Data book: Any glaring omissions?

[Pete E]

First, thanks to everyone who gave their opinion in my other thread about data books.

As a result of that thread I've decided on a more methodical approach to recording my shooting data by using a data book.

As I am not a sniper or LEO, and at present don't shoot in any long range tactical matches, I decided to put together a data book to suit my circumstances.

I elected to use an A6 (5 1/2" x4 1/4") page size so that the book would easily fit in a cargo pocket. To hold the pages, i have used an A6 "Commanders orders book" which has 40 clear plastic "wallets" so will hold 80 single sided pages. I also have a cordura cover for the book which will hold other items such as pens, protractor, calculator ect...

Below are the pages I've produced so far. In no particular order:
Over view showing a drop table (ready for verification) and a round count/cleaning log:

Next are various round target data sheets:

 

[Pete E]

Re: Data book: Any glaring omissions?

Next is a blank data sheet and one for a square steel plate I have:

Finally a check zero data sheet, a load development data sheet, a chrono log and a range card.

 

[Pete E]

Re: Data book: Any glaring omissions?

I intend to add various other target data sheets as needed. Next though will be some "aide memoire pages" for reading wind, reticule subtensions, conversions ect.

So far I have only printed two of each page as a trial run. if anybody has any suggestions for data fields I am missing or an can see any errors such as spelling mistakes, corrections or suggestions would be welcome..

I should add a big thank you to Ian at Shooting Voodoo as his site gave me ideas for the basic pages.

Regards,

Peter

 

[OptedOut]

Re: Data book: Any glaring omissions?

OK, I've got to ask...doesn't having them stuck between plastic make it a little difficult to write on the...to record your data...which is the main purpose of a data book?

 

[Pete E]

Re: Data book: Any glaring omissions?

You can write directly on it in the field using either Lumocolor fine tipped "Permanent" marker pens or plain old chinograph pencils.

Then, when your back home and ready to make the record permanent so to speak, simply copy the info directly onto the paper data sheet. The writing on the plastic can then be removed using a tissue damped with white lighter fuel or similar.

This used to be the prefered system managing NCO's Orders books or signal orders, so its tried and tested in the field.

Either method will survive being rained on ect, but as mentioned, are still earasible using lighter fuel or similar.

If I could have found a small A6 ring folder locally, I would certainly have considered using than approach, but the NCO Orders wallets are easily available and do provide a good deal of extra protection.

Regards,

Peter

 

[NOMAD]

Re: Data book: Any glaring omissions?

I played the plastic wallet game, i played the build my own book game for 10+ years. In the end it always was more painfull, took more time and the end product was never as good as what i could buy. You end up burning up more time to save only a few bucks.

I was a cheap bastard back then as well and I am all about not waisting money on something you can do yourself and put some time in. Now my time is worth alot more then trying to save a few bucks so I just buy it an call it a day.

The flight crew plastic books weigh 5 times what a good quality data book weighs. When operational every bit of weight makes a difference. If you dont care for weight then thats a option.

The other thing is why not log the info once and not worry about coping it again at a later date. Most peopel will erase it rather then waist there time recoping it later.

To each his own. Good work on your book and hope that it works out for you.

 

[OptedOut]

Re: Data book: Any glaring omissions?

"You can write directly on it in the field using either Lumocolor fine tipped "Permanent" marker pens or plain old chinograph pencils.

Then, when your back home and ready to make the record permanent so to speak, simply copy the info directly onto the paper data sheet. The writing on the plastic can then be removed using a tissue damped with white lighter fuel or similar."

You are over thinking all of this way too much, just get a data book and use it!