Hunting Forum

Hi all Im new to reloading and was wondering how do you track your loads? is it with a batch numbers, lot numbers or other ways and what type of format is it?

Also how do you record your loads? I have a sheet that has some info on it but wondering what others do.

Thank you for your time and responses

I made up a specific form that I use with each load with all my chrono info, load specifics, and then tape or staple the target to that sheet. Keep them all in a notebook on the reloading bench. Each specific case of shells for that load is marked as to the specifics and date, and the empties go back into that box. The notebook make sit easy to take that info to the range, and not worry about transcribing it into the PC later (did I or didn't I?).

Lyman sells a "Reloaders' Data Book", that I do use, but I made up a large loose leaf note book, were I have cataloged every calibre that I reload for, with seperat sections to each gun in that calibre.
As Jim stated, when I go to the shootin' pit, I do have a note book that I keep notes of all data on new loads. When I get home I transfer that data into my large loose leaf note book.
I pretty well have all the loads that I need, already developed for my firearms now, when I want to reload a fresh batch, I can go to my note book and know what load, which gun likes the best.

I have a 3 ring notebook with pre printed pages (think it's from MTM) that I use to keep track of loads as I test them.  It has room for powder, charge, primer, distance etc.  After I shoot the loads, I record the group size on the data sheet and toss the target.  (Well, OK, I keep the really good ones ) 

Once I have a load I like, that info is recorded on the box the ammo is in using either the labels supplied by the bullet manufacturer or some from a roll that Midway sells.  On the ammo box label, I list bullet, powder type and charge, primer, case, # of times the cases are loaded, # of times they're trimmed, and a lot number. The lot number is assigned by me (1, 2 etc) and those cases are kept together. If I lose a case while hunting, then that lot runs with 19 in it instead of 20.

Dale

thank you guys for the info, but what im really looking for is how do you indentfy the loads weather a lot number, batch number or another way and the format of that system

I have a system you may use.

I load my ammunition in 50 round lots. I buy new brass from a manufacturer such as Remington or Federal or whatever, BUT I keep those fifty in the same box all through their life. All fifty of one batch is loaded to the same spec, same bullet, same primer. That particular load is given a number which is recorded in my load data book.

A box of my ammo has a label on it and that is the caliber and the load designation number. All rounds of a batch are fired until all fifty are used, then that batch gets reloaded to the same spec once again. Any chronograph readings are logged in the load data book for that load and date and ambient temperature fired.

This has worked for me for many years. It is simple, accurate and my load data book has missing pages from loads I no longer use, and gets new pages as I make up new loads, or get a new gun and have loads made up for it. I also like this method as I used to shoot in competition and the label on the box only says: ".44 Rem Mag, Load number 19" so it cuts down on people stealing you load info, and yes, I have known people who did that.

Welcome to the boards msomers24.

As an example 150NosBT54.8IMR4350, or, 150HBTSP50IMR4895, or, 130SFN34W748 ( These are examples only, not necessarly actual loads I use)

150 grn Nosler Ballistic Tip, 54.8 grains of IMR 4350 powder.
150 grain Hornady Boat Tail Spire Point, 50 grains of IMR 4895 powder.
130 grain Speer Flat Nose, 34 grains Winchester 748 powder.

I always use the same primer, so I don't normally make a note of the primer used except in a note book I keep of my pet loads and what has worked well and what didn't.

I don't understand what you mean by 'identify the loads'?

Same cartridge, different bullet or powder?- Different box with load data listed

Same cartridge but different gun?- Use different bullets or mark rifle info on ammo box

Keeping test loads separate?-snack size ziplock for each load with an Avery label from Staples, I hand write the load data on the label and in my log book. You can reuse baggies for long time, just stick a new label over the old one. I'll include a 'load' number on the label and put it on the target too, then I can transfer data all around as needed.

Once I'm done testing loads, I only load the chosen load and keep that ammo in the boxes. If I was loading bigger batches, I would use ammo cans or coffee cans with a label on them.

If you mean something else, please explain.

Dale