Your reloading / shooting logbook

[Shooter13]

I use Excel. I have a different tab/sheet for each caliber I load for.

I keep track of the obvious data you'd expect.....bullet and weight, powder, charge, COL, BTO, etc. etc. And I have columns for velocity (when I'm working up loads) and comments in general. I'll shade loads that perform well in green.....and really bad ones in red.

The somewhat-unique (I think) thing I do is make a "batch number" for everything i load - based on the date I loaded it....such as 20190708-01 or 20190708-02. This way I can label the ammo box with minimal data....but it links back to all the details in my spredsheet. the "-01' and so-on designations are for those scenarios where I have multiple loading sessions in one day.

Could I get a copy of that? I've been looking and just dread making it as I'm not great with excel. Send to crum.frankie@gmail.com if you are so inclined, thanks,

 

[jimbo88mm]

Several years ago I made a relational database with Access to keep my reloading data. I even started a thread and uploaded a blank copy of it to this forum. It's probably still out there.

It started out mostly as a fun project while I was learning how to use Access. I still use it today.... although it turned out to be the last thing I ever created with Access.

 

[Jammer Six]

I did the same thing with Filemaker! (We run Macs.)

It was a truly relational problem, and I learned a lot about relationships and data models!

 

[xswanted]

I use a notebook for each rifle.

I keep track from round 1 and notate things like load development and round count. General info on the gun is kept as well suck as a scope change or stock change.

I also record atmospheric info each time I shoot as well as actual adjustments needed versus what my ballistics program gives me.

It’s not as organized as a spreadsheet but it works well for me.

 

[AckleymanII]

I use a three ring binder. Every load tried is documented on just std note book paper. Groups are cut off the target and glued on the notebook paper.

Several things have become critical to keep track of:

COal of the bullet to the lands when new
COal of the current loads tried-distance from lands
bushing sizes used
Primers make a difference
Wind directions that day, wind speed, and temperature
brand of cases
case prep notes, full length size, neck size, shoulder bump, brand of dies used if I have more than one brand

This information can be transferred to any other form you want

 

[ballisticxlr]

I publish ReloadingXLR just for this. It's free and has a ton of utilities inside it. Loading log, shot log, string/comparative/cumulative statistics, graphs, reloading cost calculator, weapon database, unit conversions, box labels and more.

Download at https://ballisticxlr.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/reloadingxlr_v3.3.xlsx
Other free spreadsheet downloads: https://ballisticxlr.com/ballisticxlr-support/

 

[hicap40]

that is COOL

 

[Texas10]

What would be really cool, and probably the next great tool to come along, would be a mini-weather station on the range near your wind flags (or maybe a component of a wind flag) that would report temp, wind direction, speed, etc at the moment of the shot which would then correlate with the POI as recorded in real time by a target cam and a shot detector near the barrel (to differentiate from other shooters). Result: a comprehensive atmospheric model in real time and its effect on shot placement, downloadable to a spread sheet with ballistic calculator modeling. Oh, and maybe include a strain gage on the barrel also to record pressure, barrel time, etc.

Imagine all of that wrapped up in a chronograph that sits on the bench next to you while shooting.

 

[rwj]

What would be really cool, and probably the next great tool to come along, would be a mini-weather station on the range near your wind flags (or maybe a component of a wind flag) that would report temp, wind direction, speed, etc at the moment of the shot which would then correlate with the POI as recorded in real time by a target cam and a shot detector near the barrel (to differentiate from other shooters). Result: a comprehensive atmospheric model in real time and its effect on shot placement, downloadable to a spread sheet with ballistic calculator modeling. Oh, and maybe include a strain gage on the barrel also to record pressure, barrel time, etc.

Imagine all of that wrapped up in a chronograph that sits on the bench next to you while shooting.

All that’s missing is a guidance feedback loop to the projectile!

 

[ballisticxlr]

A bunch of years back I created an electronic device and software which used an Arduino and Raspberry Pi to run a weapon integrated sensor system including a primitive but surprisingly effective visible laser interferometry device to measure downrange mirage, an integrated wind speed sensor (which was buggy as hell), temp sensors, angle & motion sensors, magnetometer and other stuff to get environmental data and a spin-on chronograph (it looked a bit like a tiny suppressor) to get MV data. It would store record data when triggered by sensing the blast overpressure event in the chronograph module. The user could then input hit or miss and an angular measure of where the shot landed compared to POA. The statistics package then analyzed the data and would give the shooter a hit probability for subsequent shots. Each shot added to the data and refined the next prediction. It included a strain gauge which I never really got to work correctly. It generally worked well for an R&D model but the I ended the project for a lot of reasons only some of which were technical.

 

[Davey Boy]

I publish ReloadingXLR just for this. It's free and has a ton of utilities inside it. Loading log, shot log, string/comparative/cumulative statistics, graphs, reloading cost calculator, weapon database, unit conversions, box labels and more.

Download at https://ballisticxlr.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/reloadingxlr_v3.3.xlsx
Other free spreadsheet downloads: https://ballisticxlr.com/ballisticxlr-support/

Wow now that is a serious spreadsheet, kudos to you for sharing it.
Website and review of the Spartan cleaner were great reading.
Thank you

 

[ballisticxlr]

Thanks very much! It's really nice to get feedback. If you think of things that can be usefully added or enhanced shoot an email to ballisticxlr at gmail and I'll do what I can.

 

[Metal God]

Pen and paper then three ring binder .

My data sheet is this (both sides ) for a total of 4 data entry's

I then use these targets at 100 and 200yds

They are both placed in a corresponding binder labeled for a specific firearm or type of firearms . Like , AR load data , Handgun Load data . There is an index and or tabs on the pages to separate calibers or powders etc depending on the data book . Makes for reasonably quick referencing .

I'm thinking of stream lining the data log . In most cases I don't need 4 different entry's when doing load development per paper . Things like Bullet and type , Powder , cases , COAL , Primers , Distance of target nd a few others things only need to be mentioned once per sheet of paper . I then can have individual notes for each charge tested .

This is what my ammo box generally will look like or close to it

 

[ballisticxlr]

You've got logging down pat. What about analytics?

 

[Metal God]

You've got logging down pat. What about analytics?

Not sure who that's directed at but I'll admit my analytics although antiquate are lacking some . I do like some of those programs I see guys using that analyze the group size . I've never researched them enough to even know where to start though .

 

[Jammer Six]

No need to do research.

Just go here, download, and do a small bit of reading: https://ontargetshooting.com/

 

[bloc]

I did the same thing with Filemaker! (We run Macs.)

It was a truly relational problem, and I learned a lot about relationships and data models!

I use FMP too. Though I once created a relational DB with it, for my reloading records/shooting results I simply use it as a flat file.

IMO, there is a little bit of a learning curve to setting up a Flat File db, but it's much easier than building a relational db if you're new to dbs.

I feel FMP has several advantages over Excel (which I used extensively for other purposes back in the day).

1) I created and use pull-down menus in most of my fields. What that means is that every one of my fields will have exactly the same entry style and data for each item. To me, that's huge. (I can add items - say a new powder - to a pull-down menu easy as pie.)

For example, I avoid missing data on searches because my entry terms are consistent for each item. (When I create a record, I always enter H 4895, never H4895 or H-4895.)

2) I can import a scan of my group for each record. It's very nice to have a picture right next to the group size.

3) I can search quickly and efficiently using a whole variety of operators (<, >, ≤, ≥, range, date, etc.) in whichever search fields I choose.

4) Like Excel, I can enter formulas in fields (I convert "inches and distance" to MOA).

Just my way of doing things.

 

[rardoin]

Sinclair published an excellent reloading log book in a spiral bound form. I made photocopies on medium cardstock printed my charge weight test targets on the same. I kept the target and the associated log together in a 3 ring binder. Alas, Sinclair no longer sells the logbook. I have a JPEG file that I used for printing it but I fear I would violate copyright laws if posted on a public forum. If you can find a copy it is very useful.

Robin