Reloading data notes

[JCSC]

I wanted to throw out a public service announcement for other new or newer reloaders. I started loading about 8 years ago and I like to think that I have continually developed my craft to that point that I make some good ammo for my needs.

I recently decided to build an excel database to log all my handwritten notes and to catalog my weapons, serial numbers, etc.

MY LOAD NOTES FOR THE FIRST FEW YEARS ARE HORRIBLE!!!! I started with my 270 and I will really need to rework some of the loads, just to capture the data properly.

I wanted to stress to any beginners, the importance of following a template or standard of some sort, right from scratch! Between my penmanship and rambling notes, it was almost comical. My thoughts immediately slipped to one of my children trying to interpret it my logs after my departure and it would have been akin to reading hyroglifics.

Just some friendly advice from a growing rookie and I welcome any veteran comments that may help other members of the group.

 

[stonebuster]

As a beginner waiting for components to arrive for my first reloading venture I will find a suitable notebook to make detailed notes. You and others have stressed the importance of good notes right from the start. Thanks.

 

[Laphroaig]

Good notes are critical. As much as we think we can remember things, we don't. As an example, I was looking for some .223 brass recently to work up some loads for a bolt rifle. I found a bag of nice looking LC84 brass that I had previously loaded for my AR but had abandoned years ago. I was about to trim and anneal it, when I looked at the history in my notes. I found it was loaded 8 times and I noted the primer pockets were loose in the last load. To the scrap bucket, and I saved myself some brass prep time that would have been wasted.

 

[Blue68f100]

One note that most do not keep is lot numbers. This is very important if you start blowing primers with loads that never did. If you into the precision world, you will have a very detailed note of all components since a single change can/will open a group up.

Record keeping is/should be a requirement.

 

[PWC]

The biggest lie I tell myself is "l'll remember that".

 

[Ru4real]

I’ve converted all of my notes from paper to electronic, backed up to the cloud. Mostly because paper became too hard to manage, and the paper info is in my reloading room 99% of the time and I’m not.

Each record includes what I’ve tried, what works and what I’d like to try. Powder, case, bullet, primer, OAL, group sizes, avg velocity, standard deviation, pressure signs, etc.

Trajectory tables for the bullets I’m using.
Shows what I need to replenish.
Gun serial numbers, photos, etc.
Info on how gun acquired, paid, modifications, etc, family history for handed down guns.
It’s simple to switch on sharing with my kids, for example.

At LGS and they have IMR-3031? Check my record.
Elk hunting and I’ve forgotten the drop at 300y? Check my record. (I used to put info on stock)
See friend in LGS asking about 223? SMS text them my 223 record on the spot to give them my opinion.