Data Book for a 300 Yard Maximum?

[jab00]

Question: Is there any benefit to keeping a data book for my shooting sessions, if:

• My maximum range is 300 yards (I'm hoping to take a 1,000 yard class at least once a year)
• I'm using factory ammo (no plans on reloading any time soon)

If yes, then what is the most beneficial information that I should be tracking in order to improve my skills?

 

[Racer88]

Certainly...

Weather conditions (wind, temperature, barometer, lighting conditions, mirage, etc).
Other environmental conditions (sun angle, altitude, etc.)
Turret corrections for various distances (and conditions).
Ammo type (perhaps using various factory ammo).
Chrono results for various ammo types (will come in handy if you're using a ballistic calculator and going longer distances).

I can highly recommend Impact Data Books. (BTW, I also use factory ammo.)

There are a bunch of threads on data books here on SH. Here's one of mine: https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/show-us-your-data-book-pages.6915214/

 

[ShtrRdy]

If nothing else I like to keep track of my cold bore zero impact. Over the long term this will tell me the best place to adjust the zero on the weapon system.

 

[Slash0311]

Information is key. Information is all about helping to understand variables and what difference they cause on your point if impact.

Does your POI change from a 80 degree day to a 32 degree day? How much does a 5 mph wind cause your POI to shift v a 15 mph wind?

A data book will tell you. Granted your changes out to 300 may not be very large but changes will happen.

 

[jab00]

Here's what I'm thinking about in terms of a "starter" book for me (using Impact Data Book sections). Are there any other pages that I should consider to get myself started without overloading myself with data that only goes out to 300?

1. Cold Bore Circle Pages (lets me keep track of my cold bore with the different ammo that I use)
2. Shooters Diary Blank Pages (lets me keep track of general information)
3. 21 Dot Drill Pages (keeps track of my progress with this drill)

I'm thinking that this would be streamlined enough where I could keep one book for all of my bolt guns in one binder using dividers

 

[Slash0311]

Here's what I'm thinking about in terms of a "starter" book for me (using Impact Data Book sections). Are there any other pages that I should consider to get myself started without overloading myself with data that only goes out to 300?

1. Cold Bore Circle Pages (lets me keep track of my cold bore with the different ammo that I use)
2. Shooters Diary Blank Pages (lets me keep track of general information)
3. 21 Dot Drill Pages (keeps track of my progress with this drill)

I'm thinking that this would be streamlined enough where I could keep one book for all of my bolt guns in one binder using dividers

I have the same book. Choose pages according to your targets. If you use round dots for cold bore for example, good choice. If you're running a certain retical, choose it. There's really no right or wrong but try and think of how you'll use it. Do you want to sketch a field of unknown targets in a match? Just record weather variables? You can always change pages as skills evolve.

 

[jab00]

I have the same book. Choose pages according to your targets. If you use round dots for cold bore for example, good choice. If you're running a certain retical, choose it. There's really no right or wrong but try and think of how you'll use it. Do you want to sketch a field of unknown targets in a match? Just record weather variables? You can always change pages as skills evolve.

Yep. I’m going to get started with those three pages that I mentioned above, mainly to get into the habit of recording information and then figure out what to add from there

 

[lash]

If you expect to use or try out different factory loads, I suggest that you have someplace to record zero impact changes between them. There will be differences.

 

[jab00]

If you expect to use or try out different factory loads, I suggest that you have someplace to record zero impact changes between them. There will be differences.

Good point. I’m hoping to land on one factory load for each gun and stick with it but what your saying makes perfect sense until I get there. I’m guessing that I’ll repurpose a Cold Bore page for this.

 

[JA Thacker]

Yep. I shot 3 Position Air Rifle while growing up and even though it was only 10yds I kept a data book on it.