Rather than hijack Tony357's post (http://njgunforums.c...gh-your-pistol/) I thought it makes sense to start a new topic where people can share how they keep track of the number of rounds they have fired, what software they have tried, what worked, what didn't etc.

 

I've recently been trying many different brands/models of ammunition so I've been keeping very specific checks on what I've been shooting. Over the last 2 months I typically put ~300 rounds into my range bag for a range visit. Rather than write in a notepad, or try and use a smart phone at the range I will bring back the empty and partially full cardboard boxes and use this to help count the number of rounds fired. I usually shoot the full set of 50 rounds in a box (or 20 for Hollow Points), however on the occasion where I only shoot a partial box (e.g. on a training course) I will write on the inside flap of the cardboard box how many rounds are left so I know for next time.

 

If I have any failures at the range I will write it on the inside of the cardboard box flap for the ammunition in question, e.g. 1 x FTF. I therefore will know which brand/model and batch number the failure occurred with. So far though I have had no failures. Up until now I have only been taking one firearm to the range, however this will be changing soon so I will adapt to capture which firearm e.g. PPQ, P226 I was firing the ammunition with.

 

When I get home, I put the empty ammunition boxes on my desk, open up my spreadsheet and enter the information, it takes maybe 2-3 minutes.

 

I've tried 'GunLog' for the iPhone/iPad. The application has good potential and let's you capture lots of information about your range visits etc, even allows you to take a photo of the target and attach it etc. I just found it was too cumbersome to use quickly. The number of clicks/taps needed to enter a range visit was too many and I've now stopped using it. I do keep a check on the changes in the updated versions, however for now I don't see it as suitable for my needs.

 

I've therefore gone back to trusty Excel. I've created a spreadsheet that let's me quickly capture my range visits, what ammunition and how many rounds I fired through which firearm and whether Hollow Point or not, also how many failures and the type of failure. The spreadsheet also allows me to enter who fired the rounds (hidden column C) if I wish to get to that level of detail. The information is then summarized on the first tab.

 

I've attached the spreadsheet, feel free to use or not, modify or not etc. There are some further changes I will be making to it over the Christmas period.

1. Possibly remove the hard coding for the gun model in the summary tab. Albeit as I am not adding new firearms every week it isn't much of a pain to cut and paste, then edit the new row.
   
2. Possibly move all the data entry for all firearms onto a single tab, rather than a separate tab for each firearm. Pros and Cons of both methods however it may make solving 1. easier.
   
3. Include which magazine number the failure happened on
   
4. Possibly include a pivot table/chart to allow some further drill down from the summary page
   
5. Possibly include the ability to add any major cleaning/changes to a firearm e.g. changing/replacing springs
   
6. other stuff I've not thought of yet.
   

hth

 

TheWombat

 

note: I have removed the personal information from the spreadsheet and added in some dummy data in places.

Shooting Summary.zip

I don't keep track of how many rounds that I've shot through each of my guns and I have no intentions to do so. I don't reload and I don't count. I just shoot and shoot and shoot.

saw yesterdays thread about the Kimber. I am thinking about starting a log myself however mine would also include a section for ammo type (brand, weight, etc..)

Thanks for sharing your file.

I have been keeping a round count on my kimber to change the recoil after 800rnds replaced this week at 1000 rnds.

i have been putting it on a piece of papaer and keeping it with the gun.

 

about 10 years ago my brother had given me a hornady reloading and data program but i do not know where i put it i had it installed on my old computer and used the reloading data part of the program that computer is long gone..That had a logging program installed that i did not use.

The only one of my weapons I keep track of shots fired is my match rifle.

Everything else, just blast away until they melt

i have a massive database i built in excel that allows me to enter the actual rounds in inventory, and it allows me to keep track i can open up to the man sheet and see an exact number of all the current round in inventory broken down by caliber on the main page, then on the sub pages (for example 308) i list who the mfg was, MAL, DAG, PPU, RG etic.

The new beretta shotguns kinda have a cool feature forgot what its called but it keeps track of all that info they call it some kind of pod

i have a massive database i built in excel that allows me to enter the actual rounds in inventory, and it allows me to keep track i can open up to the man sheet and see an exact number of all the current round in inventory broken down by caliber on the main page, then on the sub pages (for example 308) i list who the mfg was, MAL, DAG, PPU, RG etic.

 

Is it just you in the family that shoots? I had started to do this, however since both me and MrsWombat shoot it is much easier for the inventory to get out of step. I will probably look to add this back into my spreadsheet over the Christmas break since we are now settling down on a smaller number of ammo brands/models rather than the initial buy 2 boxes of everything in the calibers we use to see which we like.

 

TheWombat

When you go to the range, separate the ammo you will use in each gun. You can use the box the ammo came in or just use zip lock bags. This way you know exactly how many rounds you used for each gun after the session.

 

I use the spreadsheet in google docs to keep track. This way it will always be there no matter which computer you are on and you can update it whenever wherever.

I had read that page a few days ago, I was about to use a pen and paper....how out dated. Thanks for sharing the file!

 

 

One odd thing. Entering the date as "11/23/2011" out puts ###########. Put in any other date, and the correct output shows up.

I had read that page a few days ago, I was about to use a pen and paper....how out dated. Thanks for sharing the file!

 

 

One odd thing. Entering the date as "11/23/2011" out puts ###########. Put in any other date, and the correct output shows up.

 

Just make the column wider (drag it wider at the top of the column). It is because 11/23/2011 = 'Wednesday, November 23, 2011' which is wider than the current column width. It is purely cosmetic in how Excel indicates the data is wider than the cell/column width currently visible, the date is correctly recorded in the cell.

 

TheWombat

When you go to the range, separate the ammo you will use in each gun. You can use the box the ammo came in or just use zip lock bags. This way you know exactly how many rounds you used for each gun after the session.

 

I use the spreadsheet in google docs to keep track. This way it will always be there no matter which computer you are on and you can update it whenever wherever.

 

Good idea. I used DropBox and Excel (rather than Google Docs) to ensure any important files are available wherever I am, however it is the same result of having the flexibility. As I received a big discount on Office 2010 I use that at home, as it removes any importing/exporting issues since I also use it at work.

 

TheWombat

The only one of my weapons I keep track of shots fired is my match rifle.

Everything else, just blast away until they melt

 

I was thinking the same.. I could see keeping track of ammunition based on performance when you are talking about something purpose built like a match rifle.. but an SKS for example.. that I am just blasting surplus through.. what does it really matter.. if i have issues with a certain brand.. I will normally just avoid it in the future... I see the ease in use of this.. I am an excel nut.. but I just don't get the overall benefit? like any ammo could be bad at any one time.. and knowing that on jan 15th 2011 two rounds from box 123xyz of golden tiger failed to fire seems kind of moot? not knocking your system.. like I said I love excel I use it for a ton of stuff.. just don't get what you are trying to figure out.. for the most part.. if you want reliable ammo.. you know what to buy.. if you just want plinking junk ammo.. well you probably know what to buy in that regard as well..

Since I'm still relatively new to shooting, I've been keeping track of rounds fired on a notepad file. I note malfunctions also.

I was thinking the same.. I could see keeping track of ammunition based on performance when you are talking about something purpose built like a match rifle.. but an SKS for example.. that I am just blasting surplus through.. what does it really matter.. if i have issues with a certain brand.. I will normally just avoid it in the future... I see the ease in use of this.. I am an excel nut.. but I just don't get the overall benefit? like any ammo could be bad at any one time.. and knowing that on jan 15th 2011 two rounds from box 123xyz of golden tiger failed to fire seems kind of moot? not knocking your system.. like I said I love excel I use it for a ton of stuff.. just don't get what you are trying to figure out.. for the most part.. if you want reliable ammo.. you know what to buy.. if you just want plinking junk ammo.. well you probably know what to buy in that regard as well..

 

Since I'm new to shooting, for me the interest in how many rounds I've fired through each firearm, and the trends I am seeing is curiosity as much as anything else. I'm into data analytics so this is just an extension of that. While I may not reach 120,000+ rounds through a single firearm I am curious and interested in how many rounds I do shoot over the coming years.

 

I'm assuming that there are a reasonable percentage of people who do keep track based on the number of applications being sold to track this type of information?

 

TheWombat

I keep track but in a far more informal manner.. for the most part I buy ammo in bulk.. 500-1000 rounds.. so when it is gone.. I know I shot that much.. coupled with how many times I make those large purchases.. I can get a fair idea of how much ammo I have put through a gun... my firearms are mostly military style weapons... so they are mostly fed decent quality bulk ammo.. malfunction is not really a factor for me.. so it is just hard to be focused on it.. with lets say an AK.. because it will not reach end of life in my lifetime.. so knowing just how many have been through it.. 2100? 2300? it just doesnt matter that much.. even when it comes to precision guns.. about the only gun I shoot for high accuracy is my AR chambered in 308.. and well I shoot Hornady.. so it is consistent.. and failures are really nonexistent..

 

I am sure there are people keeping track.. I was just trying to understand why.. guns as long as you take care of them.. are fairly service free.. and when things DO need to be replaced.. the gun normally lets you know...an extractor for example..

 

so like I said.. not knocking you.. but was just curious as to the reason.. in case it was something relevant to me.. thats all..

Spreadsheet detailed by firearm, caliber, and ammunition, keeping track of rounds fired and remaining, both specifically, per caliber, and overall.

with all that said.. if I reloaded.. I would probably be insanely anal about it.. so I could figure out what I do right.. or wrong..

I used to care when I started shooting. Then a I realized I rather spend my time doing something else so I now keep a ROUGH mental count based on the number of bullet cases (at around 2500 bullets per case) I've reloaded for each gun.

 

For anything but a hyper-match barrels or hyper-speed cartridges that like to burn out barrels, keeping track of rounds fire doesn't serve a purpose I can think of. But if it makes you happy, go right ahead ..

_{Wow, being a newbie, I'm sure I don't know my a** from a hole in the ground as it relates to this topic, but how do you guys actually find time to shoot between re-loading, counting bullets, keeping logs, etc? Seriously. I prefer spending my time actually shooting, not worrying about how many rounds went down-range and logging what I have, etc.}

_{Wow, being a newbie, I'm sure I don't know my a** from a hole in the ground as it relates to this topic, but how do you guys actually find time to shoot between re-loading, counting bullets, keeping logs, etc? Seriously. I prefer spending my time actually shooting, not worrying about how many rounds went down-range and logging what I have, etc.}

 

I don't count mine, I can give an approximate for each gun but as I get older my tracking system might not work as well.

 

My guess is most will go to the range with say, 4 6 or or however many boxes and when they are done shooting see what they have left and log that, I doubt many, if any one is sitting there checking and recording each and every round as they fire.

I'm counting. It's not really that hard or time consuming. Allows me to keep a good record in case of failure, resale whatever. It's like selling a used car. Takes me a few minutes after I get home from the range usually while or just before/after cleaning my guns and putting them away. Sure... I probably don't NEED to do it... but it's just another part of the hobby, and a learning tool.

 

 

 

_{Wow, being a newbie, I'm sure I don't know my a** from a hole in the ground as it relates to this topic, but how do you guys actually find time to shoot between re-loading, counting bullets, keeping logs, etc? Seriously. I prefer spending my time actually shooting, not worrying about how many rounds went down-range and logging what I have, etc.}

Is it just you in the family that shoots? I had started to do this, however since both me and MrsWombat shoot it is much easier for the inventory to get out of step. I will probably look to add this back into my spreadsheet over the Christmas break since we are now settling down on a smaller number of ammo brands/models rather than the initial buy 2 boxes of everything in the calibers we use to see which we like.

 

TheWombat

 

it depends, some times its me, some times its friends, and family a mix.

 

what i do is i count the boxes i take out.

 

For example when goign to the range i will do a count of boxes of ammo going to the range, and then i count the difference when i get back.

 

example 40 rounds of MAL, and 120 of HXP, and when i get home i still have 20 round of MAL, and 100 of HXP, i mark it as such, and say that 20 round of MAL were removed from what ever said container it was.

 

The indivigual tabs on each caliber will note the number of rounds, the mfg, and the container it is in, the ammo can's are all classified using a 3 digit code,

 

 

For example, each ammo can is marked on the one side with the code, the first one is the caliber class, the second is typically a 0 denoting that it is a older can, and the 3rd one is the number.

 

each class is denoted as follows

 

1=303 british

2=308 NATO

3=30-06

5=12ga shotgun

6=20ga shotgun

 

for example

 

206=2 caliber 308, and it is the 6th ammo container with ammunition of that caliber.

the difference is with shotguns

 

501a=5=12ga, 01 is first container, and class a is gun club load, b, is slug, c is buckshot etic.

 

 

but what about container that have multiple calibers then, well i have what i call MX(mixed lot) and AP(Accessory Pack) cans, MX stands for mixed lot, meaning mixed calibers, then it has a number after it example

 

MX-1 is the first container of mixed lot,, etic.

AP-1 is the Accessory Pack, and contains a M-14 magazine, a few en-blocs, stripper clips etic, for use, this way i only need to grab my guns, the AP-1 can and make up another can with the ammo im using.

 

 

The glory of all of this is i can then subtract the numbers from the individual sheets based on what can i took it out of.

 

 

Just make the column wider (drag it wider at the top of the column). It is because 11/23/2011 = 'Wednesday, November 23, 2011' which is wider than the current column width. It is purely cosmetic in how Excel indicates the data is wider than the cell/column width currently visible, the date is correctly recorded in the cell.

 

TheWombat

 

 

you could also just double click on the column head and it will re size accordingly.

I just estimate. I buy all my ammo by the bulk, and as Vlad said, once 500rds is gone...well then, I went through 500rds.

 

In my arsenal, my Maverick 88 has the most rounds through it. I estimate approximately 17k rounds right now, and it should near 20k by the spring with shooting clays this winter.

 

My 75b doesn't have much, but the most out of all my pistols. I estimate it to have about 6k through it so far.

Cool, I use Excel similar to this. Different tabs for different guns. On top header before the table I put my serial number, when & where it was purchased, price, etc... its easier having in a central repository than digging through files or eyeballing each gun.

The location and rounds used are helpful too. I prefer being in control and knowing everything than guessing - but that's just me ;-)

Also, if I intend to sell the firearm it will move the sales more if I have a log.

The only thing I track is my precision rifle.