I just had some friends, knowing that I reload, call and ask me what is the best computer program on which to measure and manage ballistics of ammunition. I don't use such a thing and had no ideas on what to suggest, but I mentioned that I knew a place full of people much wiser than me (here!) that might be able to help. Have any suggestions?

I would recommend the QuickLoad suite of programs.

Spring:
Follow ricciardelli's advive!

muck

Thank you!

quote:

computer program on which to measure and manage ballistics of ammunition

You mentioned "measure." QL will not do this. The only economical way to measure what your loads are doing is a strain gauge combined with a chronograph. RSI makes strain gauges rigs.

QuickLOAD offers a way to estimate loads, pressures (based on the charge), and trajectories. While it is hardly infallible, I rate it the best of the lot (by far) for such work. Digital versions of the Powley Computer for estimating loads and pressures (based on chronograph readings) are available around the web; I'm partial to the one I wrote.

You mentioned "manage." The version of QL I have (admittedly not the most recent) does not keep track of the loads you've worked up. You can do this, of course, in any text editor on your PC.

Another vote for "Quick Load" coupled with actual chronograph verification of velocity.

quote:

Originally posted by Spring:
I just had some friends, knowing that I reload, call and ask me what is the best computer program on which to measure and manage ballistics of ammunition. I don't use such a thing and had no ideas on what to suggest, but I mentioned that I knew a place full of people much wiser than me (here!) that might be able to help. Have any suggestions?

I'm still using Balisti from mid-80s...

spring

If you are looking for a program to help in developing loads, i.e. powder types and weights, QL is a good one, but expensive. On the other hand, if you are interested in external ballistics only, there are several free programs on the various shooting forums. All that you need to use them is a way to determine actual muzzle velocity.

Ray

quote:

Originally posted by Cheechako:
spring

If you are looking for a program to help in developing loads, i.e. powder types and weights, QL is a good one, but expensive. On the other hand, if you are interested in external ballistics only, there are several free programs on the various shooting forums. All that you need to use them is a way to determine actual muzzle velocity.

Ray

For external balistics I use:

JBM Balistics

PS: It will also do internal balistics - I just haven't use that portion.

Ray

That's the one I use too. I found it to be very accurate, providing the data in is good.

Ray