Log Book? Necessary?

[CQB45ACP]

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.

View attachment 1125386

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”…

You haven’t automated that door jamb yet?

I bought my present house from my parents in 1987. They bought it new in 1966. On the pantry door jamb is MY weight, height, and date along with that of my older sister & younger brother until we each left home for college. All the trim around those numbers has been painted I don’t know how many times over the years but the “kids’ log book” is original.

 

[CQB45ACP]

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.

True. Not only will it not prevent mistakes it won’t necessarily reveal them either.

John Walker (of the Walker-Whitworth espionage “ring”) kept meticulous logs of his crypto account. It was perfect with every I dotted & T crossed. Met all requirements for account maintenance & record keeping prescribed by higher authorities. His account was such a model for others it “concealed” the one thing he left out—an entry for each time he provided cryptographic key material to the KGB

 

[Bazoo]

I do a combo of both loose leaf binder and a card with load data in each box or bag of ammo. So I keep a page on each caliber and what I try. And on each bullet I use. Then I also keep records if I change my loading techniques. And I keep a page for each gun, what it likes or I’ve tried that it didn’t like. And parts replaced and the like.

The index cards in the ammo boxes are generally my reference for duplicating loads I like. I don’t have a solid system for organizing my go to loads though. I generally try something new after a few boxes to a few hundred.

I generally don’t make loads that would be unsafe in another gun chambered for the cartridge. So if I find a loose 30-30, it’s a safe load for mine or my buddies gun, and not on the ragged edge for just my gun, as an example. I also generally size in a similar manner.

 

[hdbiker]

Big regret after 50 years reloading is not keeping good records

 

[savagelover]

I log everything. Powder used,primer, bullets,oal, muzzle velocity. Number of rounds fired. Then if I sell the rifle,all the data is there,and goes with it.

 

[cfullgraf]

I don’t have a solid system for organizing my go to loads though. I generally try something new after a few boxes to a few hundred.

When I find a good load combination, I add it to my list of “pet loads”. I can refer to it quickly when starting up a new loading session.

In some cases, I may have alternate loads for the same bullet with a different powder so that I can substitute a powder during component shortages without having to do another extensive work up.

I do try different components at times for various reasons and if it ends up being good, it gets added to or replace another load on my list.

As an example, before the 2007-2008 shortages, I had a good 9x19 load with 115 RN bullets. The powder I was using, either AA5 or AA7, was difficult to find. I tried True Blue and now it is my main powder for my 9x19 ammunition.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I haven't bought a centerfire round in nearly 15 years.
And I've never kept a logbook. So no, it isn't necessary.

 

[.38 Special]

I have a book for each individual gun, with a few exceptions. Some of these books are a detailed record of everything that's ever been done to and with the gun, and they are exclusively for "accuracy" rifles. Others are for general purpose revolvers and don't contain much more than date and cost of purchase, any notes about significant work done to them, loads they especially like or dislike, and perhaps game animals taken with them.

As for handloads, I tend to find one or two loads per cartridge and stick with them, at least where handguns are concerned, and so there is no real reason to write them down. Why would I need a written record of 7.5 grains of Unique in a .44 Special, or 2.7 grains of Bullseye in the .38?

Of course, that's changed a bit in this brave new world, and I'm glad to have old records of experimentation with other powders from way back when, as it saves me some time when hunting around for powders to substitute for unavailable ones - like Unique and Bullseye...

 

[cfullgraf]

I have a book for each individual gun, with a few exceptions. Some of these books are a detailed record of everything that's ever been done to and with the gun, and they are exclusively for "accuracy" rifles. Others are for general purpose revolvers and don't contain much more than date and cost of purchase, any notes about significant work done to them, loads they especially like or dislike, and perhaps game animals taken with them.

As for handloads, I tend to find one or two loads per cartridge and stick with them, at least where handguns are concerned, and so there is no real reason to write them down. Why would I need a written record of 7.5 grains of Unique in a .44 Special, or 2.7 grains of Bullseye in the .38?...

Except for keeping track of individual loads for a few specific rifles, I do not log data for each and every rifle that I own.

I find a good load and apply it across all the rifles I have chambered in that cartridge.

I have a couple rifles with special uses. My prairie dog rifle is a long barrel, 204 Ruger AR-15. I have worked with exclusively to maximize its accuracy. I have a second AR-15 that is my back up rifle that shoots my main 204 Ruger rounds well Also a Savage Model 12 that I have shoots the same ammunition well so I have adequate backups when we book a prairie dog adventure. .

I’ve worked up a 30-06 Garand load that works well in my several Garands. It is a close match to military ball ammunition.

 

[murf]

i keep a general journal (chronological) and log everything that happens (e.g. kids birthdays, new born grandkids, detailed account of case prep for the 220 swift improved, detailed account of firelapping the blackhawk pistols, etc.). i also keep every target i shoot (chronological) in three-ring binders (load and chrony data on each one (usually)). and, finally, another three-ring reference binder for lists, charts and experiment data.

the chronological thing is to be able to go from one info set to the other with not much trouble. it is working so far.

murf

 

[cheoah]

I use those smaller sized legal pads and write my notes during load development, then I scan them on the iphone and upload them to dropbox. If that sounds complicated, it aint. Then I pitch the piece of paper after I'm done with that load. I used to take pictures of everything and even used it as a farm management tool. It is basically a visual list and it is also dated/time stamped. But it's only good for day-to-day because it isn't searchable and it is a data hog.

Used to have a little book for shotshell load development and overall I like to write. The hybrid approach works well for me and the end result is easily accessed data from anywhere, searchable, in a folder for respective caliber or firearm etc.

I started a spreadsheet the other day - not the one I've attached here - while working up some loads but I don't know if I'll stick with it. I use the free version of Excel, Libre Office Calc, but it might be a little too much like work. By far the most powerful free tool for anyone that uses data to inform their loading or shooting. I mean, we all do, but once something has chrono'd out where I want it and it chambers and feeds reliably, I'm pretty much done.

Attached is an example of a spreadsheet like this. You set up the template, input your data, chrono or whatever, and it does all kinds of automatic calculations. Check out the different sheet tabs along the bottom for those interested enough to open it. Here's a screenshot so you don't have to bother lol:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/940eg3a1vp3j2jo/Screenshot from 2023-01-05 23-45-44.png?dl=0

The app for the chrono holds a lot of data too and is easy to use, calculates PF. If I can export that out of the app then that's all I need. Edit: It does export easily from app, just did it. That's all I need.

 

[FROGO207]

I use a 3 ring notebook. I keep all the combos I try with each cartridge I reload for with notes for speed, temp, and accuracy. The best/accurate load is on a sheet that has the target stapled to the back. Also a seperate page for an individual firearm if needed. No total inventory for ammo or supplies. I do however carry a list in my wallet of anything I am running low on so that I can refrence it when in the LGS or on line.

 

[kalielkslayer]

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.

After posting this, and reading the responses, you are absolutely right. I’m comfortable with my record keeping. It gives me my best loads, it shows how I got there, it shows what didn’t work. Most importantly, I don’t have to recreate the wheel.

My inventory sucks!!! I look at 2 lbs of powder and my projectiles and say “I’m good.” Then I realize I have 2 other powders for the same caliber and I’m short on projectiles. I buy the projectiles, now I’m short on primers.

But inventory isn’t really a concern.

I can get enough of what I need, for a really long time without any more purchases.

 

[Remington1911]

I do basically what the OP does, I could care less when I buy something and when it gets used.

It is all stored in the same spot, and I try to use the oldest things first. Not that hard at all, just look at the price tags.

 

[cfullgraf]

I do basically what the OP does, I could care less when I buy something and when it gets used.

It is all stored in the same spot, and I try to use the oldest things first. Not that hard at all, just look at the price tags.

I put the month and year of purchase on powder and primer containers. Then I consume the oldest product first.

I buy mostly on-line and they do not generally have price tags on them. In my area, even in the best of times, gun stores aren't worth the powder to blow them up when it comes to reloading components.

Also, every manufacturer has a different date code convention that they use and remembering how to decode them taxes my grey matter.

 

[AJC1]

In some cases, I may have alternate loads for the same bullet with a different powder so that I can substitute a powder during component shortages without having to do another extensive work up.

I do try different components at times for various reasons and if it ends up being good, it gets added to or replace another load on my list..

This is absolutely my load development goal and why logs are sooooooo valuable to me.

 

[Charlie98]

Except for keeping track of individual loads for a few specific rifles, I do not log data for each and every rifle that I own.

I know I should be better about that... but, honestly, I never used to log anything specific to any firearm, most likely because I didn't have more than one of any particular chambering. That's changed a bit... now that I have 3 different .308's, and 5 different AR's. Just yesterday I took my shooter's data spreadsheet and broke it up in .308 and 5.56mm to accommodate the changes in my data and loading.

My load logs save me time, and these days... some components, too. They have also helped me work towards a better load, very often with a different powder... after seeing the noted results with other combinations. Now that I'm shooting the same cartridge between different rifles, I'm using my shooter's notes to develop handloads that work well with all my AR's, for example, and then specific loads for specific rifles... something I've never had to do before.

 

[Remington1911]

I put the month and year of purchase on powder and primer containers. Then I consume the oldest product first.

I buy mostly on-line and they do not generally have price tags on them. In my area, even in the best of times, gun stores aren't worth the powder to blow them up when it comes to reloading components.

Also, every manufacturer has a different date code convention that they use and remembering how to decode them taxes my grey matter.

Good system,

I generally try to do local gun shows, in my little peanut brain I figure the little more they charge is even with or better then the hazmat charges. But you also have to factor in the cost to enter the show, here it is generally $20.

During the shortages I did buy a few things online but not a great deal.

I am lucky enough to have a couple good shops around me. But they really don't do reloading, the big box stores have ben pretty dry around here even to this day when people in other places are finding things.

 

[Remington1911]

This is a pretty good thread with some good info here. Perhaps we should post up or templates for taking notes. When I get home I will try to remember.

 

[CQB45ACP]

I haven't bought a centerfire round in nearly 15 years.
And I've never kept a logbook. So no, it isn't necessary.

Well you see…if you kept a log you could’ve been more precise than just saying “nearly” 15 years. You’d know exactly and we wouldn’t have to wonder.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Well you see…if you kept a log you could’ve been more precise than just saying “nearly” 15 years. You’d know exactly and we wouldn’t have to wonder.

I don't ever wonder. Because I don't care. The time spent logging every round I load would definitely not be worth it to me just to be able to say exactly to the day how long I've been reloading.
I know what loads I like, and that's good enough for me.

I understand that it's not good enough for others, and that's great. Do what works for you.
I certainly understand that some folks like to log it and be able to review it.
I know other folks that meticulously keep up with and log round counts for every gun they have. They can literally tell you to the round how much each gun has been fired.

I don't disparage the practice, just don't feel it's for me.
Who knows? There might come a day where I wish I had.

 

[hdwhit]

I started reloading because my father would not let me spend more than $6 on ammunition each week. And my father was in control since 30 Carbine was considered a "pistol" cartridge and the purchaser had to be over 21 (which I was not).

The local Wal-Mart would sell components (powder, primers, bullets) to anyone at any age, so I became a reloader. But, at 17, my process was haphazard at best.

When I finally "came clean" to my father, he put his PhD in Business to work and made me start keeping records, create reloading procedures, and create checklists.

Records are important because you can't always trust memory for what you did in reloading batch "X" of cartridges.

 

[AJC1]

I don't ever wonder. Because I don't care. The time spent logging every round I load would definitely not be worth it to me just to be able to say exactly to the day how long I've been reloading.
I know what loads I like, and that's good enough for me.

I understand that it's not good enough for others, and that's great. Do what works for you.
I certainly understand that some folks like to log it and be able to review it.
I know other folks that meticulously keep up with and log round counts for every gun they have. They can literally tell you to the round how much each gun has been fired.

I don't disparage the practice, just don't feel it's for me.
Who knows? There might come a day where I wish I had.

I think he was razing you....

 

[AJC1]

This post has no pictures, how do we expect the retired marines to follow along...

 

[CQB45ACP]

I don't ever wonder. Because I don't care. The time spent logging every round I load would definitely not be worth it to me just to be able to say exactly to the day how long I've been reloading.
I know what loads I like, and that's good enough for me.

I understand that it's not good enough for others, and that's great. Do what works for you.
I certainly understand that some folks like to log it and be able to review it.
I know other folks that meticulously keep up with and log round counts for every gun they have. They can literally tell you to the round how much each gun has been fired.

I don't disparage the practice, just don't feel it's for me.
Who knows? There might come a day where I wish I had.

I was joking