1.) So what do you guys do to keep notes? notebook, xL spreadsheet, 3x5 cards

2.) What info do you capture?

I keep a full notebook of every loading session on a single page.

It logs every component and lot numbers.

It logs measurements and manipulations done to the brass, ie annealed, neck sized, FL size, bushing size, mandrel size.

So I can track any changes that I see at the range or trace any changes that become apparent.

If you drop me an email (listed in my profile), I can forward you a digital Word Document.

Most of my shooting friends call me very anal about this. But, I can see the benefit.

Andrew

I'm interested in the answer to your question as well - especially the spread sheet part.

For pistol rounds, I use a index card as a "build sheet". I list:

Caliber
1) Type if brass whether mixed or one make and x's fired.
2) Bullet weight and manufacturer along with style.
3) Primer.
4) Powder and charge.
5) OAL.

Date and number of rounds in the package are marked at the bottom. Any notes as far as accuracy or reliability go on the bottom of the sheet at time of firing. The sheet then gets filed away in my build sheet box for reference.

For rifle, I shoot at a paper plate with the load data and model rifle on it and then save the paper plate or target to measure or compare at home along with the build sheet.

It's simple and works for me but I'd like to put something on the PC for quick reference.

All chrony data is already in PDF format on my desktop.

I use a 5x8 paper tablet, kept in a cover on my reloading desk.

In the top margin I have the caliber.

On subsequent lines I have;
Bullet
Case
Powder
Primer
COL

Then, I'll have several lines marked 1-5 (sometimes more) with each line indicating the exact powder weight. When I get back from the range I'll make note or a mark next to the powder weight I selected as best.

If I re-write the sheet, I'll skip the numbered lines and just note the weight I have chosen for that particular cartridge.

 
I only load pistol for matches, some some factors are not as important as they are for precision shooters. Brass is usually predominately one brand, but I do mix in cases from factory rounds that I also reload, so brass is not specified. I do mark and keep only my own brass, so there is a provenance to it (how many reloads). I keep a spreadsheet, updated after each new load is worked up/tested. Columns are:
 
Pistol mfg./model
BBL length
Primer mfg./type
Bullet mfg.
Bullet type
Bullet weight
OAL
Crimp size
Powder mfg.
Powder weight
FPS
PF (power factor automatically calculated from bullet weight and fps)
Date
Temperature
Comments
 
The line with the currently used charge is highlighted in color. I keep each caliber on a separate sheet within the spreadsheet.

I keep a large folder with dividers for calibers. In those subsections, I have pages that list what handgun(s) these will be loaded for, date, bullet manufacturer,weight and type-----powder and weight----primer brand and size---the OAL.

Below this information there is space for information as to how it performed.

It is simple, but has worked for me for decades!!

I log all my work in Word documents, don't forget to do a backup a couple times a month.

Excel.
Bullet manufacturer, Nominal bullet weight (weight on the box), Actual bullet weight (average of ten random bullets), Bullet type (lead, jacketed, plated, HP, RN, SWC, etc.), powder, powder (charge) weight, Primer, COL, gun used, Accuracy (generally 5 shot group at 25 yards), Accuracy w/o called flyers, Date shot, and Notes.

I use Excel I set it up for rifle and pistol round count caliber gun manufacturer reloading data per caliber

I am old school, loose leaf notebook. I am also less likely to have technology lose it for me.

For rifle; powder, bullet, case, primer, OAL, groups size & distance & vel & std deviation along with range conditions.
Pretty much the same for pistol but less concerned about range conditions & std dev.

So I scanned the Sierra manual for the calibers I load, then put that into a sheet cover, the. On another page I printed off the recipe I use for that caliber.

COAL
trim
Powder
Weight
Bullet

Then I left space for handwritten notes if needed.

I prefer something I can have right in front of me when loading, and not have to lug the big ole Sierra book around...plus it doesn’t carry info for cast bullets-but my recipe does.

Fast Reference Idea....

I put up a 2ft X 3ft Dry Erase Board. I write down all the current rounds and recipes that I am using. Thus it is easy to refer to the "Board" to get the current plan. When the data changes - erase and re-write. Simple.

Andrew