Log Book? Necessary?

[cfullgraf]

I have a log for every round that I have loaded and it dates back to 1980 when I started reloading. It currently is four loose leaf binders divided by handgun cartridges, small bore rifle cartridges, large bore rifle cartridges and shot shells.

I log a lot number, number of rounds loaded and components used. When I chronograph or accuracy check loads I record that information referenced by lot number.

I do not keep written records of inventory or the component lot numbers. I know bench rest shooters get anal on using the same lot number for their components. That is fine and I understand their reasoning. For my shooting, that level of recording is not necessary.

But, record what ever floats your boat as long as you record every reloaded round and the components used. It will save alot of guess work in the future.

 

[Hikingman]

A reloading log isnt for inventory, it is so you have solid information about your loads when you have problems. Make it a point to include lot# of powder & primers. My log dates back to the late 90s. I have often refered to it when making adjustments.

This.
It's been about 15 years of loads, and the first load was #1. It takes no time or thought, pick up a pen. If changing grains used, or type of powder or another variable- it is numbered as the next load. If repeating a load next week, it's a new load listed in the order made, in the log.

Know about bracketing? That's several different charges of powder- say 10-12 rounds of each, list the load number (example #181, #182, #183) in the log. One accurate, relatively medium load maybe what you're seeking. The other two may be inaccurate, or maybe too light for your goal, or two may be very accurate with no noticeable difference. If you don't track it, how do get the load you want, or repeat it, precisely?

Every load # (recipe) lists grains such as 5.1, powder make and type, primer used, brand of brass (sometimes mixed), and quantity/ number of rounds.

There's 2 columns of loads on each side of an 8 1/2 x 11 page in my book- no batteries required. That's about 20 loads total for the 2 sides. If you sell a firearm, you have recipes in the book as a starting point if getting back into that caliber- years later.

How could this not be helpful as a reference/ resource for the 9 or more calibers I've reloaded? The log pages take up practically no shelf space.

 

[Charlie98]

I run several different logs.

Yes, I inventory my primers, powder, bullets, and brass. I keep a record of whats in my ammo cans (typically 7.62mm, and 5.56mm.) Think of it as a reverse shopping list... I know what I have, so next time I go shopping, I know what I need.

As far as a shooters log... yes, absolutely. No, I don't go into infinite detail like some, but I keep track of what load I was shooting, the velocity, the temperature, and in some cases the barrel length. I reference it quite a bit, and more than I would imagine. I also have handloading logs... telling me what I loaded, and the specifics of the actual load. I am not a super detail freak... but I do record things that will help me with load development going forward.

If you are a person that doesn't care about load development, then you can probably get by not running logs; if you are a person that works with your handloads, looking to improve them, or at least adjust them, then you will need logs. Yes, I have everything printed off... I don't like reading things off a computer... and I like a hard copy when I go to the range... so I have worked up some Excel/LibreOffice sheets to keep track of it on the computer, but print off sheets to keep in my logbooks.

 

[Varminterror]

It’s 2023, digital data. I’d have to look to be sure, but my digital load book is somewhere between old enough to smoke and old enough to drink.

A log book will not, in any way, prevent mistakes. It only keeps a record of what was intended, only to the level of assurance that is guaranteed (which is to say NOT so) by manually recording something.

 

[CQB45ACP]

Boy what a topic to bring out the responses. Even wrestling over the correct name for the particular type of record keeping.

Not sure if mine is a log book, more like a reference book, but for each caliber/powder/bullet combination I have a page (just one page) in a 5x7 spiral notebook.

Top of each page has one of MTMs adhesive backed info labels.

It’s primarily factual including powder weight ranges but also brief subjective notes such whether I liked it, was too smokey, muzzle flash, whatever.

Once I have a page, that’s pretty much it for all eternity. No need to change it for my purposes.

I know me pretty well and if I made it anymore detailed it wouldn’t be sustainable—I’d not keep it up and eventually would quit using it altogether.

I also have a one pager (maybe two pages) on my iPad which has much of that same info, with some additional rough inventory info of powders, primers, cases, bullets.

I don’t need a log per se due to my interest/loading habits/processes—just one powder open on the bench until it’s emptied some 1000 rounds later, and I know what I’ve just loaded by looking at what I’ve just loaded.

 

[johnjohn]

I have a loose leaf binder I keep track of all my loads from day 1. Whatever you like,works for me.

 

[Walkalong]

If you don't keep good records, it will bite you in the butt sooner or later

 

[Zendude]

A load log book can be very handy in these days of component shortages. For example, if you are out of powder and the only powder available is one you haven’t used in years, your load log book will tell you what load for that powder you previously found that worked well.

 

[Dogleg7]

What has worked for me for 40+ years is a form I worked up and use. I record EVERY bullet I load. First I write the date. Next the caliber, number of cartridges loaded, bullet used, powder quantity and type, where the loading information came from, primer type, trimmed length, oal, and which gun loaded for. From the date I have a lot number. 1-5-2023 becomes 230105. My form has room for improvement, but it works for me.

 

[Rule3]

I was reading another thread. A log book was mentioned several times. So I have had inventory logs. But I buy components and don’t always add them, thus a new inventory. I don’t remove inventory when I use it. I’ve had inventories of both factory ammunition and reloads. I don’t always subtract when I go hunting, or to the range. New inventory.

But my precautions are; shotgun. 1 powder container out at a time. Whatever powder container is on the shotshell bench is what’s in the hopper. (I learned to not throw it away until the hopper is empty)

Rifle, except.223, are done on a single stage so all powder is returned to the original container when I’m done.

Progressive. As you can see in the photos, the shell plates are marked permanently. The powder is marked with masking tape.

Loaded ammo is marked with all data. I do have a “Log Book” that on keep notes on each load; velocity, group size, OAL, powder, charge, brass. I also keep my old targets during load development. Once I “get” a load, I trash the targets.

But the reference in the other thread seemed to be more about what I actually produced at the bench (s)?

Sell me on the idea of keeping a log; why? What I get out of it? How does it make things safer?

I have a laptop, but don’t sell me on that. I’m old school and if anything, I will do a hard copy log.

I’m open to new ideas, but I have to see a benefit.

Your picture of the label on the box is a "log" in its self.. Take those and put them on a sheet of paper. Make some notes if it was a good load, whatever. You then have a log book.

 

[jmorris]

Sell me on the idea of keeping a log; why? What I get out of it? How does it make things safer?

To err is human. Not exactly a “log book” but there is a door jam in my daughters closet that has record of how tall she was with a date and weight next to the height line. Not that I get anything out of that data or that it makes anyone safer but I can guarantee it’s a more accurate representation of her growth through out the years than I could put together by memory.

Not a chance I could ever remember every load combination I have put together over the last 37 years.

Like back in 2007 when I set out to find a minor SSR load one afternoon. Worked up loads using 4 different powders and 3 different bullets in under 2 hours but would only remember the one I stuck with if I didn’t have that 3 ring binder with me that day…in 20 steps and a little page flipping I could tell you every load and resulting velocity, I tried that day.



But no, it’s not necessary. Lots of people take things they have learned to the grave. The load manual you get your data from is an example of a “log book”…

 

[hoardingthemanual]

I have kept track of every gun related item I have bought since starting this hobby (6 months ago). I keep inventory in Excel. I make pages for firearms, ammo, accessories, cleaning supplies, reloading components, and reloading equipment. Each page has a column for the qty purchased, msrp, units per package, total w/ tax, avg cost per unit, remaining units and misc notes. Each page is also organized by cartridge and other categorization techniques.

I also keep a logbook for every firearm I own- 6 of them. This helps me track the barrel life, repairs, and configurations during the life of the firearm.

Lastly, I keep a general reloading journal for non-specific reloading notes. In my free time, I like to read my various reloading manuals. More often than not, I will learn a gem of information during this extra study time than when Googling a very specific question.

The benefits of this records keeping is it saves me money; I have not bought redundant, duplicate or unnecessary gun items because I can easily see my inventory before spending money. In general, the benefits of record keeping are obvious and plentiful! However, I realize this is my own personal style, and not for everyone.

Please reread the post if you think that I antagonized you and remember I am not the type to go back and forth with you.

 

[GE-Mini-Gun]

I don’t have a logbook per say…I do have a notebook with what works in a particular rifle. My reasoning for having it is twofold…if I get another rifle in that caliber I know where to start with the new gun and saves time in the end. For pistols I kind of have the same thing…I’ve found that most pistols I have shoot the same load across the board as well as others, so I have 2-3 loads for all pistols…a “plinking” load, where I could care less the accuracy of it…prime example…my machinegun load. Hunting load, accurate enough to hit a paper plate at 50-75yds and an accurate load, 2” or under at 50yds.

 

[AJC1]

I have kept track of every gun related item I have bought since starting this hobby (6 months ago). I keep inventory in Excel. I make pages for firearms, ammo, accessories, cleaning supplies, reloading components, and reloading equipment. Each page has a column for the qty purchased, msrp, units per package, total w/ tax, avg cost per unit, remaining units and misc notes. Each page is also organized by cartridge and other categorization techniques.

I also keep a logbook for every firearm I own- 6 of them. This helps me track the barrel life, repairs, and configurations during the life of the firearm.

Lastly, I keep a general reloading journal for non-specific reloading notes. In my free time, I like to read my various reloading manuals. More often than not, I will learn a gem of information during this extra study time than when Googling a very specific question.

The benefits of this records keeping is it saves me money; I have not bought redundant, duplicate or unnecessary gun items because I can easily see my inventory before spending money. In general, the benefits of record keeping are obvious and plentiful! However, I realize this is my own personal style, and not for everyone.

Please reread the post if you think that I antagonized you and remember I am not the type to go back and forth with you.

Well that's not a very effective way of hiding the cost from the wife....

 

[lightman]

In the other thread that you mentioned I posted "record book" I guess I should have said loading log. Its good to have records of past loads and how they performed. I do not keep a log book for inventorying my components.

 

[peels]

Necessary? No.
Useful? Absolutely!

I use an Excel spreadsheet to track pretty much all aspect of reloading. Inventory, cost, load record, usage, accuracy results, chrono data.

I would say most important info being tracked is inventory. Updated inventory let me plan out component purchases to keep up with usage rate.

 

[JFrank]

I have kept track of every gun related item I have bought since starting this hobby (6 months ago). I keep inventory in Excel. I make pages for firearms, ammo, accessories, cleaning supplies, reloading components, and reloading equipment. Each page has a column for the qty purchased, msrp, units per package, total w/ tax, avg cost per unit, remaining units and misc notes. Each page is also organized by cartridge and other categorization techniques.

I also keep a logbook for every firearm I own- 6 of them. This helps me track the barrel life, repairs, and configurations during the life of the firearm.

Lastly, I keep a general reloading journal for non-specific reloading notes. In my free time, I like to read my various reloading manuals. More often than not, I will learn a gem of information during this extra study time than when Googling a very specific question.

The benefits of this records keeping is it saves me money; I have not bought redundant, duplicate or unnecessary gun items because I can easily see my inventory before spending money. In general, the benefits of record keeping are obvious and plentiful! However, I realize this is my own personal style, and not for everyone.

Please reread the post if you think that I antagonized you and remember I am not the type to go back and forth with you.

Excellent ‘ are you using a hyperlink to a results page or extra info page of how the load performs etc. ?

 

[kalielkslayer]

So I guess I already have a “Log Book.” These photos are just random samples.

I guess I overthought this when I read the other thread.

I was thinking a book to log all my “activities” at the bench. Like I said in an earlier post, I have a load development log.

For shotgun I have my load recipes for various hulls and powders.

And, I also have a “not so accurate” inventory of my components. I may sit down and knock out 4-5 boxes of shotshells. I finished one sleeve of primers and used a 2nd. But I never do an inventory correction. I may stumble upon some projectiles I want to try. Buy em, bring ‘em home, put them in their respective “bin” based on caliber, but they won’t get added to the inventory.

 

[Rule3]

 

[dartor]

I have kept track of every gun related item I have bought since starting this hobby (6 months ago).

If I had one of those and the Mrs. found it I'd be in bad shape.

 

[mdi]

One of my best uses for a "log" is I can duplicate good loads and avoid bad loads in the future (My load books go back to the '90s). I record all the load data (date, powder and charge, bullet, lube if loading cast, brass and primer. Also "other" like OAL, etc). After shooting I add results and load performance. I keep a copy in my shop in a bunder and I have the same data on my computer (and on a disc just in case).

 

[CQB45ACP]

I don’t know what to name the records you already keep but I’ll wager those are the records you’re going to keep until you decide organically you want to keep more (or less).

No one is likely to “sell” you or anyone else some new records keeping system that over time you’ll be actually willing to maintain. Might as well try to sell our kids a toothbrushing log and leave it to them to implement.

 

[Blue68f100]

I've gone digital on some record keeping. I find the app "Gun Log" best for tracking ammo a lone with round count on the gun. You just enter the ammo/reload specs and how many. Then when you shoot you record and session which ask for gun/ammo/distance/weather .... and it will subtract from the ammo, adding the total to your round count, take picture of target for record. Good for keeping up with maintenance and inventory of all gun related things. Since it's on my phone I always have it with me.

I still file this info into notebooks as a backup.

 

[cfullgraf]

No one is likely to “sell” you or anyone else some new records keeping system that over time you’ll be actually willing to maintain.

I agree.

I use hand written records because they are kept near my reloading bench, easy to access and I do not have to wait for them to boot. I can easily add extra info for a particular cartridge by passing the pages through a 3-ring binder hole punch.

Other folks like logging their data on a computer in a data base. They take up less physical room, always are legible, one can do search functions and print outs of particular parts of the log are easy.

And then other folks put the reloaded cartridge details on an index cord and store them in a file box.

The list can go on.

One has to find a system that they like and works for them. The main thing is you have to have a system that logs all the information for a particular cartridge that you loaded so that you can go back to the information in the future without having to re-invent "the wheel".

 

[jmorris]

I was thinking a book to log all my “activities” at the bench.

I do that sometimes but not often. When details matter, I’ll right them down or photograph/video them. Sometime’s even when they don’t.

However, I can show anyone how much hold over is needed to hit a 300 yard target (optic zeroed at 100), with a subsonic 405 grain JSP.