Keeping track of your consumables...

[DubGunner]

Started into reloading a couple of years ago. I'm still a lightweight, I only have a single stage and really only load about 4-5 calibers at this time. Long term though I could see myself eventually being fully setup with a progressive too and literally handloading every single round I fire, and giving up factor ammo completely.

But here's a major hurdle I need to overcome, how to keep track of all the components I have in inventory. I already to try consolidate powder as much as I can, I only choose powders that have multiple caliber uses (i.e. Varget) which helps. But when I'm standing in my favorite reloader supply store trying to think of what components I need my mind just goes blank, and this is with dealing with only 4-5 calibers.

I know many here probably reload everything, I've seen the pics of some of your reloading benches wrapped by dozens of cans of powders, dies, etc. How do you keep track of what you've got?

 

[DCR]

I haven't run into this problem yet. I only reload for 2 calibers. But, you could just make an excel spread sheet and keep a running tally on your inventory. Update the spread sheet every time you open a new item.

 

[Sniper Uncle]

I have an I-Phone. I use the Notes App to keep a list of what I have on hand. Each box of bullets when opened gets a number in marker on the side showing remaining bullets in the box. Each can of powder gets a number also, showing how many pounds are left---7000gr to the pound, 50-50grain cases loaded, 2500 grains used, 0.6# left in the can, and so forth. At the end of each session, I figure up my usage, adjust the numbers in Notes in the Phone, and I have a relatively accurate inventory. The phone is always with me, so it isn't a problem of not having the info when I go to the LGS for supplies. I also can make a note specifically for what I want to find there, if I need to.

 

[DCR]

Phone is a good idea! There has to be an inventory app out there somewhere.

 

[jagged77]

I reload for around 15 different rifle's and keep track of everything in my head (reloading info gets stored of course). If I were to ever run out of one particular item I would just choose another rifle to shoot! However I just know what I have pretty much at any one time and make a mental note to stock up as and when.

 

[Scooter64]

I use an excel sheet on my desk top to keep track of supplies used. Subtract grains, heads , primers used after loading session. Also use different sheet for each firearm to keep track round count and load data

 

[fx77]

Keep a looseleaf notebook for worked up loads for each caliber in a separate "chapter" and just refer to the proper page for loading that day
It includes : case, bullet, powder charge, primer, OAL to ogive or full length depending on bolt or Gas driven rifle.
Each load is referenced to which rifle is used.

 

[leadbullet]

I keep brass, bullets and powder of same caliber on separate shelves, 308 shelf, 260 shelf, 6.5 Grendel etc... when I am low or out of something I buy more, not that complicated. When several cal use same powder, I divvy up 8 lbs kegs in smaller 1 pounders and keep enough powder on hand to burn a barrel up and never less that being able to load 500 rds.
Cheers.

 

[fireEMT5]

^^^^^^^ This ^^^^^^^^ Keep enough on hand, keep it organized and easy to see. Write out a shopping list or dictate it to the voice recorder on your phone and get buyin'.

 

[No1]

excel spread sheet, but whatever you decide to do, you have to stick with it, none of this "OH, I'll update the list later" stuff.
I load about 16 different cartridges, have about 3 dozen different powders on hand, and about 12 or more different primers. Back when I only loaded 4 or 5 calibers I could keep it all in my head.
I keep all the bullets and brass segregated by caliber in Acrobins above my loading bench.
I keep as much on hand as I can afford, that's a lot but to some on here I'd look like a newbie.
Visit to the LGS, I know which powders and primers to get always because you can't have too much.

 

[Wildboarem]

I find it funny. My problem isn't trying to remember what I need. It's hoping that the store has "anything" available. I remember the days of being able to only use one type powder for each caliber. Now, I buy what I can get my hands on.

 

[Pinecone]

I use an excel sheet on my desk top to keep track of supplies used. Subtract grains, heads , primers used after loading session. Also use different sheet for each firearm to keep track round count and load data

This^^^^^^

I keep only approximate records. I do not weigh powder containers. Once I open a 1 pound and use some, I decrease my inventory by one, but put a + to show a bit more. So if I had 3 pounds, and started using from one, my inventory would show 2+.

I set up my workbook for a Work Sheet for primers, one for powder, one for bullets, one for factory ammo, one for reloads on hand, one for rimfire.

Then I have an Access database for my records on loading. I enter each reloading session. Caliber, case type, whether I trimmed, what bullet, primer, powder, lot numbers, number of rounds, which press (interested in how many through my Dillon 650). Each batch gets a lot number.

This way I an query as to how many of a given caliber I reloaded over the years, what recipe I used, etc.

 

[VTSEAL]

I also use excel to keep track of loading data, and have made a sheet for loads and chrono data. But to keep track of a 'grocery list', I keep a small notepad on my powder cabinet. Whenever I am loading and decide it is time to add something to the shopping list (case lube, powder, cartridge boxes, whatever) I just jot down the details and grab the list next time I head to the store or place an online order. I keep a similar list with my hunting gear. Those little promotional notepads you get from fundraising mailers or vendors at the office are great for that sort of thing.

 

[Asperly Aimless]

I look at my shelf and see what, if anything, I'm low on. That's really it.

 

[mtang45]

KANBAN - Establish a minimum and maximum inventory for everything; bullets, primers powder etc. For example, if you shoot 500 rounds per month of a particular projectile and it takes 6 months for an order to be filled then establish 6000 (1 year) as the max and 3000 (6 months) as the min. Stack on the shelf and on the box that would represent the 3000 remaining, place a piece of tape on it and write "ORDER". When you open the box with the tape, place the order for a whole years worth because by the time it gets there you will be close to being out. If this is cutting it too close to actually being out adjust your minimum accordingly. So if you consider one years worth to be the absolute minimum then in the above example, minimum would be 9000 so that when you place the order with a 6 month delivery you still have your 6000 in inventory when it arrives.

This eliminates the need to calculate how much you have used and how much is left everytime you reload.

 

[FN in MT]

I store my seldom used components in .30 or .50 cal ammo cans. If I need to see what I have or if I need .375 H&H ammo I check THAT ammo can.

I keep a tally of primers and powder on a sheet of paper thats on the side of my safe. When I take out a 1K box of primers I deduct that 1K from the list. When any primer type gets below 5K I buy another 5K. Easy peazy.