Need a good chronograph

Headgear · July 20, 2010, 07:09 AM

I need to get a good chronograph and don't know much about them. I am just starting to research them and would be glad to get some ideas. I'm shooting/reloading 308 Win. It's fairly new and am just getting around to do some ladder type test loads and need to see how consistent the loads are.

I'm trying to get set up to shoot 600-1000 yards. I don't know if I would ever compete but I do want good equipment so as to get as little, tiny groups as I can. We'll see about that but seriously, I do want a good unit and don't know what all to look for in features so any info would be great.

Thanks!

Dr Killdeer · July 20, 2010, 08:55 AM

Recently, I bought a Chrony 1 from midway USA. I didn’t buy the remote printer because I record everything, including environmental variables manually in a log book that I maintain for each session. The basic Chrony costs around $79. It’s compact, simple to use and easy to transport. I mount mine on my spotting scope tripod and it works great.

There are other models with more whistles and bells, but I all need to know from the Chrony are two simple factors, speed and consistency. If you record a ten shot string, you’ll know the highest and lowest speeds for that string. Then you can use a 50 cent calculator to figure out the average speed and the actual ft/sec difference between fastest and slowest. The Standard Deviation equation means nothing to me.

I’m satisfied with the basic Chrony because it works great and it’s simple. It tells me what I want to know. Simple numbers for a simple mind.

COSteve · July 20, 2010, 09:04 AM

The issue with a basic chrony like the one above is two fold. First, having the readout and controls 12-15ft from you is a pain and complicates your data taking when at a multi lane range. Second, when you (or your friend

) shoots your chrono (it ain't a question of if but when) you've destroyed the whole thing.

A better solution for only a couple of bucks more is to get one with a remote readout and controls like the Shooting Chrony Beta Master. It addresses both issues by having the readout and controls at your firing station and when you shoot the chrony, you only have to replace the sensor unit at half the cost of the new chrono.

Dr. Strangelove · July 20, 2010, 04:38 PM

CED Millenium 2

Search this forum for some good threads on it and others.

Headgear · July 20, 2010, 05:59 PM

Thanks guys! I'm with you on the remote unit. I could see me setting on the line with binoculars trying to see the read-out and I like the idea of not having to replace the whole thing when it gets winged.

mrawesome22 · July 20, 2010, 06:10 PM

Quote:

The issue with a basic chrony like the one above is two fold. First, having the readout and controls 12-15ft from you is a pain and complicates your data taking when at a multi lane range. Second, when you (or your friend ) shoots your chrono (it ain't a question of if but when) you've destroyed the whole thing.

A better solution for only a couple of bucks more is to get one with a remote readout and controls like the Shooting Chrony Beta Master. It addresses both issues by having the readout and controls at your firing station and when you shoot the chrony, you only have to replace the sensor unit at half the cost of the new chrono.

What he said. I own the Alpha Master and it works well. Having the readout at the bench is very nice. I don't have a printer either. It all gets logged in a notebook for future reference. I have found that leaving the sky screens on all the time is the best bet for not having issues. As long as there is plenty of light, just leave 'em on. I don't like shooting in the rain anyway!

July 20, 2010, 07:09 AM	#1
Headgear Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2008 Location: Southeast, IN Posts: 123	Need a good chronograph I need to get a good chronograph and don't know much about them. I am just starting to research them and would be glad to get some ideas. I'm shooting/reloading 308 Win. It's fairly new and am just getting around to do some ladder type test loads and need to see how consistent the loads are. I'm trying to get set up to shoot 600-1000 yards. I don't know if I would ever compete but I do want good equipment so as to get as little, tiny groups as I can. We'll see about that but seriously, I do want a good unit and don't know what all to look for in features so any info would be great. Thanks!

July 20, 2010, 08:55 AM	#2
Dr Killdeer Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2009 Location: Newburgh, NY Posts: 127	Recently, I bought a Chrony 1 from midway USA. I didn’t buy the remote printer because I record everything, including environmental variables manually in a log book that I maintain for each session. The basic Chrony costs around $79. It’s compact, simple to use and easy to transport. I mount mine on my spotting scope tripod and it works great. There are other models with more whistles and bells, but I all need to know from the Chrony are two simple factors, speed and consistency. If you record a ten shot string, you’ll know the highest and lowest speeds for that string. Then you can use a 50 cent calculator to figure out the average speed and the actual ft/sec difference between fastest and slowest. The Standard Deviation equation means nothing to me. I’m satisfied with the basic Chrony because it works great and it’s simple. It tells me what I want to know. Simple numbers for a simple mind.

July 20, 2010, 09:04 AM	#3
COSteve Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2009 Posts: 1,344	The issue with a basic chrony like the one above is two fold. First, having the readout and controls 12-15ft from you is a pain and complicates your data taking when at a multi lane range. Second, when you (or your friend ) shoots your chrono (it ain't a question of if but when) you've destroyed the whole thing. A better solution for only a couple of bucks more is to get one with a remote readout and controls like the Shooting Chrony Beta Master. It addresses both issues by having the readout and controls at your firing station and when you shoot the chrony, you only have to replace the sensor unit at half the cost of the new chrono.

July 20, 2010, 04:38 PM	#4
Dr. Strangelove Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2008 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 1,436	CED Millenium 2 Search this forum for some good threads on it and others.

July 20, 2010, 05:59 PM	#5
Headgear Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2008 Location: Southeast, IN Posts: 123	Thanks guys! I'm with you on the remote unit. I could see me setting on the line with binoculars trying to see the read-out and I like the idea of not having to replace the whole thing when it gets winged.