Please recommend an inexpensive Chrony

ZeSpectre · July 24, 2008, 07:54 AM

Hey folks,
I'm far enough along in this whole reloading adventure that I've decided a Chronograph would be a good idea. I don't think I want anything especially fancy but I'm open to suggestions and if you folks know why I should need something more "advanced" please let me know.

Thanks
Ze

TEDDY · July 24, 2008, 10:00 AM

midsouth has a crony by RCBS for$85.55 also SHOOTING CRONY has some from $82.24 to$164.50.
get the midsouth cat.

tom234 · July 24, 2008, 12:02 PM

The Shooting Chrony Alpha Master Chronograph works fine for me. It has a really convenient remote reading display & control that you can place on your bench.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...796&t=11082005

ZeSpectre · July 24, 2008, 01:56 PM

That "Alpha Master" is a little more than I wanted to spend but boy it sure looks nice!

Wildalaska · July 24, 2008, 02:01 PM

I like the...whats it called....the Pact...thats it

WildisthatwhatitscalledAlaska ™

tom234 · July 24, 2008, 02:28 PM

Quote:

That "Alpha Master" is a little more than I wanted to spend but boy it sure looks nice!

You can go cheap and buy a "reconditioned" Alpha model for $64 + S&H @ http://chrony.ca/
However, I still think the Master model with remote is a lot easier to use. W/O the remote you have to read the display from 8-12' away and to reset you have to get up and go to the display.

bobn · July 24, 2008, 09:58 PM

cheap is a good idea with a chronogragh. it had to happen eventually. i shot mine....bobn

arizona98tj · July 24, 2008, 10:18 PM

Quote:

cheap is a good idea with a chronogragh. it had to happen eventually. i shot mine.

Which is why the chronograph sits on your shooting bench and the sky screens are out in front of the weapon. If you manage to shoot your chronograph, using this configuration, you have some serious issues with weapons handling.

That being said, I use a PACT....does double duty as a chrono and a range timer. (I get more use out of it as a range timer....once I get a load developed, I don't chrono it every time I go to the range.)

UGH · July 25, 2008, 07:11 AM

I have the Master Gamma with the printer. A nice feature to have. I have had no issues it works just fine.

CPTMurdoc30 · July 25, 2008, 09:52 AM

I have and use a lot the Shooting Chrony F1. I bought it for $79.99 at MidwayUSA. It is a great chrony and works good. It however does not have memory or a display that sits on the bench (Good if you have bad eyes). If I were to do it all over again I would get the Shooting Chrony Alpha Master for an extra $35. This one moves almost all the guts of the chrony to the bench with a 16' cord. So if for some reason you shoot the thing (My biggest worry) then you don't have to replace all the electronics.

PACT makes a very good chrony but it is something like $200+. That to me is not a low cost option for a chrony.

Quote:

cheap is a good idea with a chronogragh. it had to happen eventually. i shot mine.

Which is why the chronograph sits on your shooting bench and the sky screens are out in front of the weapon. If you manage to shoot your chronograph, using this configuration, you have some serious issues with weapons handling.

That being said, I use a PACT....does double duty as a chrono and a range timer. (I get more use out of it as a range timer....once I get a load developed, I don't chrono it every time I go to the range.)

I don't know about your range but at mine I try to refraine from looking up because I always count the bullet holes directly above the bench. Every time I do this i get a little sick to my stomach because there is always a few new ones in the tin roof. SCARRY

amamnn · July 25, 2008, 09:15 PM

Shooting chrony will be the last expensive I am sure. There are different models that memorize strings differently or in different numers of shots in the string. Go to their site and look at all the features closely, then buy a "MASTER" version from whichever suppier has the best price currently. Personally, the Beta master fits me needs best as it memorizes 6 - 10 shot strings I can DL into my computer via the Chrony ballistics II program.

totalloser · July 26, 2008, 12:22 AM

"cheap is a good idea with a chronogragh. it had to happen eventually. i shot mine....bobn"

Aw have a sense of humor folks. I can think of a few ways this could happen without being unsafe with your firearm. You ARE practically shooting at the thing anyhow. Very good reason to wear shooting glasses, though.

steyrl · July 27, 2008, 04:41 AM

I use an F1 chrony with the Printer. If my memory serves me, the printer was more expensive than the chrony. BUT, now that I've gotten used to using the chronograph/chrony printer I can re-set the chrony using the printer without having to wait for a target change to go forward of the firing line and switch the chrony off and back on. I get all the information printed out for me Lo High Average Standard Deviation and extreme spread which I then staple to the target. And the more you use a chrony the quicker and more confident you become in its set up. It took me quite some time to get over the concern about putting a shot into the chrony.

I believ the F1 chrony is the cheaper of the range.

armoredman · July 27, 2008, 09:14 AM

I have a Chrony F1 I never use. I've reloaded for a few years, and for some reason never really used it but once, when I shot a sky screen off. Replaced the rod, and there it sits...

WESHOOT2 · July 27, 2008, 11:07 AM

Buy one with brains separate from skyscreens.

(I own and use a PACT; for years....).

(Competitive Edge Dynamics also offers an excellent chronograph; priced around $200.)

nate45 · July 27, 2008, 11:16 AM

I have a PACT Chrono and a PACT timer, both have worked well so far. My chronograph is the Model 1 the least expensive one, its like $129.00 on Midway now, I paid less than a hundred for mine several years ago.

Here is some info on the Model 1

For sale at Midway $129.99

WIN71 · July 27, 2008, 12:53 PM

I feel the same as Nate45 and WESHOOT2. I bought a similar looking PACT as the one pictured in around 1986. It was bullet proof, pardon the pun, and functioned flawlessly for thousands of recordings, until I ran over it. Don't ask. Anyway, I upgraded to the PACT with the printer and have had a lot of trouble with it. I think I just got a "bad" one. It is at the factory as I type this. I included a light hearted letter when I shipped it. Unless PACT finds some flaw in the machine I really don't expect them to repair or replace it for free. It's only been a little over a month since I shipped it and the business was closed the week of the 21st so I'm not too excited yet.

shepherddogs · July 27, 2008, 07:55 PM

I've got a ProChrono and a Chrony. The Shooting Chrony sucks but the ProChrono works great.

O6nop · July 28, 2008, 10:34 PM

I've been looking for one for a while. Looking at online stores like Cabelas and Midway, the chrony gets consistently good reviews and Pact gets several complaints. It doesn't seem to be the case on this board, tho. I want one with a detachable readout, I think I'll go with the Chrony Alpha Master.

Hook686 · July 29, 2008, 06:27 PM

A Shooting Chrony F1 Master is currently $99 at:

http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/Brow...+Search224.y=3

This is an Alpha Master without the ability to average a shot series. One is compelled to write down the fps after each shot (this is why the remote screen of the Master version is so useful).

I bought one off midwayusa a few months ago on sale. $79 if I recall correctly. I also have an Alpha Master the remote screen face got a little weather beaten. Shooting Chrony won't sell a face replacement, so I bought the F1 Master.

I am pleased with both units. Watch for a sale.

July 24, 2008, 07:54 AM	#1
ZeSpectre Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Shenandoah Valley Posts: 3,276	Please recommend an inexpensive Chrony Hey folks, I'm far enough along in this whole reloading adventure that I've decided a Chronograph would be a good idea. I don't think I want anything especially fancy but I'm open to suggestions and if you folks know why I should need something more "advanced" please let me know. Thanks Ze

July 24, 2008, 10:00 AM	#2
TEDDY Junior member Join Date: December 10, 2006 Location: MANNING SC Posts: 837	crony midsouth has a crony by RCBS for$85.55 also SHOOTING CRONY has some from $82.24 to$164.50. get the midsouth cat.

July 25, 2008, 07:11 AM	#9
UGH Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2007 Posts: 156	I have the Master Gamma with the printer. A nice feature to have. I have had no issues it works just fine. __________________ If you liberals keep gettin' your way - we're all gonna hear one big loud flush. The sound of the U.S. of A. goin' straight down the toilet.- Archie Bunker............. Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples' liberty's teeth. George Washington

July 25, 2008, 09:15 PM	#11
amamnn Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2006 Location: WA, the left armpit of the USA Posts: 1,323	Shooting chrony will be the last expensive I am sure. There are different models that memorize strings differently or in different numers of shots in the string. Go to their site and look at all the features closely, then buy a "MASTER" version from whichever suppier has the best price currently. Personally, the Beta master fits me needs best as it memorizes 6 - 10 shot strings I can DL into my computer via the Chrony ballistics II program. __________________ "If the enemy is in range, so are you." - Infantry Journal

July 27, 2008, 04:41 AM	#13
steyrl Junior Member Join Date: July 13, 2008 Posts: 1	Chronographs I use an F1 chrony with the Printer. If my memory serves me, the printer was more expensive than the chrony. BUT, now that I've gotten used to using the chronograph/chrony printer I can re-set the chrony using the printer without having to wait for a target change to go forward of the firing line and switch the chrony off and back on. I get all the information printed out for me Lo High Average Standard Deviation and extreme spread which I then staple to the target. And the more you use a chrony the quicker and more confident you become in its set up. It took me quite some time to get over the concern about putting a shot into the chrony. I believ the F1 chrony is the cheaper of the range.

July 24, 2008, 12:02 PM	#3
tom234 Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 753	The Shooting Chrony Alpha Master Chronograph works fine for me. It has a really convenient remote reading display & control that you can place on your bench. http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...796&t=11082005

July 24, 2008, 01:56 PM	#4
ZeSpectre Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Shenandoah Valley Posts: 3,276	That "Alpha Master" is a little more than I wanted to spend but boy it sure looks nice!

July 24, 2008, 02:01 PM	#5
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	I like the...whats it called....the Pact...thats it WildisthatwhatitscalledAlaska ™

July 24, 2008, 09:58 PM	#7
bobn Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2006 Location: midwest Posts: 1,105	cheap is a good idea with a chronogragh. it had to happen eventually. i shot mine....bobn

July 26, 2008, 12:22 AM	#12
totalloser Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2007 Location: Fort Bragg, CA Posts: 679	"cheap is a good idea with a chronogragh. it had to happen eventually. i shot mine....bobn" Aw have a sense of humor folks. I can think of a few ways this could happen without being unsafe with your firearm. You ARE practically shooting at the thing anyhow. Very good reason to wear shooting glasses, though.

July 27, 2008, 09:14 AM	#14
armoredman Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,299	I have a Chrony F1 I never use. I've reloaded for a few years, and for some reason never really used it but once, when I shot a sky screen off. Replaced the rod, and there it sits...

July 27, 2008, 11:07 AM	#15
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	practical Buy one with brains separate from skyscreens. (I own and use a PACT; for years....). (Competitive Edge Dynamics also offers an excellent chronograph; priced around $200.) __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

July 27, 2008, 11:16 AM	#16
nate45 Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 3,746	I have a PACT Chrono and a PACT timer, both have worked well so far. My chronograph is the Model 1 the least expensive one, its like $129.00 on Midway now, I paid less than a hundred for mine several years ago. Here is some info on the Model 1 For sale at Midway $129.99 __________________ "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."- Thomas Jefferson ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ (>_<)

July 27, 2008, 12:53 PM	#17
WIN71 Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2005 Posts: 729	I feel the same as Nate45 and WESHOOT2. I bought a similar looking PACT as the one pictured in around 1986. It was bullet proof, pardon the pun, and functioned flawlessly for thousands of recordings, until I ran over it. Don't ask. Anyway, I upgraded to the PACT with the printer and have had a lot of trouble with it. I think I just got a "bad" one. It is at the factory as I type this. I included a light hearted letter when I shipped it. Unless PACT finds some flaw in the machine I really don't expect them to repair or replace it for free. It's only been a little over a month since I shipped it and the business was closed the week of the 21st so I'm not too excited yet. __________________ Air goes in and out. Blood goes 'round and 'round. Any variation on this is a very bad thing. 개인 정보를 보호하십시요 Last edited by WIN71; July 28, 2008 at 10:53 PM.

July 27, 2008, 07:55 PM	#18
shepherddogs Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Posts: 1,007	I've got a ProChrono and a Chrony. The Shooting Chrony sucks but the ProChrono works great.

July 28, 2008, 10:34 PM	#19
O6nop Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 2005 Location: Austin,TX Posts: 291	I've been looking for one for a while. Looking at online stores like Cabelas and Midway, the chrony gets consistently good reviews and Pact gets several complaints. It doesn't seem to be the case on this board, tho. I want one with a detachable readout, I think I'll go with the Chrony Alpha Master. __________________ I believe there is safety in numbers.. such as 9x19, .22, .38, .45, .223, 7.62, 6.5x55, .303, .30-06

July 29, 2008, 06:27 PM	#20
Hook686 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2005 Location: USA The Great State of California Posts: 2,090	A Shooting Chrony F1 Master is currently $99 at: http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/Brow...+Search224.y=3 This is an Alpha Master without the ability to average a shot series. One is compelled to write down the fps after each shot (this is why the remote screen of the Master version is so useful). I bought one off midwayusa a few months ago on sale. $79 if I recall correctly. I also have an Alpha Master the remote screen face got a little weather beaten. Shooting Chrony won't sell a face replacement, so I bought the F1 Master. I am pleased with both units. Watch for a sale. __________________ Hook686 When the number of people in institutions reaches 51%, we change sides.