Reloading Record-Keeping Software

[trebuchetguy]

Sorry guys, spending a lot of time taking care of my dad, and planing a move across the country. It might be fall before I can come back to working on this.

[trebuchetguy]

Finally resettled after a move across the country. Time to get back to work on this. I am still looking for help on this, specifically someone with experience creating XML schemas would be helpful.

[trebuchetguy]

Still working on this; hope to have a new version up for review in the next few weeks. Even if I get to work on this as much as I would like, we are still several months out from having anything close to usable.

[Tex S]

Will this sw be Mac and iOS compatable?

Any sw I use will need to have the following capability:

1) reloading data
2) ammo inventory
3) firearms log with rounds fired and cleaning data.

I have a good system for this using pen and paper, but it requires too much double data entry.

[trebuchetguy]

Tex S: Yes, it should run on a Mac just fine; it will be Java based. I might need your assistance in confirming that when it is done. Cleaning records are something that I hadn't considered before, but I like the idea. I'll add that to the to do list (https://sourceforge.net/p/dahl/tickets/) to take a look at that once the reloading section is done.

Anyone: I could really use some assistance on this; if anyone is familiar with Java Swing development, or XML please let me know, the more people that help with this the faster it will get done (and it will probably have less bugs).

[Edit] Yes, it will have ammo inventory capabilities as well.

[Tex S]

I can help you with Mac and iOS compatability, but as far as I know Java is just another word for coffee.

[trebuchetguy]

I was wrong about iOS; I just looked it up and it doesn't support Java. iOS is a closed platform (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closed_platform) in other words, you need permission from Apple to distribute software for it.

It will run on Mac though.

[schleeb]

I have one I created. It's strictly for logging handload data that I've created for my own handloads. Just an easy way to keep track of what you loaded and how well it works. I have no idea how to share it, otherwise I'd upload it. Uses drop down menus that can be customized easily and has section to calc average velocity and standard deviation. I can only upload a picture... e-mail me if you want a copy.

[nmitchell1185]

I was using Lee Shooter software for awhile and then decided to create my own database using Numbers (I own a MAC). The reason I switched is because I like to see how much it is costing me (or more importantly how much I am saving) for each batch of ammunition I reload. I have yet to find a reloading software that keeps track of inventory levels and also calculates out batch costs.

[trebuchetguy]

Guys,

As I am writing this program, I have come across a need for reference data. That is, data that will populate the drop-down boxes and fields in the application.

This is where I could use some input from the reloading community. I need a list of all the possible case finishes that are commonly used in shooting. Ie: Brass, Nickel, Steel, etc. I am not a shotshell reloader, but I would need similar data for shotgun shells as well.

Thanks.

[TXGunNut]

KISS. Brass is the default case material for centerfire rifle and pistol ammo. Steel cases are problematic for a number of reasons and a nickel finish has little impact on the process other than sometimes (arguably) being harder on dies and not lasting as long.

[trebuchetguy]

Ok, next question; I am noticing a few downloads of the prototype application from non-US countries (mainly Canada and Europe). Are there different reloading units of measure that are used in other countries? In other words, do some reloaders use metric instead of grains?

Also, I am going to put out another appeal for help on this; I could really use a Java or XML programmer with some free time.

[trebuchetguy]

I just uploaded a new prototype -- lots of progress. The Finished Rounds menu still needs a lot of work, but I am looking for feedback specifically on the Case, Primer, and Powder Tabs; with the exception of deletes and drop down choices, they should be pretty much done.

[trebuchetguy]

Guys,

Two things:
1. I have done some reading and talked to some Android developers -- it looks like converting this application to run on Android is going to take quite a bit of work (but not nearly as much as converting it to run on an iPad). I plan to get around to this at some point, but for now my priority is going to be on the desktop version. Also, I will probably charge a small app-store fee for the android version. The desktop version will remain free.

2. Does anyone use a serial number system for tracking their ammo? If so, any lessons learned? Unless something changes, I am planning on automatically assigning a serial number to each batch of finished rounds.

I have made a good deal of progress since my last update. Hopefully I'll have a new prototype up in a week or so.

[OEF-Vet]

Very cool. Thank you for all of your hard work. I am looking forward to trying your beta version.

[ssilence]

I am a software engineer and have considered writing my own software for this similar to what you are doing...but because of lack of time I am just using excel. I track everything using serial numbers. I have a label maker and stick the serial number on everything. Here is my format

The first two letters are for what kind of object. The next two numbers year purchased and the final four are unique starting at 0001 and going up.

Primers: PR_13-0001
Powder: PO_13-0004
Bullets: BU_13-0002

As for finished rounds. Have not decide on the serial type yet. Probably something similar though. I have 100 round cases with labels on them. One side goes from 1 to 10 then the next side 10 to 100 in increments of 10.

[Cardiovert]

Trebuchet, many thanks for putting such effort into this program! May I ask people what they use serial numbering systems for? Is it to reference favorite loads or something else?

[Wayne_E]

I think that if you can track individual lots of primers and powders, then when you assemble rounds you can give them a serial number. Then if at a later date a recall on a lot of powder or primers were announced, you would be able to identify which lots of loaded ammo contain the affected components.

[Eppie]

I use pictures and Word to create a range report like this:

[trebuchetguy]

Guys, thanks for all the input. I hadn't seriously considered using a serial number system for components; I was only planing on using serial numbers for finished rounds.

However, thinking about it, using serial numbers for components make sense, but does add a fair bit of complexity to the application and user. Once you start using a serial number system for components, it won't be easy to stop (from a data perspective). Printing labels for each component could become a pain.

Quick survey: Who here uses a serial number system for components (besides those who have already mentioned it)?

[trebuchetguy]

Still working on this in my limited free time... Spending a lot of time helping take care of my Dad yet, but I still plan on getting a finished product done.

[trebuchetguy]

I just uploaded a new prototype; some progress, but still has quite a way to go.

[balderclev]

Personally, I use an iPhone app called AmmoTracker and love it. The cost is 2.99 and well worth it in my opinion.

Everything from caliber to powder type and charge along with primer and OAL are stored.

Notes can be added along with sessions that include everything from weather to sight settings, stance, round count, distance, velocity, and more.

Other data includes Brass/Trim, Crimp, Pocket Cleaned, Times reloaded, etc.

Jim

[sirgilligan]

Good luck with your Java app. I develop in Java, C#, Objective C, C, and good ol' C++. May I recommend that you use SQLite for your database engine as you will find it available on all platforms and it embeds easier than most.

[jason75979]

Interesting.