Do you have trouble keeping reloading/shooting notes?

[memilanuk]

It's straightforward to analyze quantitative target statistics, not so easy to analyze pictures. Excel is your friend .

My interest is less in analyzing the numbers (but yes, I keep spreadsheets around for that) and more in recalling WTF I was *thinking* at the time, what I was trying to do, what I learned, any little hiccups/oddities that popped up along the way. Spreadsheets suck for that kind of narrative log aka 'dear diary'. A running notes document, with select tabular data linked in from spreadsheets when/where appropriate, is a better overall solution - at least for me.

 

[LVLAaron]

I got a bunch of cheap small notebooks on Amazon. One notebook per barrel. Easy.

 

[misser]

I wright info on to targets

 

[Rob01]

I use this and it works great.

Reloading Data Book

Reloading Data Book

www.impactdatabooks.com

 

[Dimner]

My reloading notebooks make me look like the bad guy in Se7en. But as @memilanuk mentioned, it's about not only the data, but also what I was thinking at the time.



These are two that I'm using. I like the idea of one notebook per barrel, I may try that when the pages run out in my current book. I could switch to smaller notebooks, but will need to find one with good paper.

For fast access to information, I always save my targets in an accordion file folder with and write on them pertinent information and the date that I can find info in my notebooks. Currently When a notebook is filled I go back and add page 'flags' for important information.

And for info that doesn't change like h20 capacities, preferred trim, should bump, and bullet touch points and other info, I keep in a few dedicated pages in the back of my book.

I saw a commercial for a device that looks promising. It's called ReMarkable. It's like a Kindle Paperwhite but it's for hand note taking. I could get behind that if it was super easy to print off hard copies and not have to reformat everything. But for now, a $600 price point keeps me using real paper.

 

[Shooter13]

Thank you sir! Great info, now tell me if you have or use an excel spreadsheet to log guns, loads, seating depth and general info per gun? I've worked on on the spreadsheet (I'm not very good at it) but trying to log all info including # of rounds shot. Thanks for any help!

 

[Fuj]

No electronic storage for me. It's marked on the target at the end of
session. I keep a small note pad on the bench to jot done anything
that comes up during the session. I'll staple these to the target, then
it all goes inside a manilla folder with the caliber and barrel marked
on the cover......

 

[Rob01]

I usually find a load within 50-60 rounds and then I shoot it. I don’t burn barrels out finding “the load” so the log book I linked works great. No need for computer files.

 

[memilanuk]

I mean, if any of you really want to take your note taking to the next level, there's always Zettelkasten. Even works with pen & paper, for you Luddites

 

[Sparticus14]

No electronic storage for me. It's marked on the target at the end of
session. I keep a small note pad on the bench to jot done anything
that comes up during the session. I'll staple these to the target, then
it all goes inside a manilla folder with the caliber and barrel marked
on the cover......

How do you do that at 600 or 1000 yards?

 

[Fuj]

How do you do that at 600 or 1000 yards?

Not sure what you mean ?? It's no different other then folding the
target to fit the folder, or trim away what's nor relevant.....Or do you
mean electronic targets, which I do not shoot ??

 

[jxb]

My reloading notebooks make me look like the bad guy in Se7en. But as @memilanuk mentioned, it's about not only the data, but also what I was thinking at the time.

View attachment 1602791

These are two that I'm using. I like the idea of one notebook per barrel, I may try that when the pages run out in my current book. I could switch to smaller notebooks, but will need to find one with good paper.

For fast access to information, I always save my targets in an accordion file folder with and write on them pertinent information and the date that I can find info in my notebooks. Currently When a notebook is filled I go back and add page 'flags' for important information.

And for info that doesn't change like h20 capacities, preferred trim, should bump, and bullet touch points and other info, I keep in a few dedicated pages in the back of my book.

I saw a commercial for a device that looks promising. It's called ReMarkable. It's like a Kindle Paperwhite but it's for hand note taking. I could get behind that if it was super easy to print off hard copies and not have to reformat everything. But for now, a $600 price point keeps me using real paper.

View attachment 1602800

When you buy your next phone, just get one with a pen. They are stupid simple to use, pull the pen out and start writing, drawing, whatever. I have an old pad with it and while I never used it much, sure handy when you need it. Especially for signing stuff or chicken scratches. I say the phone because we all pretty much have one these days and it's with us.

and yeah, while I have notes and sheets. I also have paper... old school works.

 

[Lillico]

Excel with data from On Target PC

OnTarget Precision Calculator - Measuring firearm precision and accuracy

The OnTarget Precision Calculator is used to measure and analyze bullet hole groups to calculate firearm precision and accuracy.

ontargetshooting.com

 

[USMCsilver]

should work well till your Ipad/computer crashes!

Cloud.

 

[VA_XTC_Shooter]

I use this and it works great.

Reloading Data Book

Reloading Data Book

www.impactdatabooks.com

I made the mistake of buying one of those, I couldn't give it away.

 

[Rob01]

I made the mistake of buying one of those, I couldn't give it away.

You are supposed to use it. Not give it away. Lol Seriously it works great. Can put all the data you need in it and it’s in one spot for all.

 

[Jdne5b]

I recently had switched from a notepad to OneNote. Mostly to keep track of measurements and round count. I got tired of having to find the notepad or forgetting it at home when I needed it at the range etc. Now I have access on my laptop, phone or tablet.

I have a cover “page” for each barrel with measurements, sizing, bullet touch for various lots, etc. I also imbed a spreadsheet for round count.

After seeing your video I found that OneNote will share screen shots like Apple Notes, so thanks for the tips. Having all the screen shots there for each barrel will be handy vs having to search through my camera roll.

 

[Rob01]

For round count I use the IDB round count book. Have one for each barrel. I have them hanging near my safe so when the rifle goes back in I write the round count down.

Round Count Book

Round Count Book

www.impactdatabooks.com

 

[Presis Skytter]

I keep very detailed notes in excel that I can create trend charts from based off variables. I prefer numbers over pictures but currently I just log the max spread (moa) of my shots.

I’m wondering, has anybody found a good way to log your standard deviation of all your shots placement/group size? (Not velocity) I was going to try doing it manually with a caliper but think I’m going to have a lot of time spent measuring and calculating to get the number. Not sure if a software exist that can do that. This seems like an extremely important number much like the SD of a chronograph but I’ve yet to see anyone calculating it out for group size.

 

[gmr4]

Here's a simple but effective method I've adopted to keep track of targets and other shooting items. Maybe it'll help anyone who struggles like I did. I know people say keep written notes, but I struggled to do that in a way that was meaningful for me on a regular basis so I had to adapt. To me, the best notes are the ones you actually make so whatever method works is the one you should use and for me this is it.

Thanks John. Ive been taking photos with my phone of e targets and trying to match them up etc... this tip is the answer. BTW I back up in the cloud etc and will have these forever.