Is there any real value in archival load data?

[Milo 2.0]

I'm going with no, it would serve little purpose for myself. I have quite a memory though. I'm not one who experiments much with diff powders, or bullets much. Hybrids for the most part here, I have 3 powders on hand for long range rds, 4 types would be max, Fed match primers.
Being every barrel is different, you start fresh each time, but having ball park numbers is wise. I can usually remember that part, plus I utilize QL a lot.

 

[Damon555]

You guys need to get with the times and keep your records in a database like Access or at least keep them in a spreadsheet like Excel or Google Sheets.

I agree.....but looking back at all my information, which is well organized and neatly stored, I doubt I'll be able to just toss all those targets. It should also be mentioned that I've almost always used quality paper for my targets....whether it be card stock or heavy papered mass produced targets I always appreciated nice round holes cut in the paper......I know these aren't really good reasons to keep the actual hard copies but just let me rationalize somehow!......

Creating a spreadsheet to hold all that information would be simple enough. Scanning them might also be a good idea.

I figured it was going overboard by saving the actual targets. As long as I have my climate controlled 200 square foot man cave to practice my hobby and store the information (electronically or otherwise) I'll probably just continue as always.

It's interesting to read how you guys are keeping your records too....

 

[Laurie]

Not worthless info. I have the same type of records& refer to it to see if I have tried a load before etc.

Same here. It's surprising how often I think I might try something, but when I refer to my notes discover I've already done it. Sometimes, leaving it as a 'do a bit more / fine-tune job' which I never got around to but can now pick up on right where I left off rather than starting afresh. More usually, showing it was useless and as such I've just banished it from my mind.

Of course, old age and memory loss have a lot to do with this forgetfulness business too.

As others have said too, it's often valuable to be able to compare recent efforts with earlier ones, even to see how a barrel is holding up in terms of MVs and groups with a favourite match load compared to when it was near new. I've long learned to be very wary of memory in terms of standards / performance. My first half decent factory rifle was a Remington 700VS in 223 Rem bought new exactly 20 years ago. My memory long said it was a half-MOA rifle shot at 100 prone off a Harris bipod with 3-9X40 scope on a sheltered range ........... then I looked up my records for that rifle one day. It might have produced ONE half-MOA 5-shot group in three or four years. In reality, three-quarters was a good result and there were a LOT of one and a bit more inch groups. (Shows how standards have moved on - the then new PSS and VS rifles were state of the art and head and shoulders above other factory jobs, but a factory rifle that would put three shots into an inch and a half at 100 was regarded as a good 'un prior to these heavier barrel H-S Precision stock / bedding block designs.)

 

[nmkid]

I have a little black book filled with shooting nonsense. LOL. I even have targets from 1972!

 

[mike a]

The value of it? I say you've had 20 years of doing this and I bet you've had loads of fun doing it. No need to look for its value. It's in your heart. Keep doing what makes you happy. Mike A

 

[Barlow]

Yes, if you remember to look at it. Barlow

 

[Damon555]

The value of it? I say you've had 20 years of doing this and I bet you've had loads of fun doing it. No need to look for its value. It's in your heart. Keep doing what makes you happy. Mike A

Considering the fact that I've done very little formal shooting outside of competitive rim fire matches when I was in high school reloading for me has been all for fun. The most interesting part about getting a new rifle (or handgun for that matter) is figuring out how to load for it. It seems that I never stop looking for that magical load.....whether I've already worked up a very good one or not the testing continues. I have a never ending supply of competition.....Myself!

 

[nfa1eab]

I keep a shot log in excel for each rifle/barrel. Each time I log number of rounds with all component and load data and chrono data if done, as well as range and scores all on one line. Separate line for each load fired, even if same day. Keeps a running total of rounds fired, and easy reference to past loads and scores. I shoot sling XTC, Mid-range, and Long-range prone events. I also keep a spreadsheet for chrono data for each rifle/barrel with conditions and group size. Pretty simple. But good historic data.
I also log sight zero's for scope and iron for each match and range. Easy to print a page and insert with score sheets for reference at match. Mid-range and Long-range you may have irons and scope matches over the course of fire. On-Target software used to be free. It does a nice job of scanning groups and measuring them. Works for me. I basically can't remember who I am sometimes.

 

[Murray Brook]

Keep track of every load I load, even the fouler shots as I am generally testing something at the time. Keep all records in a book along with the cut-out group taped by the load. I feel you can never have enough info espically if you rebarrel to the same cartridge. I have always found that in general what works for one barrel is a good stating place for the new one.

 

[retired]

yep i keep a book an each gun. log almost everything.
as a rule i do not keep targets, the data goes in the log.
i have kept a couple of targets, but very few.

 

[rotts4u]

I have a little black book filled with shooting nonsense. LOL. I even have targets from 1972!

My load data only goes back to 1987. I feel like an amateur now.

 

[Steve Ladino]

Many of you have been reloading much longer than me and it made me wonder how you guys have managed to keep records over the years?.....If you managed to document everything well is it of any real value to anyone other than yourself?

I ask this because I was going over some old load data and noticed that I have managed to save and for the most part document every target I've ever used for load testing.......I often think that I've overdone it but suspect that there are others out there who have kept track similarly.

You haven't overdone it as they had value at the time they were shot but if you don't reference them occasionally then their value is questionable, to me anyway.

Hard copies of more than 20 years worth of reloading.......These individual targets are recent and all have the load info on them.......this has been my method of record keeping basically from day 1....

Is it all just worthless information that I've held on to for all these years?

 

[jepp2]

I write the particulars on the target and take a photo, recycle the targets.

I do something similar except I scan my targets (recycle the paper) and store them on the NAS. I just find it more useful to run through the targets when deciding on a new load, than reading my spreadsheets. I was getting a pretty large stack of paper targets (that I didn't have organized) and wasn't using them. Now I use the stored images before every new load.

 

[Barlow]

My load data only goes back to 1987. I feel like an amateur now.

1977 for me. Barlow

 

[Damon555]

I knew some of you fellas had been at it for a long long time!