I have started keeping my handloading data on a excel spreadsheet - nothing fancy. I found it as an easy way to keep good records of what works, as well as what loads I have tried that didn' work.

I was wondering if anyone had a good excel spreadsheet or other record keeping method they would like to share.

Thanks!

In my current profession, we live and die with Excel. I guess it has carried over into my personal life as well. I generally have one file per caliber...and one tab per bullet type within that file. Everytime I load with that particular bullet I log it on that tab along with group size...yada...yada. It keeps things neat and organized just remember to back it up from time to time. Losing all my load data would make me one mean hombre.

quote:

I have started keeping my handloading data on a excel spreadsheet -

Exactly what I do

quote:

Originally posted by JMJ888:
In my current profession, we live and die with Excel. I guess it has carried over into my personal life as well. I generally have one file per caliber...and one tab per bullet type within that file. Everytime I load with that particular bullet I log it on that tab along with group size...yada...yada. It keeps things neat and organized just remember to back it up from time to time. Losing all my load data would make me one mean hombre.

So you probably even have charts for bullet drop and the whole nine yards. Cool.

Anyone want to share their Ecel files w/ someone who is Excel challenged?

Hey fredj and jmj888

I use an excel spreadsheet and would send it to you as an e-mail attachment. Mine is probably not as good as yours jmj888. Essentially it just contains a separate sheet for each gun. On each sheet I keep:

Measurement to lands for each different bullet
Magazine overall length

and for each load I keep:

Date
Bullet type
Bullet weight
Ballistic Coefficient
Powder
Grains
COAL
Comparator reading the bullet is seated at
Spread of 4 shot group
Velocity (when my chronographed worked)
Energy at 300 yds
Drop at 500 yds

I would be interested to see your spreadsheet jmj

PM me and I will send you my e-mail address.

While I may be proficient at Excel...I still abide by the KISS principle (keep it simple stupid). No crazy Microsoft magic...mostly data entry. There are too many ballistic programs available where somebody else has done all the grunt work for you. This is the data I usually input on a page:

Date load was shot
Approx Weather conditions
Wind direction and est. speed
Powder type
Charge
COL"
Group size
Approx velocity from load manual...need a chrono
Any significant notes - usually signs of pressure...yada yada.

As my load development progresses for each bullet type then I continue it down the page. That way, when I have questions later on, I can go back and reference. I find that if I write it in a book, it gets filed away in a closet, the attic, or ends up left on a bench at the range.

I list the following

Bullet
Weight
Powder
Weight
Primer
Case
COL
Accuracy
Velocity
Energy
Remarks (for anything out of the ordinary)

I know it seems like a lot but it is super simple.

Has anybody takin a lot at the Point Blank program? I have used it and like it a lot. It has a very detailed record keeping, and a bunch more...its at http://huntingnut.com/

Hell I thought when I typed my notes over and filed them in plastic sheets in three ringed binder with the targets I was the shit. LOL I keep all the same info if that makes any difference.

I also recommend PointBlank. It's free and has most everything I need to keep track of and more.

-Steve

That is about what I keep on the paper (gasp!!!) sheet I fill out as I work up the load and when I come back from the range, I cut out the groups and tape them to the data sheet so I have instant reference to them. Guess you could scan the target and import it into EXCEL. I'd use my computer too except it is in the house and all my reloading stuff is in the garage. Plus, while reloading, I can grab the 3-ring binder and check stuff easily.

Gasp!!!!!!!!! Then how come I am still using paper???

LLS

All I can say is I'm a dumbass. Thank Christ I remember to use those small POS stickers that come with my plastic cartridge boxes.

If I hadn't put them on the boxes after I loaded shells.......I'd wonder which torn piece of looseleaf paper was my load.

And Thank You Mike for that Rigby data......I agree that excel spread sheet is the way to go.

I would be interested in someone emailing me there Excel sheet if possible! Why reinvent the wheel.
If you are using point blank you may try importing PB data into excel as commma delimited file to keep it in one format. Just my .02
James

If you go to http://stevespages.com/page8b.htm you will find quite a few downloads which pertain to shooting and reloading.

The one I like for record keeping is Rob's Reloading Organizer.

Thanks Steve,
Will have to take a look. You are always a step ahead of us. Need to start putting mine in .xls
And thanks woods for your .xls Looked great!
James