All INVENTORY screens are similar. They consists of either BULLETS, POWDER, PRIMERS or BRASS. What applies here will apply on all. An understanding of a GROUP is important and explained here in detail.

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01) Create a NEW GROUP (new record) when you first start.

A number will be generated exclusively for this GROUP.

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A GROUP is when all data is identical (except for DATE ADDED, COST and COUNT ADDED).

When you first start and create your first record in any of the four inventory sections, you will have created a new group. In the future, if you acquire more inventory which has the identical specifications of an existing record (GROUP), then you can simply add the new DATE ADDED, COST and COUNT ADDED to that existing GROUP. If there's the slightest change (manufacturer, type, size, etc.) then create a new GROUP. This method, though not required, will make it easier to keep track of adding new amounts of an entry that has the same specifications and the preferred method when using the auto updating features.

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When you create a new group or add new inventory to an existing group that addition is noted in the NOTES field and a new record is created in the SPREADSHEET section, and all data about the new entry is recorded in full detail. The SPREADSHEET contains the original information and the original amounts entered and does not change when reloading and using inventory. Instead, the changes in inventory are automatically performed and recorded in the BULLETS, POWDER, PRIMERS and BRASS sections.

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When CREATING a new GROUP, enter as much data as you can. Once you enter a count in the 'COUNT ADDED' field (the final field) that amount is displayed as the total of that GROUP and a new reference record is created in the SPREADSHEET.

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When ADDING to a GROUP, you only need to enter new information in the large red box (since all the other specifications are the same). Once again, when you enter a count in the 'COUNT ADDED' field (the final field) that amount is added to that group's previous total and a new reference record is created in the SPREADSHEET.

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There is an red asterisk above certain field names. This informs you that the data in that field will be exported to the LOAD ROUNDS screen if the automatic importing features in the LOAD ROUNDS screen are used.

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02) Fill in as much information as you can in all the blank fields. Always include the date the group was created. Initially DATE CREATED and DATE ADDED will be the same. As you add more inventory to the same group DATE ADDED will be different than DATE CREATED. This is correct.

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03) You can have two custom text fields of your choosing. These are automatically imported when doing a reloading session. Instructions are on the screen.

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04) When creating a new group, or adding to an existing group, add the date, cost and count here. It will be recorded in the notes and in the SPREADSHEET.

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05) By default, the program displays costs up to five decimals. This is advantageous when dealing with cost per round. You can select to change the display to the standard two decimals. The program will still calculate figures out properly.

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06) Summaries, cost details and notes are recorded here. Starting with Version 1c.2 you can duplicate your last addition to an inventory (putting in the current date, previous COST and previous AMOUNT) by opening up DETAILS and clicking on DUPE.

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07) In BULLETS you will see a pull-down menu selection called 'CATEGORY'. This is for compatibility with THE AMMO DUMP and for exporting to other 2nd Amendment Firearms Database programs. Simply select what this ammo will be used for. 

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08) Clicking here will display the menu on both sides of the screen. Advantageous when using a smaller monitor.

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09) Clicking here will make the fields a lighter color for those that prefer it.

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10) Enter any data here and it will be found anywhere on the current screen.

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11) Very strong find options. Able to do multiple find parameters.

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12) These arrows are for left and right panning for smaller monitors. There are also two small red arrows in the upper left and upper right of the screen for panning.

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13) Clicking here will hide some features simply to clear some screen clutter until you are familiar with the interface.

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14) There is a print option with each of the four inventory sections.

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15) OK, if you really must, you can adjust inventory total and cost manually. Be aware that the auto features are the most accurate.

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UNDERSTAND HOW THE 'AVERAGE PER' FIELD WORKS.

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Each inventory section has an 'AVERAGE PER' field that shows you the CURRENT average cost per round (or per pound with POWDER).

'AVERAGE PER' over time can, and will, differ from the SPREADSHEET average (calculated automatically in version 1c.5 or greater) because the SPREADSHEET average is based on the overall average cost regardless of how many years you've been adding to a group, whereas the 'AVERAGE PER' is based on current remaining inventory and the dollar amount left of the total investment. This becomes noticeable when using inventory in a reload session and then replenishing some of it or all of it by spending a different dollar amount than before for the same inventory count.

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THIS IS THE MOST ACCURATE WAY OF TRACKING CURRENT COST. Here's an example:

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* Three years ago you spend $30 for 300 inventory units (that's an average of $.10 each). Both the 'AVERAGE PER' and the SPREADSHEET will agree.
* You load all 300 units and they are out of the inventory. Again, both the 'AVERAGE PER' and the SPREADSHEET will agree. This cost you $30.
* Last week you get a deal and spend $5 for 100 of the same inventory units (that's an average of $.05 each).
* The SPREADSHEET will average it out to $.0875 each (the overall average of $35 for 400 units since you started the group three years ago).
* However, the inventory's 'AVERAGE PER' field is only concerned on what investment is currently left and what inventory is currently left, which is $5 for 100 units-or $.05 each. What you spent three years ago has been used, what counts is what the average cost is more currently. It's now only costing you $.05 and not $.0875.

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The grand total costs since day one, of course, is always the same in both the 'AVERAGE PER' and the SPREADSHEET unless you manually alter the figures.

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Here's another example: Let's say 10 years ago you spent $50 a week on groceries. Today you spend $75 a week on the same groceries. You don't average your weekly expenses and create a budget by taking into account what you spent 10 years ago. Instead you base it on what it will cost you to stock the kitchen cabinets today. In a similar fashion, this database averages what it will cost you to use what inventory is currently left.

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In newer versions of this software you can display the 'AVERAGE PER' out to 12 decimals. This may seem unnecessary, but for example: $.00001 x 2,000 units = $.02, but $.00001499978 x 2,000 units = almost $.03. After time, that adds up.To see as much of the actual decimals as possible helps you verify the math.

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