New to reloading, How do you track your data?

[Ozzietx]

I am gearing up to begin reloading 10mm auto, and .45 auto.
I have read a number of manuals, and books, but have not really seen a good recommendation on tracking load data. I have most of the equipment including a
chronograph, and want to begin load development. How do y'all track your information
so it makes sense. Do you use an app? If so do you have a recommendation?
Do you use spread sheets that you developed? Do you use a notebook?
If you use a notebook, how do you organize the data so it is easy to reference.
I'm looking for ideas. Maybe some photos. I did do a search, and came up empty. If you need to point me to a link, please feel free to do so.
Thanks in advance.

 

[deemus]

I have a few leftover first grade tablets. When I do my load development I use a page from that. I list the loads on the page. I organize the loads in a plastic ammo box, loading each 5 rounds of each load, highest to lower powder charge, left to right. I load 4 sets of 5 test rounds.

I write the powder charge on each of the four targets, and then fire the test loads at the appropriate target. I normally keep all four targets, and measure at home the tightest group only. But I mark my load page by circling the most accurate load. Then the winning load gets written into my "bible" that contains all the final load data only. Its a small writing pad with a nice cover.

If all my loads were not to my liking, then I setup more loads for testing and repeat the process.

 

[Whistler]

Only thing I'd add is I write the load data on adhesive labels and stick it on the cartridge box when I like it and make a bunch.

 

[baboon]

Reloading has been around before apps!

 

[Rusty Gun]

I made a excellent spreadsheet with each column labeled at the top and I hand write in everything from primer,powder name , powder charge, date loaded, how many where in he batch etc. then on the far right hand side of the sheet I record data from the range. Always me to go back and look at what worked best in different guns. I am sure there is a better way but this works for me.

 

[dee]

Binder with dividers.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[Vaquero]

fill this out and stick it inside the back cover of the reloading manual.

 

[rotor]

Binder with dividers also. Even though I am a computer nerd a binder is all I need. Also printed some of these. Feel free to copy.

 

[TxStetson]

Once I find the load that I like, I do this:

 

[Deavis]

Spreadsheet with all the info and my comments. Easy to sort, easy to find, just back it up.

 

[Dawico]

I write all mine in the back of my manuals. In the notes section.

When doing load development I take notes in a notebook that stays home while I go shoot.

 

[TheMailMan]

Google Drive spreadsheet.

Available on any connected device. I just label the columns and go. I have one that tracks how much I've loaded, one with results, one with load data.

 

[Axxe55]

I'm sort of old school. I write myself notes in load data books. I buy adhesive labels at store that I write the information on that goes onto the box with loaded ammo. I use cheap composition notebooks for use when working up loads during experimentation of bullets or powder. I do have also a three ring binder, with pages that I made on my computer and printer years ago, that lists all the data of known loads for specific guns. Those are part of my permanent reference data for loads I know work. Those are tested and verified loads in a specific gun, that I am able to duplicate.

 

[Joat]

Mostly unorganized sticky notes...

 

[Charlie]

Three by five card stock initially that live in little wooden boxes (in pencil), then to the spread sheet.

 

[Lonesome Dove]

I made notes in my manuals and I label every box I load. I no longer mess with different powders and bullets. I use the chosen and it’s a done deal. Simple is better.

 

[deemus]

Three by five card stock initially that live in little wooden boxes (in pencil), then to the spread sheet.

Not long ago I created a spreadsheet of my loads in my “Bible.” Nice to have the security of knowing I have a list of those loads in case of disaster. I emailed it to myself too in case the laptop is stolen or destroyed.

 

[TexMex247]

I'm another old schooler when it comes to reload data. Binders with labels moved from boxes to pages after shooting. I thinks it's also a good idea to get a chronograph and use it. Ill also take my pasted targets and tape them to the pages by the data.

Eventually I tab and sort pages for quick reference. I also take every rifle I load for and measure freebore before I load for it.

Lastly when I find a factory load my gun likes I measure all exterior dimensions including the bullets ogives with a Hornady gauge.

 

[Gummi Bear]

I’m a bit of both.

I keep a binder, separated by caliber. Each caliber has notes for whatever rifle or pistol I’m loading for (me, my daughter, brother and dad). I also have a reloading file folder on my computer with notes, articles, pictures and more.

I keep notes in my phone and a notepad when shooting development loads. I also take pictures.

I make a chamber measuring tool (split the neck on a fired case to measure the depth to the lands). I keep this with my reloading tools.

I get reloading info from website, forum, and reloading manuals. My go-to is the Hodgdon website, then I compare to books and other sources.



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau