Reloading, Log Book Suggestions

[sjl127]

Originally Posted by CENTERMAST

check #6 above

Duh. Thank you.

[Xringshooter]

You can buy a reloaders log book from MidwayUSA (IIRC made by MTM) It has loose leaf pages where you can document everything about your specific loads. You can also find reloaders logs at Sportsmens Warehouse, BassPro, and Cabela's to name a few. Most all of the big catalogs carry them too (Natchez, MidSouth Shooters Supply, etc.)

You could also design your own on your computer if you have Word or Excel.

You can get reloaders manuals from every bullet and powder manufacturer. You can get manuals that are caliber specific (they garner info from all the other manuals an publish just the info for one caliber). There are also generic manuals (The ABC's of Reloading comes to mind). "The ABC's..." and the Lyman manual are very good places for reloading information. Most long time reloaders probably have a dozen or more manuals.

[Koli01]

Originally Posted by deafsmithco

I use a note book in addition to the load stickers I put on the box of ammo. Record the following:
caliber
powder: make, type, weight, lot #
primer: make, type, lot#
bullet: make, type, weight, lot,#
case: make, lot# (I don't weigh the case but some do)

How many times the case was fired.
How many times case was trimmed.
Over all length of loaded case.
Muzzle vel.
The firearm it was loaded for.
The date it was loaded.

This all goes in the book along with how well it shoots and any other little tidbits. The stickers get as much as I can fit on them.
It pays to buy in bulk once you find a load you like. Keeping records lets you know exactly what you loaded and how it performed, so you don't have to start from scratch when your cases are empty. You don't have to guess at your brass history, which is important. There can also be a recall on a component you are using, so having lot numbers is very important.

I have never used a commercial log book and don't know what's out there. I
would like to hear methods others use, as I could find a better way.

I would have to say that about covers it.

[DieselPower]

I basically use the same info as above. Only difference is that I use a file card index. I started with a note book and then upgraded to a printed reloading log book. I started using a file card index a couple of years ago and love it. Each gun that I own has it's own place and it's nice to be able to pull the card out when loading. It just seems to work much easier for me.

[deafsmithco]

Originally Posted by DieselPower

I basically use the same info as above. Only difference is that I use a file card index. I started with a note book and then upgraded to a printed reloading log book. I started using a file card index a couple of years ago and love it. Each gun that I own has it's own place and it's nice to be able to pull the card out when loading. It just seems to work much easier for me.

I've been kicking the file card thing around the last few days. Basically a recipe box for the loading bench. Thanks, I think I'll give it a try.

[DieselPower]

Never thought of it like that but that hit the nail on the head. A recipe box for the loading bench.

[sparkz]

The Lee shooter program has a reloading log.I got it for 13.00 . It's cheap and fairly good IMO.

[1927A1]

I've been using the card box for about 10 years now, and it really works. I made dividers by caliber, and a card for each lot of cases. I need to include a spot for chrono readings once I start playing with it. Up until I bought a chrono I just listed book listings for velocity, although I'm sure they very from what the book lists due to different barrel lengths.