What do you guys use for record keeping? I'm thinking an Excel spreadsheet. Is there a template out there somewhere for this I can use on my computer? New to the reloading thing and just asking another question. Thanks

I have one that I use that I will be glad to E-Mail you. It is in Excel.My E-Mail address is listed. roger

Do you have Microsoft Access?

Excel spreadsheet. Different sheet for each gun. Keep track of:

COAL for each type bullet
Date
Bullet brand
Bullet weight
Ballistic Coefficient
COAL
Comparator reading
Powder brand and number
Powder grains
Spread
Velocity
Energy at 300 yards
Drop at 500 yards

And any other notes I deem important

Oh, and when I clean a gun I mark it in between the dates.

19 different guns listed. Like Bartsche I will e-mail it to you if you promise not to duplicate max loads without working up to them. Just use it for a guide.

Thanks Woods, I'd like to see it. I can't remember if my emai's in my profile so it's (kbray2@yahoo.com) Oh, and I wouldn't want to get anywhere near anyone's max loads for quite a while as I'm an FNG to the whole reloading thing.

Pen paper note book very easy

One Very Important Thing. Make sure you back up your data periodically on a disk. I tell my students to do this, but forgot to do it on my loading room computer. Hard disk fried itself. Data, transfered from 1978, was lost. Did manage to recover some from old written files, but was very tedious.

spiral notebook and pen

I take it to the range w/ me to record all load details, velocities, conditions etc.

Then, I have a load book from Bass Pro in which I write the loads that are the most consistent.

Reloader

I use PointBlank. It's a freeware package that you can download off of Huntingnut.com. Load records, ballistics, firearms records and more. You can also print it all out, load by load.

-Steve

5x8 notebook...different one for each gun to track loads and results. Ranges are too windy/dusty for laptops and I would be too tempted to shoot the thing when I get an error message!

hey i use a 3x5 index cards i agree with the others it doesnt hurt to have something else i dont have this yet but from Cabelas in their SHOOTING reloading 2006 cat. they offer a shooters program for windows that looks o.k good luck always recoard, later

I made up forms on the computer and keep everything in a three ring binders. I've made several different versions of targets that have lines for all load data, weather, and # of shots fired since last cleaning. The version that I seem to use the most is a white circle on a black background. Since it is impossible to keep all targets I go through from time to time and keep the last and best targets for each load.

quote:

Originally posted by CRSinTN:
Do you have Microsoft Access?

Have Access. What are you including in the fields? Looking for ideas for Access or Excel.

I took the basic idea in the MTM Handloader's Handbook and modified it a little. On one page, I have lot info, bullet, powder, primer, case (length, weight, comparator and shoulder readings, times fired), and a notes field. The bottom of the page is shooting data - group size, firearm, velocity, and range conditions. Someone who is a little better at Access could probably make it go better. Send me a PM and I'll email what I have to you.