How do you keep track of your loads? Especially, how do you track the number of times brass has been reloaded?

The answer may be too involved and lengthy for this forum. Private e-mails or links to web-based resources are welcome.

Thanks.

I just made up some forms.

Two separate forms. One lists loads (all components & lot numbers). The other form is for each lot of brass (so I can track how many times it's been fired & trimmed. Each form has space for extra notes, and I just keep everything in a 3-ring binder.

To label the ammo, then all I need is the ammo lot number, & brass lot number, and I can look up the rest as needed.

That should do it. Doesn't have to be complicated, just make sure you gather any/all useful information. If you can recreate the load later with all of the information in your records, then you did it right.

Simply make a mark on the label of each container for each time reloaded. Nothing complicated - sort brass by manufacturer.

Also----
Keeping paper or electronic records are all very good and obvious. One thing I've noticed whenever this question comes up is that the need for containers for the brass is not mentioned.
You need enough to be confident that your not accidentally mixing upthe old with the new. And good lables on the boxes. It gets extra tiresome when they need cleaning and the batches are small.
Not one of the most fun parts for me.
Pepe Ray

This is a good starting place..

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/pdf/load_notes.pdf

I use the Lyman Reloading Data Log. There's spaces for lot # of all the components as well as the data on the Beartooth sheets. The pages are loose-leaf, so you can pull out the pages and use a folder for each calibre you load.

I also keep a parallel small dBase database with just the date needed for label printing. It's quicker for data retrieval than leafing through pages. Number of reloads for metallics are kept in both files, paper and computer. Each batch gets a lot number too.

Winchester 20 gauge shells are shot until the crimp splits, which doesn't take long. Remington 12 gauge boxes are marked with the reload count.

Bye
Jack

Thanks for the thoughts.

I have the load data worked out, just looking for ideas on physically managing brass. Pepe Ray has reinforced my idea of keeping brass in the same container throughout its useful life.

thanks

naumann...

A while back I asked the same question and here is how I ended up taking care of the task. I have two, 1 qt. storage bags for every "lot" of brass. I assign each "lot" a number that identifies it and then label the two bags with that number. One bag is labeled "Clean" and the other "Used". I keep an index card in the "Clean" bag that has the details of each lot's life recorded for reference. To keep the number of times the brass has been reloaded consistant, I completely empty the "Clean" bag before the brass in the "Used" bag hits the tumbler.

My wife found some wicker baskets that look nice and fit well in the storage area below my reloading bench. This basket has about 3500 cases, all cataloged, stored in it.

Michael

Metallic cases are kept in the original box, if it's usable. Otherwise it's in the plastic shell boxes. Every box has a label with the load data and lot number on it, so it's just a matter of looking up the number of reloads in the log books or computer database.

Bye
Jack