How do you guys organize ammo when testing?

[KCode]

If any of you guys ever go to the range testing ammo in say 5 shot groups each, how do you organize and transport it? Are there any boxes or containers that make it easy to store the ammo and maybe notes of what the loads are?

I've been using ziplock bags but it seems like there could be a better way I don't know of

 

[hlee]

Really? Mtm 50 round boxes. Each charge weight gets a 5 round column. Sharpie across the lid the test parameters.

 

[skatz11]

I save the plastic inserts from factory ammo. Print a label or write on them with a sharpie.

 

[simonp]

MTM Cases
I just write down the loads in groups of 5 on a post it and slip it in the MTM

 

[Old Man with Gun]

I use painters tape and label each row.

 

[straightshooter1]

If any of you guys ever go to the range testing ammo in say 5 shot groups each, how do you organize and transport it? Are there any boxes or containers that make it easy to store the ammo and maybe notes of what the loads are?

I've been using ziplock bags but it seems like there could be a better way I don't know of

I have 50 and 100 round cartridge boxes that I organize my cases in for load development and put corresponding labels (usually writing on some narrow masking tape for reference), like this:

 

[Mike Casselton]

I also number the cartridges.
Some days, shit happens and things get dumped over

 

[Bacarrat]

Write the load with the sharpie on the front case in the box.

 

[KCode]

I have 50 and 100 round cartridge boxes that I organize my cases in for load development and put corresponding labels (usually writing on some narrow masking tape for reference), like this:
View attachment 8710748

That's such a good idea! I know it isn't specific to that case, but what brand case is that? I can't tell.

 

[straightshooter1]

That's such a good idea! I know it isn't specific to that case, but what brand case is that? I can't tell.

It came with the cases I ordered from Peterson Cartridge. On their website, you can order just the cartridge boxes by themselves.

https://petersoncartridge.com/products#!/Empty-Retail-Boxes/c/182610770

 

[KCode]

It came with the cases I ordered from Peterson Cartridge. On their website, you can order just the cartridge boxes by themselves.

https://petersoncartridge.com/products#!/Empty-Retail-Boxes/c/182610770

Well those wont work, I need something for 44 cal

 

[Mike Casselton]

MTM, J&J and a host of other companies make 50-100 round plastic cartridge boxes

 

[hlee]

Well those wont work, I need something for 44 cal

https://mtmcase-gard.com/collections/ammo-boxes

 

[Genin]

I use MTM cases. I write down the load info on tape like others above and also have my rounds numbered by sharpie just in case something gets out of order or gets dumped.

 

[waveslayer]

Sharpie on brass, group 1 all get a 1 on them, group2, a 2, etc.. simple yet effective

 

[TylerN]

Really? Mtm 50 round boxes. Each charge weight gets a 5 round column. Sharpie across the lid the test parameters.

This but using a label maker instead of a sharpie.

 

[DJ 480]

This but using a label maker instead of a sharpie.

I do the same but sharpie directly on the rounds in the example of a ladder.

 

[Baron23]

MTM and I just put an index card with the layout in the box. IME, no need to complicate it more than that.

 

[Maurygold]

MTM and I just put an index card with the layout in the box. IME, no need to complicate it more than that.

same but I scotch tape the index card to the lid - ask me why lol

 

[Holliday]

Each case is numbered with the group and the load.

I take a photo of case in front of the machine with the load punched in for that set. That way I can always doublecheck my actual load.

This allows me to always doublecheck and to inspect case and primers at home.

 

[straightshooter1]

Each case is numbered with the group and the load.

I take a photo of case in front of the machine with the load punched in for that set. That way I can always doublecheck my actual load.

This allows me to always doublecheck and to inspect case and primers at home.

View attachment 8711302
View attachment 8711307

Labeling them individually like that is a very good way to keep track of the cartridges being ejected onto the ground or when firing a semi, then when they're collected, you've got a way for which case did what . . . like if one wants to align chrono numbers to each case.

Since I only load for bolt guns, my style is to eject the cases directly into my hand and place them exactly where they came from in the cartridge box. I can still keep track of the details for each cartridge, but without all that work of labeling each of them. But. . . from time to time I do find myself labeling a few individual cartridges that have unique traits when I'm experimenting around.

 

[Aftermath]

Each case is numbered with the group and the load.

I take a photo of case in front of the machine with the load punched in for that set. That way I can always doublecheck my actual load.

This allows me to always doublecheck and to inspect case and primers at home.

View attachment 8711302
View attachment 8711307

VERY similar to what I do. I just write on the case with a sharpie. It will rub right off and certainly once tumbled. Charge weight, then once I find the charge I write the seating depth as 0 or minus 0 in thousandths (so...0.008") with 0 being touching the lands.

 

[Bacarrat]

Seating depth, I just use the number on the die as the number I write down on the case.

 

[Holliday]

Labeling them individually like that is a very good way to keep track of the cartridges being ejected onto the ground or when firing a semi,

I only load bolt.

I catch every case.

I can get distracted.

This works for me.

 

[Holliday]

VERY similar to what I do. I just write on the case with a sharpie. It will rub right off and certainly once tumbled. Charge weight, then once I find the charge I write the seating depth as 0 or minus 0 in thousandths (so...0.008") with 0 being touching the lands.

If the tumbler does not get it, I just use some 91% rubbing alcohol.

Yes I do the same with seating depth though I never start at touching. Perhaps I should.

 

[Aftermath]

If the tumbler does not get it, I just use some 91% rubbing alcohol.

Yes I do the same with seating depth though I never start at touching. Perhaps I should.

If the tumbler don't get it, I just go ahead with the rest of the procedures and shoot it again.

My development starts with bullet touching and finding max charge. Then I back it off a little. Or I back off to my desired velocity, and that is generally as fast as I can make it go and maintain accuracy. Then I seat deeper and deeper to find that sweet spot. I check velocity. Once in a very great while, I will add powder to gain velocity but that usually means I have to redo the seating also...so...the vast majority of the time, I don't chase velocity again.

Of course, you might also be limited to magazine length. I have an older AR that is limited by magazine but everything else I have and reload for, I can start touching.