Test Reports are Golden

[chkunz]

Many years ago I started writing reports on my testing and experiments at the range. Each trip to the range I have a plan for what I am going to do and my objectives even if it is just a practice for an upcoming match. These more routine range trips get a write up in my shooting diary and I refer back to them from time to time.

I also do load development and accuracy testing and sometimes I have questions that interest me that I can investigate like scope tracking, accuracy of electronic targets, a new rifle project, etc. These more significant tests and experiments get the effort of a report.

Before the trip to the range to do the actual testing, I write a draft report with the report basics (test objectives, equipment, procedure, etc.); this helps me think thru the test process, clearly define my test objectives, and helps to assure that I collect all the data that I need to meet my test objectives. Then after the testing is complete, I do the data analysis and add the results, summary, and conclusions to the draft report and after any edits as needed I have the final report.

Once I have the report complete and, on the shelf, it is amazing how many times I find myself going back to the report for reference. Without the report the results would quickly fade from memory. Also, it is easy to share the report with others that may value the data and results.

Many times, I find that I learned something that I did not expect, or I have questions that are the basis for the next experiment and report.

If you have never written a report on your testing and experimentation, I recommend you try it.

 

[Forum Boss]

I also recommend keeping a spreadsheet for load development.

This seems burdensome at first, but it's great to have Velocity, ES/SD, average group size at multiple distances all in one place. And you can quickly compare accuracy for various seating depths. Most spreadsheet programs can generate diagrams as well.

The spreadsheet can also have a field for tuner position.

I've used the spreadsheet to compare data for different front rests and rear bag combos/fill ratios as well. Sometimes the results are surprising.

 

[Todd Earhart]

I've always been a note taker but in February I had a bad head\brain injury. I was in a wheelchair for months and lucky to be alive. I didn't know if I would ever be back to normal life or shooting again. I knew the injury had a big effect on my memory so I had to up my note taking x a lot. I do a lot of wind shooting over flags and it bothered me about my memory but with increased note taking I don't feel like I've lost much. Good post chkunz.
Todd

 

[Shooter13]

I also recommend keeping a spreadsheet for load development.

Care to share the spreadsheet blank?

 

[Bill Norris]

It is very difficult to keep up with load development and performance without notes. I record every load I put together and the performance of that load including date, temp and conditions, tuner settings, etc.

 

[CharlieNC]

Good protocol!

 

[K22]

I've kept a "range book" for as long as I can remember. Like you, my range practice is structured, done with a purpose, and scored. The range notes are helpful to diagnose performance problems or an equipment anomaly. The range notes have definitely helped me become a better marksman.

 

[Jeff Porter]

I was cleaning out some old notebooks today and found some data from a decade ago I was about to repeat…. Forgot I had done that already.

Sucks getting old but a short pencil beats a long memory every time.

 

[snert]

I used to be able to keep crap in my head. Now I keep notes. But I forget I made notes, and where I put them.

I suck

 

[JMayo]

I happen to have found a girly spiral note book left in my truck by my ex's daughter. It became my load book.
So if you see me with it don't assume I'm funny that way ....

 

[ronsatspokane]

I mark the target with caliber, powder, bullet, jump or jam, primer, case then since I use bench rest targets, I mark each of the 6 targets with the charge weight. So I have 6 charge weights for each test and 5 shots per charge. Capture velocities, ES and SD on the labradar. I write the info from the labradar on the target at the end of the test session and save that target if something looks promising. Repeat for other charge weights then repeat with jump/jam until I find what I'm looking for. When I find what I'm looking for I add that to a spread sheet for the caliber, action, barrel and I save the target for a bit but eventually throw it away.

 

[Dave M.]

Many years ago I started writing reports on my testing and experiments at the range. Each trip to the range I have a plan for what I am going to do and my objectives even if it is just a practice for an upcoming match. These more routine range trips get a write up in my shooting diary and I refer back to them from time to time.

I also do load development and accuracy testing and sometimes I have questions that interest me that I can investigate like scope tracking, accuracy of electronic targets, a new rifle project, etc. These more significant tests and experiments get the effort of a report.

Before the trip to the range to do the actual testing, I write a draft report with the report basics (test objectives, equipment, procedure, etc.); this helps me think thru the test process, clearly define my test objectives, and helps to assure that I collect all the data that I need to meet my test objectives. Then after the testing is complete, I do the data analysis and add the results, summary, and conclusions to the draft report and after any edits as needed I have the final report.

Once I have the report complete and, on the shelf, it is amazing how many times I find myself going back to the report for reference. Without the report the results would quickly fade from memory. Also, it is easy to share the report with others that may value the data and results.

Many times, I find that I learned something that I did not expect, or I have questions that are the basis for the next experiment and report.

If you have never written a report on your testing and experimentation, I recommend you try it.

Can you send please attach one for an example. I personally just add everything to my load book, but as an engineer this idea interests me.
Dave

 

[chkunz]

Can you send please attach one for an example. I personally just add everything to my load book, but as an engineer this idea interests me.
Dave

Dave,
I have attached one of the simpler reports. This would probably have just been a diary entry, but the results were not what I was expecting so I put it into a report format. But it will provide you with the report format I use and you can use or modify the format as you like. As an engineer I wrote a lot of technical reports and I find that experience helpful. You also being an engineer may find it suits you also.
Best wishes,
Clyde