How do you organize your handload data?

[Fyathyrio]

OK, when I had one caliber to load for, and only one type of bullet and primer and powder...notes on a piece of paper worked great. With only a couple strings in the chrony, it's easy to remember what it's for. Then I added a second caliber, it's still OK. Now I'm about to get into rifle reloading, and also branching out into different types of projectiles and the scraps of paper method just isn't gonna cut it!

How do you guys keep track of this? Does somebody have a spreadsheet or similar that allows for notes and stuff? Somebody sell software that can track and allow chrony data and stuff? I can use Excel, but I'd need somebody standing next to me with a fire extinguisher just in case I set the computer ablaze!

Thanks,
Mark

[Jonathan Doe]

I put a loading data sticker on my ammo box when I reload. I also mark how many times the brass has been reloaded.

I also have gun books I record shots and load info.

[Bug Splat]

I will whip up a number of batches and separate them into different ammo boxes. Each box gets a piece of masking tape that has all the load data on it. I head off the range and fire each box and record the load on each target as well as the FPS, temp, wind. I then go home and cut each target out and measure the group size and compare the spent cases for each target for pressure signs. If the groups look good and the cases look good I will hang the winning target cut out (normally 3"X3") on my wall just above my reloading bench. Each gun has a part of that wall and so I can see what powders/bullets shot best at a glance. If I want to know what shot best out of my Savage shooting 40gr V-maxs I can peek at my wall and see all the targets with group sizes and the load that did it.

I'm a very visual person so log books and index cards never really worked for me. I like seeing the group size and load data side by side. Once I found a load that works I almost never switch. Each gun has its intended use and I match a bullet type to that use. In my bench guns I will never waste time trying to find a hunting load for it. Its a bench gun and that's all it will spend its barrel life doing. If I change the intended job of that firearms I will find a new load that fits that need and stick with it. Because each gun is different I have no use in recording load data for future rifles in the same caliber. A new firearm or barrel means I start from scratch and find the load the it likes.

[Fjold]

I have a notebook that I take to the range (since 1981 or so) when I'm trying loads. As I shoot I enter the velocity, standard deviation (for long range loads), group size, etc.

Later I enter any data that I want to keep into an Excel spreadsheet.

[10fcp]

I cut these out along with my targets and put them in those clear plastic sleeves inside a binder. I will then put dividers in to segragete calibers and bullet weights.

[10fcp]

Try this

[scrappy]

I downloaded some software called ReloadBench from here:

http://www.stevespages.com/page8b.htm

It's kinda like online index cards...I'm fairly new to reloading, but I like tracking my loads with this software.

[RaymondMillbrae]

I'm not really sure what you are asking...but here's the method I use.

1) First I keep good notes in the LOAD BOOKS manuals I use. I keep very detailed notes in the "notes section" for each caliber I reload for.

2) I also make cards for each caliber and load. I will then place them in plastic covers attached to a small chain or tie-down. When I am NOT using the toolhead, I place the card onto the toolhead when it is put away. (This way I know the load data the toolhead was last used for). And when I am actually reloading on the press, I remove the card from the toolhead and affix it to the casefeeder, right in front of my face. This way I know exactly what I am currently reloading for.

Keep everything organized, and you should be "G to G".

Shoot with a purpose.

In Christ: Raymond

PS: The little circles are just to remind me which way to turn the powder screw to increase/decrease the powder charge.

[Fyathyrio]

Sorry if I was unclear, I do keep a record in each box of ammo I make with all the info. What I was asking was how to keep the historical records and include chrono data and stuff. Looks like the software linked will do the job, and also thanks for the reload log page! The liink to Steve's pages should give me enough to stay entertained for a while to find the one I like.

Thanks,
Mark

[Timberwolf]

I keep my recipes on 3X5 index cards in a card box - they are sperated by caliber, then by brass type (Fed, Lapua, winchester etc.). On the card I have the basic recipe plus for my rifles lot number of powder and primer, and case weight, velocity, avg group size and any notes

[WileyWilly]

In a loose-leaf binder with caliber separation dividers. I keep notes on recipes and what works in what firearm.
WW

[Chris M]

Right now, I'm keeping all my data in an Excel Spreadsheet, but eventually, I think it'll get a little too big to easily be able to retrieve data.

I've thought about creating a reloading database in MS Access.

A couple years ago I put together an access database that keeps track of firearm usage. It stores detailed round count data, so I can know how many rounds have been fired from each firearm, and even the type of ammo. Maybe I should just expand this DB to include reload data.

[JamesY]

I keep it in an Excel spreadsheet. I will be making an Access database for it eventually as well.

[JamesY]

A couple years ago I put together an access database that keeps track of firearm usage. It stores detailed round count data, so I can know how many rounds have been fired from each firearm, and even the type of ammo. Maybe I should just expand this DB to include reload data.

Great idea. I'm sure you can link the firearms to the loads you've done and create a nifty report. I'll probably do the same when i have time on my hands. I'm also going to create a DB to track what firearms I have in the safe along with serial #s in case on gets stolen or lost in a boating accident

[Voo]

I just started using excel to record my info. I had it on some graph paper but that got dirty pretty quick.

When I chrono, I simply write down the times on a piece of scrap paper or enter it into my iPhone as "notes". I later input all the data into excel. Once there I start adding rows/columns for any info I see fit. ie. powder, powder charge OAL, primer, bullet used, gun used.. etc etc any and all info as once you input it into excel, it's ridiculously easy to manipulate the data to get whatever info you need.. Std Dev, average velocity, average velocity per grain, etc etc.

Im moderately competent when it comes to using excel but even if you're not, you can always try to google your way to a solution if you get stuck.