How do you track your shooting progress — loads, distances, conditions, results?

[stephaneI]

Hey guys,

Curious how you all track your shooting sessions — which load performed best at which distance, wind conditions, groupings over time, progress per rifle...
Spreadsheet? Notebook? Some app? Never found anything that really sticks across multiple guns and calibers.

 

[distinguished]

Score books. I could plot shot placement, shot call, conditions, load data and anything I thought was worthy of note. Now that we use electronic targets, I don't do any of that anymore. Guess I just got spoiled.

 

[60723]

Old school here. Record all data in a notebook while shooting. When home I put all pertinent data in a permanent book for each gun.

 

[Fuj]

Pen and paper. Every rifle I work with has it's own log book. And on another
note; A chronograph is always on the bench and minimum of 2 flags down
range.

 

[kelbro]

Spreadsheet for load data and rifle specs. Spiral notebook for match data.

 

[stephaneI]

Thanks for the answers! Clearly notebook and Excel are still the go-to! I'm looking for something more automated but it's not easy to find... I came across two Android apps — Shooters Diary and TirPro — has anyone tried them?

 

[Syncrowave]

Moleskin notebook ... God help me if I ever lose it, which is why I'm now backing up a lot of it (good loads, seating depths, etc.) onto computer.

 

[JMayo]

There are load data books out there if writing is wanted.
Most youngens do it in an app now.

 

[G Liles]

I guess I’m old school l use a 3 ring binder to keep all my load info including the targets I use when doing load development. After a match I write all info on notebook paper and place in binder, this also helps keep up with how many rounds are on the barrel.

 

[charlie b]

I use photos and chronograph data. I record the position and vel of each shot on the target while shooting. When I get home I write the info on the target and then save it in the PC (take picture with the phone). Note that I include my scope settings and the wind on the right hand side. I will sometimes group the photos from the day into one larger picture, especially if I am doing a load development. Then I change the title of the photo to include the date, cartridge and maybe what I was testing/shooting. This one was "20220115 xcb 4198 loads" xcb was the cast bullet being shot (167gn(, and "loads" meant I was testing some different charges.

That way I can read the file names in the directory to locate info on a particular cartridge and the data I had on it in time past. You could further segregate into files for specific cartridges, rifles, matches, etc.

I tried making a spreadsheet for each cartridge/rifle, but to me it did not give me anything extra.

But, I only shoot a couple hundred rounds a month so you may need a more efficient way of storing your data.

 

[F Class John]

I use my iPad notes feature. Honestly, doesn't matter what process you use, all that matters is you pick one that you can stick to. I struggled to find one but when a friend showed me this one, it just stuck with me.

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[choprzrul]

I have used Point Blank Ballistics for at least 15 years now and see no reason to stop using it.

 

[Presis Skytter]

I use excel. I setup graphs so as I add my data I can see trends, changes, etc easier.

 

[M-61]

I wish I could be neat and have all these accurate records. I can’t.
Only thing that works for me:
Strictly 100 yard
Standard BR target (6 per sheet)
I write each load on the target top, powder amount, bullet etc.
everything is a 5 shot group
I have 3 br rifles so I’ll also include which one
I keep the targets.
Only thing that ever worked for me

 

[stephaneI]

Ok I went back to the app — not bad at all. You drop your impacts manually but that works for me. Results are accurate and everything is logged on your phone. Turns out I'm more of a geek than I thought.
One thing though — the app is not fully free, so I'll see if it's worth it in the long run.

 

[JEFFPPC]

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