Have you ever wondered what is in a EDM (Expeditionary Designated Marksman) data book?  I call it my, “dope book.”  To tell you the truth, it really is the Marksman preference to what goes in his/or her data book.  One of the most important thing you need in the book, is everything that makes you successful as a EDM or Sniper.  Make sure you have one data book per rifle and scope.  Now, I am going to let you take a look at what is in my book:

• All weather pen
• Mildot Master
• Sniper Template
• Slope Doper
• Ballisticard
• Data sheets Unkn charts, Lead, Target sheets)
• Quick Note’s for the course (Range, unkn, wind, etc.)

As you can see there is a lot of information that goes into the dope book.  What you do not see is that I do have a small calculator that goes in there as well.  It is nice to calculate stuff fast when you have to do all that math.

The template that you see in the picture is a good tool to use when you have time in the field to draw on your cards while you are on the range.   I use the template on the target cards to match the target I am using and draw them on my card, then I mark where my shots are.  Good reference.

The all-weather pen is awesome! I own several of them and even though they are a little more expensive than the normal pen, it will write whether it is raining, snowing, cold, hot well anything!  But can you see the tabs I have on my sheets?  I mark them for the yards like example: 100yds, 200yrds and etc.  That way it is quick for me to turn to the page I need.

Lastly, the data sheets!  There are several different kinds you can buy, and/or whatever your department gives you.  But the one thing I do know for sure is to make sure you fill them out, try not to leave anything blank.  On the range card make sure you draw out target for a quick range estimate.  Remember!!!! Always keep a book for one rifle, if you get a new rifle then get a new data book.  US Tactical Supply has a good data book kit they sale, they can be found on:

Click for US Tactical Supply