I have recently started reloading and have only been jotting down things like powder type, bullet brand & weight, overall length, weight of charge used, and some notes of problems encountered during loading and shooting. What sort of things should I keep track of? Is there a computer program worth considering?
What sort of data do you track in your loadbook?
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OP
I have recently started reloading and have only been jotting down things like powder type, bullet brand & weight, overall length, weight of charge used, and some notes of problems encountered during loading and shooting. What sort of things should I keep track of? Is there a computer program worth considering?
I always chrono, and include data on gun (brand, model, barrel length) and temp data.
I also keep track of lot # of powder, since that often explains differences.
Chronos have taught me how much chrono readings vary with specific gun and ambient temp.
Lots of powder vary slightly in burn rate and density, so volume measures and chrono data need to be updated as necessary with lot changes if you are working close to max or trying to keep a specific power factor.
Ditto to the handwritten notebook unless you have the Oehler PBL (no longer manufactured) to record and print data.
I also keep track of lot # of powder, since that often explains differences.
Chronos have taught me how much chrono readings vary with specific gun and ambient temp.
Lots of powder vary slightly in burn rate and density, so volume measures and chrono data need to be updated as necessary with lot changes if you are working close to max or trying to keep a specific power factor.
Ditto to the handwritten notebook unless you have the Oehler PBL (no longer manufactured) to record and print data.
keppelj
Member
Depends on your patience. If you want bullets to do the same thing time after time you need to keep track of everything that matters: case head stamp and trim length, bullet mfgr and weight, bullet type, powder type and weight, OAL, primer brand. Write it down. I prefer a machine rest and shoot even numbers of tenths of a grain from min to max recommended loads. I repeat that and look for the smallest group to appear twice at the same powder weight. Then I test the odd tenth of a grain on either side of the even one I settled on. I keep all the targets with the data written on them for reference.
Sgt Preston
Member
Sgt Preston here. I start with the date. I list the caliber, bullet weight, bullet manufacturer, powder manufacture & powder type, the charge weight, the overall length & the crimp diameter, number of pieces & I make notes if I had any loading "issues". I only have 1 powder dispensor & it is equipped with a calibrated dispensor dial, so I also list the dispensor wheel setting. www.mrdial.com. I also include a small piece of paper with all this info in each bullet box. Hope this helps. Sgt Preston USMC LLA
Wheelgunner840
Member
I keep it simple. Each caliber has it's own section in a loose leaf binder. I have printed data from the online powder manufacturers for each caliber (for reference) and I have blank pages that I fill in with the following data.
-Bullet type and weight.
-Powder type.
-Weight of powder charge.
-Actual velocity as shot over my chronograph.
I will usually make a notation as to which type gun was used to test velocity, and it's barrel length.
That's about it. When I am working up a new load, I use this binder of data along with powder manufacturer pamphlets and reloading manuals for cross referencing.
As the Sgt. mentions above, each storage box has a label affixed to it stating exactly what combination of componants make up the rounds within.
WG840
-Bullet type and weight.
-Powder type.
-Weight of powder charge.
-Actual velocity as shot over my chronograph.
I will usually make a notation as to which type gun was used to test velocity, and it's barrel length.
That's about it. When I am working up a new load, I use this binder of data along with powder manufacturer pamphlets and reloading manuals for cross referencing.
As the Sgt. mentions above, each storage box has a label affixed to it stating exactly what combination of componants make up the rounds within.
WG840
Beans
Member
Email sent with sample of Excell data reloading sheet
Along with most of the stuff mentioned, I jot down what I was trying to do and why. Lots of times, just writing something like "reach 3,000 fps with a 150-gr. bullet in a 30/06" makes me reconsider, saving huge amounts of time. If I decide to go ahead anyway and it doesn't work out, and I decide later to try again, my notes show where I should to pick up, or that I already answered the question.
Also, I keep all of my notes in Word documents, so they're searchable. At the end of the year, I print out a hard copy in case the computer crashes.
Okie John
Also, I keep all of my notes in Word documents, so they're searchable. At the end of the year, I print out a hard copy in case the computer crashes.
Okie John
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
Date, caliber, bullet type & weight & compound (cast-plated-jacketed), powder type & weight, case type, primer brand & type, firearm used, chrono high-low-avg-ES-SD, accuracy, special notes:recoil-temperature-feeding problems, STUFF!
There is a free program available to shooter/reloaders. It's called "Reloader's Reference" and is available here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/reloadersrfrnce/
Just be ready for about an hours worth of download time!
Lots of stuff in there, lots more than just a reloading tracker. Best of all its free!
There is a free program available to shooter/reloaders. It's called "Reloader's Reference" and is available here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/reloadersrfrnce/
Just be ready for about an hours worth of download time!
Lots of stuff in there, lots more than just a reloading tracker. Best of all its free!
rewster
Member
My spreadsheet has the following.
Date
Caliber
Powder and grains
Bullet type
Weight
Mfg
Brass mfg
Number of times fired
Trim to length
COL
Remarks
Also each caliber has a set of index cards that go back to the first load used. The cards have the above info on it and notes as to which ones performed better, etc. Actually the info on the cards is what I use to complete the spreadsheet. The cards for some calibers are further broken down into things like 30-06 Savage/30-06 M1/30-06 A303.
Date
Caliber
Powder and grains
Bullet type
Weight
Mfg
Brass mfg
Number of times fired
Trim to length
COL
Remarks
Also each caliber has a set of index cards that go back to the first load used. The cards have the above info on it and notes as to which ones performed better, etc. Actually the info on the cards is what I use to complete the spreadsheet. The cards for some calibers are further broken down into things like 30-06 Savage/30-06 M1/30-06 A303.
dennis40x
US Veteran
I maintain a limited database of standard loadings. Don’t consider myself to be a Handloader more of a Reloader. My approach is different then those that are concerned with extreme accuracy. Yes accuracy has its place. I believe in practical accuracy. Get out from behind the bench/mechanical rests/ sand bags stand up and shoot. I don’t care what your load did in one particular handgun. You’ll gain my attention by telling me what your load did with several different handguns of the same caliber/cartridge over an extended period of time. To that end one 8 ½ X 11 sheet of paper lists all the loading information I need to know for the 45ACP – 44Spl – 38Spl & 9mm Luger.
OP
I'm loading for IDPA/USPSA, primarily for two guns both identical. I never thought about powder lot numbers, I can see where that could be useful. I don't have a chronograph, but that will be something to save for. Rifle loads have different data requirements, but I shoot 300 rounds a week so I use up ammo fast enough that I don't mark the boxes as to powder type/amount. But I want to track as much data as I can, so in the future when I experiment with other powders I will have the info for comparison.
Sgt Preston
Member
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
I guess I finally figured out the point of Dennis' thread where this question was posed. I'm just a little dense, like others!
There is a place for load development though. Case in point, new firearm. Case in point, one caliber-one gun-revisiting old data.
As to the first case I just got a new firearm. One of the new Glock 22s with the stippling and slide grooves. I am going to shoot this in PPC at some point and am going to need a load. I also am going to carry this as a CCW, that will need load development as well. During those times I guess I am a handloader. Once those loads are developed I am a reloader until I decide I am going to use a different powder or primer or bullet to see if I can improve upon a load. Once you are getting one hole groups at 20 yards you need something else to work on. I understand both of Sgt and Dennis' points and agree. I'm just a little different. From not so old of a Jarhead!
Sgt Preston
Member
Sgt Preston back again. Skip the conversation on what to or not to write in our log books, just took a little turn & diversion as verbal conversations normally do. Obviously we all need to research loads for new guns & verify that they in fact really do work. Heaven knows I've had to break down 700 45ACP's that worked perfectly in my 1911, but would absolutely NOT cycle my brand new PC 945. However at some point, we quickly find a load that will both cycle our guns & produce "reasonable" accuracy. At that point I'm mostly a shooter who reloads to feed my gun. The question is what is "reasonable" accuracy & how much time & effort one spends looking for "The Load". Semper Fi Youngun! Sgt Preston USMC LLA
