

[Twoboxer]

It depends on how much of what you record are data points (eg Caliber, Firearm, Bullet, MV, Temp, etc) and how many are long text descriptions. If the former, start with Excel (or the free download from OpenOffice.org, Calc). Data in columns and rows, can easily add columns as you determine more info should be saved, can sort the data by column (eg bullet or charge weight), and more.

I only use Access (or OpenOffice's Base) for keeping component inventories relatively up to date. I print out a "Work Order" (Excel) for an ammo batch that stays with that batch until fired. The work Order automatically calculates how much of each component was used, for entry into my Inventory Data Base. Component balances are not perfectly accurate, but close is plenty good enough and better than what I had before. The same can be done using Excel for this purpose.

Every test group I shoot gets a data line in an Excel file (one sheet per caliber) and every test target is scanned/photographed, measured, and stored as .jpg using OnTarget software. Rather than including links to these pictures in Excel, I simply date the target files beginning with the Julian date. Once I find a test load I can easily grab the picture(s) from the same date and examine the targets.

Final thought: Your ability to store and use computerized data improves with time and experience. So I'd advise just start doing some stuff on the computer . . . Excel is easy enough to use . . . and see how you feel, see what happens. You already have your notes as a source of where to start.

 

[hunter243sgk]

I have so much on paper it was getting hard to keep up with. Then I found the vihtavuori app for my iPhone and am now putting it all on it. It is way easier to find and keep up with. but will keep my notebooks for back up.

 

[bloc]

I use FileMaker Pro. It's a very powerful relational database that you can use as a flat-file db (which I do). You can add fields easily, search easily, do any number of calculations, import images, create really cool interfaces, import and export templates and data, etc.

You can certainly use Excel (in a prior life, I depended heavily on it and used some advanced features), but for this, I just prefer FMP because it seems more intuitive to me.

I'd say that if you are familiar with Excel but not FMP (or a clone) you might be up and running faster with it than FMP. If you're not familiar with either, consider FMP.

ADDENDUM: A real advantage offered by FMP is that you can create pull-down menus of "values" for any given field. So, for example, for a field named "Powder", you could list IMR 4198, RL-22, LT-32, etc.

For effective searching, it is crucial that the term you search for matches the term you entered. For example, if you hand-enter LT-32 and LT32 for each of 2 different loads, but search for LT32, you will not find LT-32.

With FMP, the pull-down menus can be used both for data entry and for search functions, so you can be sure that you recover all the files you want to see.

 

[JohnKielly]

I read the notes I wrote on the ammo box.

 

[bweeks]

I have one that I use, but I can't figure out how to upload it to here. I took a picture with my phone also, but it says file to big.

 

[ireload2]

You probably need to start your own spread sheet. After a few weeks to a few months you will find something you want different and change it anyway.
Because you can add and delete columns and rows you can adjust your spread sheet easily. Just be aware that when you modify something you can bomb out data down below or to one side of your visible screen.

I am an avid note taker and I feel that in precision reloading you need to be. Consequently I have a huge quantity of notebooks, binders, targets etc with different data strewn everywhere. I was wondering if anyone has an Excel spreadsheet that they wouldn't mind sharing with me, or a different method of data handling that they would point me toward. Take in consideration that I'm not the most Excel experienced, hence the request for a template.

Thank you everyone
Josh

 

[bweeks]

Here is the one that I have come up with. Maybe it will help or at least be a start for your own version.

 

[DRNewcomb]

I've been using RSI's Shooting Lab (SL). It's pretty complicated, a bit obtuse and not perfect. It does allow me to keep lots of details about my reloads and the targets I shoot.

 

[DLH_]

Thank you everyone. I will try and use what I've been provided with and my own stuff to formulate a resolution to my problem.

Josh

 

[tooter]

May not be of interest here, but after creating and archiving spread sheet data for years I decided to originate a Power Point target file fitted on 8.5x11 format consisting of six benchrest targets along with load data printed over each of them. I print them on 65 lb. card stock and punch each for three ring binder storage. Any range day data (temp, wind etc.) can easily be written directly on the target.

I use WallyWorld 1/2 three ring binders for each barrel (have lots of switch barrels). I like looking at the real target to later assess group size/load etc.

Just recently I got an Epson all in one printer (print, scan,fax) and putting a color sheet behind the target, scan and save each target as a .jpg. The color backer really helps define the bullet hole edges. I can then bring the scanned .jpg file back into .ppt and further edit in range day detail in text blocks with arrows etc. and archive electronically. -------- FWIW