Do i need a Rifle Data Book

[trevor1030]

Hi all, relatively new to long range precision shooting, i wanted to know as a beginner besides the basics of a rifle, optics etc. I was looking for something to log and hopefully improve shooting at various distances out to 1000 yards. I am told there is a digital way of doing this and classic way is pen and paper with certain charts. My question is do i need one or the other and will it be difficult to understand how to "read" one of these data books.

Thanks
Trevor

 

[Steel head]

You can use an app on your phone like I do but I’d still log your shots, conditions and other important data.
I neglected that for years and regret it.
I record load, environmentals, holds, wind, distances, anomalies and location.
I also record my opinion on my shooting at the time.

 

[ShtrRdy]

It mostly depends on what you're wanting to do with your rifle/scope/ammo. Since you mentioned wanting to shoot out to 1000 yds then a rifle data book would be useful to keep track of what you did during your various outings. It's also useful to log cold bore shots to confirm zero or determine if you need to make a slight adjustment to your zero.

 

[HiDesertELR]

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[Gee Kay]

Round count log, dope log, rifle log and reloading log are all good things to have. Much like a vehicles service log and invoices for what was done while you own the vehicle will show someone when you decide to sell it how well you looked after it. At least that's what we like to do here downunder. Shows you care.

 

[Huskydriver]

Yes! Htf are you supposed to remember your dope at 1300 yards in 105F 6000' da with a 1/4 value wind at a 20 degree incline????

Because you wrote that shit down last August so Wiley E will not be getting away a second time lucky bastard

 

[SuperBoot]

You can skirt a data book for all intents and purposes running a Kestrel or other ballistic app on your phone, especially if it has drop charts you can save on the spot (i.e. ballisticAE). Would I recommend doing it that way? No.

At very least, a good habit to get into would be to record a drop chart of the distances you generally shoot (i.e. 100-1000 in 25 or 50 yd increments), and wind holds to accompany it. Takes 5-10 minutes to record everything, and having that as a reference to fall back on for similar environmental situations in the future is nice.