dig4gold

I'm old to hunting/shooting . . . but am just starting to reload (finally!!). I'm ready to go shoot some of my first loads and was wondering what in particular you record when looking at the results of shooting paper?
I have of course recorded the bullet weight, powder charge, powder type and brand . . . but want to make sure I don't miss anything at the range.
I'm thinking accuracy at 100yds for sure, but what else?

Big Z

Be aware of excess-pressure signs and always check for them when you change a load.
Anyways, as far as load testing, I would also record COL. When I don't like my results I'll try a couple different lengths in .003-.005" increments, each with a few powder charges. A lotta times I've gotten lucky and the 1st load works great. Sometimes it takes a couple trips out to shoot with a variety of loads. Especially when load-developing, I'd shoot either all shots cold bore or start each group cold bore. Just takes a variable away so you're not getting mixed results.

dig4gold

Yeah, I'm too new at this to try something outside the recommended charge above or below. Strictly by the book at this point. I have recorded the overall cartridge length. I am staying .020 back from the lands/grooves to start.

skb2706

bullet, brand, style and weight
powder, brand, type and possibly batch
brass, brand, number of fired times, trimmed to length
new brass or fired brass
total number of pieces of ammo in that batch
cartridge overall length
primer, brand, type
velocity average
SD
gun the ammo was fired in (I have 3 22-250s. 3 .204s and multiples of others as well)

I also shoot some wildcat cartridges that require case forming and fireforming. I record the process I used to get the best finished brass. I record whether or not I annealed it too.

Big Z

Doesn't sound like a bad place to start! This is just me, but I tend to run at the rifling or within .015--I mostly load/shoot 7mmRM or 25-06. Anywho, I'd work up to max charge with your current COL. Then try a couple different COLs with a couple different charge weights and you oughta find something pretty quick. It's hard to go wrong with tight groups and a good/fast bullet

Wayspr

After measuring, don't forget to note the max COL.

tomt53

With a bullet comparator, measure ogive lenght.

stapher1

Don't forget forget weather conditions, wind speed, temp, some powders are affected by heat or cold. Have had loads that i tested in warm temperature (75 degrees) and all shots were touching and when the temperature dropped below 50 degrees, the group opened up to over 2". So i made a personal rule to only test loads in the condititions it will ammo be used in. Deer loads test in cold weather and varmint only in warm weather.

dig4gold

Mostly I'll be loading .308. But also have 25-06, .243, 30-30, and am considering a 22-250 barrel for my Savage (.308).

homers brother

Cartridge: (of course)
Date Loaded:
Bullet: (manufacturer, style, weight, and lot number)
Powder: (manufacturer, "number", and lot number)
Case: (manufacturer, case length trimmed to)
COAL: (or measure to the ogive with a comparator)
Velocity: (use the average, I usually include standard deviation as well)

Test conditions: (sky, wind velocity and direction in relation to your target, temp, humidity, altitude).

I usually fire a group and record it. If it doesn't shoot well, I know something's off and I may want to do some troubleshooting before I duplicate that particular load again.