Shooting Logbooks

[Rudyard]

I head my entering for the particular gun or rifle. giving date 'weather' light' & wind direction & strength' Along with particular range you shot on . Then its powder type, load of it ,the whatever ball or other projectile at what range on what target & its POA & POI normally use the ISU international pistol target at 50 & 100 yds ect , Note flint failures or any such problems . All very ideal but it should give you a start point next time you use that particular rifle . I extend these accounts if hunting with results & conditions . . This is fine & worthwhile but then you get the scary & capable man with one gun & he's as like to take the match ! However it beats the" Er now what did I use last time ?" quandry.
Rudyard

 

[necchi]

my youth muzzleloading group

Here's a hint; "Youth",, aren't and won't be interested in keeping a detailed log of their shooting. They need to be "entertained",, aka; have fun.
As cynthialee stated, keep it simple, a few notes on the target they shot and a folder to save them for later research is all that's needed.
Simple notes, date, ball size, powder charge, patch thickness and lube is about all that's needed.
Complicate it with detailed records, and you'll be helping a complete different group of participants next year,,

 

[Rudyard]

Dear Necchi I take your point but not being youth for some years my comment was more a council of perfection if unlikley to resonate with most of todays youth . Not that I disparage youth if they will listen Im'e happy to talk to the young, Talk too & not talk down . I did keep similar notes when I was young a positive gun nut. Nothing much changed but I don't make 'guns' out of copper pipe anymore .
Regards Rudyard

 

[DuncNZ]

If you want to get really picky, you can track the lot# of your powder.

I have 2 different batch numbers of Goex FFFd and they shoot completely differently I use one batch for competition shooting and one for plinking .

 

[longcruise]

I have 2 different batch numbers of Goex FFFd and they shoot completely differently I use one batch for competition shooting and one for plinking .

I think that's an important but overlooked reality about black powder. Each batch can vary. There are many factors that influence that but I'm not qualified to expound. Some of the European makers even out the quality by mixing batches. Once again, I'm not qualified to say much more.

 

[Rudyard]

I have 2 different batch numbers of Goex FFFd and they shoot completely differently I use one batch for competition shooting and one for plinking .

Very true I got hold of 7 pounds of old 1960s Curtis & Harveys number 4 which was about when they dropped number 4 option .I waited for a hot day and with bowls mixed it all together dried so it was all the same mix and the tins ect marked for what it was . all dry & homoginous. I found that helps it being common for batches to vary .
Regards Rudyard

 

[CookedOff]

Howdy, I agree this form is probably too detailed for a young/casual shooter. But you can use it as an example and built your own using or not using any part of it. Here is the last (I hope) version. It includes a title page:

 

[CookedOff]

Howdy, Okay, Okay this is the last version. I swear (Moma told me to stop or I'd go to Hell). I widened the margins giving more space for entries.

 

[Idaho Ron]

I keep notes every time I shoot a BP rifle. Weather conditions, lead hardness, and distance shot. I give all load data and results.