Paper Records or Computer files for Documenting Loads?

[Siskiyou]

 
The other day I was digging in my 300 Savage inventory and brought out some miscellaneous reloads.  They were the left over’s from loaded development back in the early 1980’s.  Typically I would load a series of loads starting low and working to maximum.  Normally I would do this in groups of five and identify them with color coded primers and grains written on the side of cases with a felt tip.  This old files still exist for me to refer. 

I entered the computer generation about 30-years ago.  My paper records have out survived my different computers many times over.  My computer records that have survived are the result of me printing out the data and putting in my loading binder.  My earliest ballistics program was from Barnes and I liked its features.  As Microsoft changed its operating system the program was not compatible.  When I called Barnes about fixes I encountered very poor customer service attitude.  Rudeness did not sell the next generation.  And I bought Sierra, and then another generation of Sierra.  The often referred to Constitution is written on paper and is still with us over 200 years.

The problem with computer programs is the technology grows and replaced by the next generation.  Or the hard drive crashes and the data is lost.  Paper and pen has to be the best medium for storing data.  I have been scanning my Chrony sheets on to my computer and then placing the original sheet in my reloading binder.
 
The record sheet on the side of the plastic 20-round box was gone.  Inside were six live rounds and 14 empty cases.  There was still faded color on the primers and I could make out the grains on the side of the cases.  (Now days I use better Sharpie felt-tips.)   Old data labels from bullet manufactures seem to have a short life span and some of my older data labels put on load boxes using Scotch tape suffer tape failure after a few years. 
 
I fell back to my original notes kept in a binder.  Information was short of what I record now days but helpful.  I admit to not being the record keeper many of my club members are.  In those days I was using Herter’s 101 powder what is an IMR4320 data powder, IMR4320 and IMR4064 for 300 Savage and 30-30 loads.  The notes show that I was using CCI 200 primers and a mix of cases.  In the plastic box were loaded rounds with different bullets.  The bullets with a cannelure were clearly Hornady but I was not 100% sure on the bullets without a cannelure.  I had open boxes of both 150-grain Speer and Sierra bullets without cannelures.  A check with the binder shows that I had loaded Speer bullets and Hornady bullets.  One of the notes said, “Hornady 150 IMR4064 Accurate.”  I determined the bullets were 150-grain Speer after looking at my notes and examining the loads.

I am forever bugging a brother about recording what he loads.  Recently we were at the range and I was firing his Mark X 8mm—06 Ackley Improved over my Chrony.  He handed me a box of freshly loaded ammunition.  There was no label on the box.  He gave up the information so I could fill out the Chrony form.    While the load was accurate at 50-yards the Standard Deviation was out of bounds.  We agreed that a different powder might resolve the issue.  I think he was using a too slow burning powder for the caliber and case capacity combination.   He was using H4831 with a 200-grain bullet.  He said he looked for IMR4064 and could not find any.  I suggested that he try WW760/H414.
 
When he left for home he had the Chrony Data sheet in hand.  And his parting words were that he would return on another day with a couple rifles with loads for testing.  I also offered some BLC-(2)
 
I wish I had kept track of what I had paid for the five hundred bulk 165-grain Remington C-L I bought in the early 1980’s.  I gave some to my SIL, loaded some, and still have some for my needs.  I believe the box of twenty I loaded last week cost me about $3.00. 

[Oldshooter]

My paper records have out survived my different computers many times over.  My computer records that have survived are the result of me printing out the data and putting in my loading binder.

Very true ! I have to keep written records these days cause my memory is now in my cell phone! Without it I cant even tell you my phone number!
 
Good read, Thanks for the post!

[FPH]

When I had my stroke, my Wife was told I would either not survive or become a vegatable.  My BIL deconstructed my reloading equipment, destroyed my powder supply, and worst of all thru away the binder which held all my pet loads.  Now I get to find powder and start working up loads,,,,,,,keep two copies of your records, wish I did.

[LaOtto222]

There are many ways to keep records. It is true that paper will last a long time. I have had computers since the 80's and have kept records on them too. In the early days, I saved the info on floppy disks. As the technology improved so did my storage methods. Now I use rewritable CD's to store information, but you can use the "cloud" now and store information off site. As far as software is concerned, it is a bane of new operating systems and more powerful computers. The software companies could update their programs to be compatible with new computers, but then they could not make more money. They purposely write new software to force you to buy upgrades, to keep the money flowing in and to pay the bills. I am old fashion in many ways and prefer the old ways of doing things. I have load data right in the plastic cartridge cases. When i get low on ammo, I refer to the load label and load up some more. When I develop a load for a new gun, I tear down the left overs and reuse the componets. I then load up several boxes of the new load and when I get low, refer to the label as to what to load. I say do what you fell comfortable with, be it log books, computer programs, spread sheet or the cloud. I would suggest using more than one method, Justin Case.

Good Shooting and Good Luck