I've been keeping track of which guns I try, which ammo, and how I liked them or could handle them.

Keeping track of whether I do better standing in a certain position or sitting, which gun rests, which stools to sit on, how high, etc. Whether I breathe out, in, hold the breath, for how long, etc.

Haven't kept records for scientific comparison, just enough so that I can look back and say, "I've tried that and liked it, or didn't like it."

I keep track of which bullets I do best with at 7 yards and which I can be as good with at 10.

What else is there to keep track of at the range?

Thanks again. I love learning about all these things.

I don't keep a range book now that I'm not shooting in serious competition. I did keep track of scores and conditions then. I do keep a reloading log and a chronograph log, where I note anything relevant. It's a good idea to keep track of what works and what doesn't when you're learning. You'll find a number of tips on shooting away from the bench in this thread.

http://www.shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=4148

Bye
Jack

I tried keeping a range book on several occasions but it never really worked for me. What did work was keeping notes in the plastic ammo cases regarding the performance of the ammo I had loaded and fired at the range. These notes get incorporated into my spread sheets, one for each of the loads I tried. I will archive notes/data sheets for loads that didn't work so well and keep active the ones that do. Each gun has a different file folder with load data and anything else of significance that is related to that gun or ammo.

Jack, thank you for your post, and for the link. That is a very informative, and touching thread. Hope that young cadet is doing well now.

Most of my data is on paper, as computers aren't forever. I use the Lyman Reloading data log book with the tearout sheets, and put the sheets in folders for each calibre and gauge. The chronograph data is logged on a note pad at the range, and the stack of sheets off the notepads is getting pretty deep. Each box or batch of reloads has a lot number which ties the reloading data and chronograph data together. I keep small dBase files on the computer with the bare details only. This makes searches easier, ie, I know I tried that bullet before, but was it in 1999 or 2002?

Bye
Jack

I keep a field book for load development only. I record load data, chrono data and weather info (wind conditions, cloud cover, temp. , etc). I use engineering graph paper (loose leaf form) and an orange target dot for targets. The graph paper has 1" large squares and is subdivided into 5-0.2" sections. This way I can tell easily at the range what kind of groups I'm getting. With this system I can also roughly know the group size by looking through the scope.

The graph paper is 3-hole punched so it goes into a binder (1 binder per caliber) with the date and the field book page number noted. I can then cross reference my actual targets with the load data and weather when it was shot.

I have to admit though that I have to make myself do all of these things and not let it pile up b/c by the time I get to it I've already forgotten what went with what which completely negates keeping field notes.

I need to come up with some sort of computer database so I can cross reference from years past easily as Jack does.

I make notes on the targets I shoot and file the targets in a seperate section for each rifle. The notes on the target is the load data, temp, barometric pressure, relative humidity, wind speed and dirrection. If I find something that works well or shows promise, I put a post-it-note in the reloading manual.

I do have a spiral bound note book but the data is scattered throughout it, much is for rifles I haven't owned for some time. I should use a loose leaf note book, one of those great ideas I probably never get around to doing!:rolleyes:

I don't really keep a notebook, I test one rifle at a time and I write the load data on a sticky label that stays on the plastic cartridge holder. I bought a bunch of replacement stickers to go over the old one.

One of the competition pistol guys that I shoot with keeps a notebook of all his FUBARs. He is really into the competition though.