{"id":873,"date":"2024-02-10T01:08:37","date_gmt":"2024-02-10T01:08:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=873"},"modified":"2024-02-10T01:08:37","modified_gmt":"2024-02-10T01:08:37","slug":"the-importance-of-recording-your-reloading-data","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=873","title":{"rendered":"The Importance Of Recording Your Reloading Data"},"content":{"rendered":"<div> <!-- image --><\/p>\n<div class=\"td-post-featured-image\">\n<figure> <noscript><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload entry-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-data-feature-1-768x496.jpg\" alt=\"The Importance Of Recording Your Reloading Data\" title=\"The Importance Of Recording Your Reloading Data\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Keeping diligent, easy-to-read records of your handloading efforts can be a boon not only for you, but for future owners of a particular firearm. Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-whether-in-an-excel-spreadsheet-or-in-a-notebook-recording-your-reloading-data-is-invaluable\"><strong>Whether in an Excel spreadsheet or in a notebook, recording your reloading data is invaluable.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>A friend recently purchased a used rifle\u2014a cool, old Remington 700 in the classic .280 Remington\u2014which proved to be particularly finicky. He got his hands on what factory ammunition he could find, and the gun just didn\u2019t seem happy. It was struggling to print 1\u00bd MOA, though the previous owner had insisted it was a \u201ctack driver.\u201d Scratching his head, my pal asked the previous owner exactly what ammunition it shot so well, and the older gentleman proudly told him, \u201cMy handloads.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUm, sir, do you by any chance have that data for the rifle you sold me?\u201d The gentleman proudly nodded in the affirmative and ambled off to find \u201cthe book.\u201d Thumbing through the pages, he stopped on a page that contained a rather detailed record of the old timer\u2019s load development, culminating in the final choice: a 160-grain Nosler Partition over a load of IMR-4350, all sparked by a CCI-200 large rifle primer. Cartridge overall length was also noted, along with a velocity as suggested by whatever reloading manual the gent had used.<\/p>\n<p>My friend brought that data to my shop. With all those components on-hand, in a matter of a half-hour we had some test loads cobbled together, and I sent him on his way to the range. When my phone rang about 90 minutes later, my friend\u2019s elated voice told me all I needed to know\u2014the rifle was shooting as he wanted it to. Three of those classic Noslers were printing groups measuring less than \u215d-inch at the 100-yard target board, and we had a happy camper on the butt end of the rifle \u2026 all because a reloader had the wisdom to keep diligent records.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-data-cartridges.jpg\" alt=\"reloading-data-cartridges\" class=\"wp-image-292452\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-data-cartridges.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-data-cartridges-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-data-cartridges-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-data-cartridges-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-data-cartridges-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">When loading different projectiles for the same cartridge\u2014such as the 180-grain Scirocco and 220-grain Hornady shown here in the .300 Winchester Magnum\u2014it\u2019s good to keep very specific notes regarding all aspects of each load. <em>Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-be-diligent\"><strong>Be Diligent<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Fast-forward to the digital age, where smartphones, voice notes and the evil Excel spreadsheet have all helped to displace handwritten notes, the keeping of records has been both enhanced and diminished equally.<\/p>\n<p>I was raised working as a land surveyor. In that aspect, I have a deep and unwavering respect for keeping detailed and diligent notes, and that undoubtedly carried over to my time as a reloader. Now, with the technological era having firmly taken root\u2014even in the reloading world\u2014there are some wonderful benefits to having these digital tools and the ability to store our data within the machines. However, there are very strong points to be made for keeping a good, old-fashioned notebook for all of your reloading experiences and adventures.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve often referred to reloading manuals as a simple snapshot in time, or a laboratory report of one particular rifle\u2019s interactions with varying combinations of bullet, primer, case brand, and powder type and charge weight. As serious reloaders know, few\u2014if any\u2014loads are universal, as the subtleties involved with the components of the load and the construction of the rifle or handgun can play a huge role in the variations from the listed data in any manual.<\/p>\n<p>So, it\u2019s essentially up to the individual reloader to create their own manual for the firearms they own and load for. Keeping detailed records of both successes and failures will not only shed light on the trials and tribulations of load development, but it will save time in future endeavors.<\/p>\n<p>What data should we be keeping records of? I\u2019m glad you\u2019ve asked.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Redding-Micrometer-Adjustable-Crimp-die.jpg\" alt=\"Redding-Micrometer-Adjustable-Crimp-die\" class=\"wp-image-292451\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Redding-Micrometer-Adjustable-Crimp-die.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Redding-Micrometer-Adjustable-Crimp-die-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Redding-Micrometer-Adjustable-Crimp-die-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Redding-Micrometer-Adjustable-Crimp-die-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Redding-Micrometer-Adjustable-Crimp-die-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Redding-Micrometer-Adjustable-Crimp-die.jpg\" alt=\"Redding-Micrometer-Adjustable-Crimp-die\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-292451\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Redding-Micrometer-Adjustable-Crimp-die.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Redding-Micrometer-Adjustable-Crimp-die-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Redding-Micrometer-Adjustable-Crimp-die-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Redding-Micrometer-Adjustable-Crimp-die-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Redding-Micrometer-Adjustable-Crimp-die-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">With precision tools like the Redding Micrometer Adjustable Crimp die, even more parameters of your handloaded ammo can be recorded. <em>Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-reloading-data-which-numbers-matter\"><strong>Reloading Data: Which Numbers Matter?<\/strong><strong\/><\/h3>\n<p>Quite obviously, for each cartridge loaded for, you\u2019d want to know the case brand; primer brand and type; powder brand and charge weight; bullet brand, make and weight; and seating depth. I also want to see the number of times these cases have been fired and\/or trimmed (if at all), and the depth to which they were trimmed. I want to know whether the bullet has been crimped, whether it was a roll crimp or taper crimp.<\/p>\n<p>For the long-range crowd, the double-rifle shooters or even for the more picayune reloaders, group size and velocity measurements taken at each range session could be recorded, along with the correlative weather conditions, including temperature and humidity, to derive the effects of environmental factors.<\/p>\n<p>For those who make every effort to keep things as consistent as possible, the lot number of the powder used might even be recorded.<\/p>\n<p>Those disciples of the long-range arts are heavily dependent on uniform velocity figures, much more than hunters who spend the vast majority of our time inside of 300 yards. To those \u201creach-out-and-touch-\u2019em\u201d folks, variations of 25 to 50 fps will make a definite difference out past 1,000 yards.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-roll-crimp.jpg\" alt=\"reloading-roll-crimp\" class=\"wp-image-292450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-roll-crimp.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-roll-crimp-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-roll-crimp-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-roll-crimp-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-roll-crimp-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-roll-crimp.jpg\" alt=\"reloading-roll-crimp\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-292450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-roll-crimp.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-roll-crimp-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-roll-crimp-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-roll-crimp-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/reloading-roll-crimp-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A proper roll crimp\u2014as shown here on the hard-kicking .500 Jeffery\u2014requires a balance of case length, bullet seating depth and seating die setup; detailed loading notes can help save time in setting up the needed components. <em>Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For the double rifle crowd\u2014who are aiming for a specific velocity to match the ammunition with which the rifle was regulated\u2014you\u2019ll often see a summer load and a winter load developed. The temperature difference can have a measurable effect on accuracy and how well the two barrels throw their shots.<\/p>\n<p>All this information can be entered into a computer program\u2014I do like Excel for its ease of layout\u2014but I only use the electronic means of storing data as a backup. I still prefer to handwrite my notes, as it allows me to record my thoughts and observations without the confines of a box on a spreadsheet.<\/p>\n<p>And, to me, that notebook is sacred: the one that has all the reports of finally finding the perfect combination, or has the red letters, \u201c<em>DON\u2019T EVER DO THAT AGAIN!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Editor&#8217;s Note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article originally appeared in the March 2024 issue of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gundigestservice.com\/customer\/subscribe.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gun Digest the Magazine<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><strong>More On Reloading:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-39\" style=\"margin: 8px 0; clear: both;\">\n<div style=\"border: 2px solid #e5e5e5; padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #333; text-align: center;\">Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack<\/h2>\n<p>Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter<\/strong> and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- AI CONTENT END 1 --><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Keeping diligent, easy-to-read records of your handloading efforts can be a boon not only for you, but for future owners of a particular firearm. Photo: Massaro Media Group. Whether in an Excel spreadsheet or in a notebook, recording your reloading data is invaluable. A friend recently purchased a used rifle\u2014a cool, old Remington 700 in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":874,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-873","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tactical-gear"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/873","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=873"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/873\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":875,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/873\/revisions\/875"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/874"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=873"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=873"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=873"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}