Reloading (Ballistomania)

Data Capture For Reloading - Part 1a

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Written by: Duns Scotus
Category: Ballistomania
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How to use the Google Sheet linked in the first article:

The Dashboard contains charts which will automatically populate/redraw as you enter data on the Data Entry Sheet. The example data entry sheet, PMC Data Entry B01 is for a fictional box of PMC ammo. The 20 rounds of the ammo will become a fictional Batch 01. For each new batch of ammo or box of ammo, save a new copy of the workbook. Remember to clear the old  data from the new data entry sheet after save it.

E.g. Saving workbook as PMC B01 (with sheets PMC Data Entry B01 and Dashboard PMC B01) would become workbook named PMC B02 (with sheets renamed to PMC Data Entry B02 and Dashboard PMC B02).

There are 9 pieces of information.

  1. Bullet/Cartridge Being used - Usually manufacture, bullet type, and caliber
  2. Bullet weight in grains - how much does this bullet weight? 168 grains? 180 grains?
  3. Groups - if you measure the bullets and you have four rounds that are 2.77" tall, four that are 2.72" tall, etc., group them so that you can see the results of their differences.
  4. Bullet Number - this is so that you can measure before and after dimensions without forgetting which is which.
  5. Seating Depth - if you have the tool, what is the ogive of each bullet? Enter the measurement into the sheet.
  6. Head Space Before - what is the head space of the bullet before you fire it? Enter the measurement into the sheet.
  7. Head Space After - what is the head space of the bullet after you fire it? Enter the measurement into the sheet.
  8. Velocity - optional...if you have a chronograph, record the velocity of each round.
  9. Energy - optional..if you have a chronograph and you record the velocity, this column will automatically calculate and fill for you.
1. PMC Bronze FMJ .308 2. 147  

3.

PMC B01

4.

Bullet Number

5.

Bullet Seating Depth

6.

Headspace Before

7.

Headspace After

8.

Velocity

9.

Energy (ft/lbs)
Group 1
 1          
2          
3          
4          
5          
Group 2
 6          
7          
8          
9          
10          
Group 3
 11          
12          
13          
14          
15          
Group 4
 16          
17          
18          
19          
20          

After you have entered the Pre-Range data, head space before and seating depth, the sheet will automatically calculate the Average, Maximum, Minimum, and Standard Deviation for each. If you have a chronograph, when you enter the velocity data, the Average, Minimum, Maximum, and Standard Deviation will automatically calculate and update the graphs on the Dashboard Page. The same for the Temperature, Humidity, Air Pressure, Dew Point, Visibility graphs. Just enter in the information and the charts will update themselves.

So here is the example sheet filled out with fictitious data going to to the range:

PMC Bronze FMJ .308 147  
PMC B01 Bullet Number Bullet Seating Depth Headspace Before Headspace After Velocity Energy (ft/lbs)
Group 1
 1 1.745 -1      
2 1.745 -1      
3 1.745 -3      
4 1.745 -2      
5 1.745 1      
Group 2
 6 1.72 0      
7 1.72 1      
8 1.72 1      
9 1.72 1      
10 1.72 1      
Group 3
 11 1.77 0      
12 1.77 0      
13 1.77 1      
14 1.77 1      
15 1.77 1      
Group 4
 16 1.73 -1      
17 1.73 1      
18 1.73 -1      
19 1.73 1      
20 1.73 0      

And your graphs look like this:

After the range, when you have entered Atmospheric Data, Head Space After, and Velocity Data, you graphs look like this:

Keep your target or at least take the measurements at the range for your groupings:

 

Target Distance
100 meters		 Group 1 Group 2 Group 3
Precision (in) 1 1.4 0.73
Precision (mm) 2.54 3.556 1.8542
Target Distance
100 meters		 Group 4 Group 5 Group Avg
Precision (in) 0.89 0.5 0.5
Precision (mm) 2.2606 1.27 1.27

 

Reminder of how useful data can be. As a reloader, you are among a community of hundreds of thousands. Everything I have learned, I have learned from someone else. I learned in person, on forums, videos, websites, etc. Besides helping you improve the loads that your rifle loves the most and improving your accuracy, you are able to share what you have learned with others. A chance to give back.

Here's a likely scenario. NOOB buys a .308. She wants to learn to reload. So, some crusty, Copenhagen dipping, social flounder takes her under his fin. And together, they develop a fantastic load of 168 gr. Sierra Match King in .308 sitting on 42.25 grains of IMR 4065 powder, using Federal Gold Medal Match Magnum Primers,  new Starline brass,  with a C.O.A.L. of 2.752". She then posts here data. Her ladder charts. Her rifle barrel, twist rate, etc. You see she has a sub .5" MOA at 200 yards pictures. You read it on a forum. You read further and learn that she went on her first hunt with this round. Shoots a 282 lb. feral hog at 267 yards distance. You have that same rifle and barrel. You now have some real data, some real proof, and a dead pig as motivation and inspiration.