Chronograph Opinions Please

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Dr Who

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I would like to get actual info about the various commercial handgun loads & reloads I and friends use at the range.

This is a "fun" project, so we are looking for something that`s accurate, reliable, and in a reasonable price range. I know that is probably a lot to ask these days, but I hope to get informed opinions from real people that will narrow the search down for us. We have in the past relied on the user product reviews on "Midway" but most are very dated.



TIA.
 
Most, if not all, the chronographs on the market will give you good information.

Each will have some operating idiosyncrasies that will need to be learned to get a reading every time. Sensing of the bullet is the main issue which is compounded by the placement of the sun, trees, clouds, sun shields and a few others.

My recommendation is to get a chronograph where the brains are not placed in harms way. Sky screen sensors are less expensive than replacing the entire chronograph. Like landing a retractable gear aircraft with the gear up, it is not if you shoot out your chronograph, but when.

For many of the chronographs, the cost difference is the different features and calculations the unit does. The simplest units require the use of pen and paper to record the data.

I have used various models of Chronys over the years and had two expire from lead poisoning, 45 ACP and 204 Ruger are hard on chronographs. I still have the third. Currently, I use a CED M2 chronograph. With it, i can download the data directly to my computer via a USB port.
 
I like the Pro Chrono Digital I have. It was relatively inexpensive, is simple, and does all I need. Some folks do not like this type because the brains are right there asking to be shot, but so far so good, as I have only shot a couple of rods...... so far. (Don't sight in a gun thru a chrono *sigh*)
 
Hey Walkalong, i am in the market for a new Chrono (Dont ask me why, you can figure it out)... My 2 options i like are the CED M2 (pricey, but nice) and the Pro Chrono Digital that you have. My biggest drawback from the ProDigital is that it doenst have the external display that I can keep on my bench. Have you had any problems/Concerns/thoughts on that? On a sunny day, it seems like it would be hard to see the little display 10-12ft from your shooting position.
 
Tagging this thread.
I been interested in buying a chrono as well.
Hoping to get more info out of this one.
 
Walkalong said:
(Don't sight in a gun thru a chrono *sigh*)
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You speak from experience?

I probably do not use my CE M2 enough to justify the price. I did very well for many years with the basic Chrony where I had to write down the info after each shot.

REL1203, the Chrony's LCD display was easy to see at 10 feet or so. The digits are an inch high or so. So, I suspect the Pro Chrono's would be easy to see as well. A small binocular or monocular might be helpful as well.

But, I am not constrained by the limits of a public shooting establishment.
 
I can usually see the display just fine. I cannot remember a time I could not make it out. I walk to the chrono and log the info after each string, despite the fact it can remember multiple strings. Usually this is no problem as I am alone in a pistol pit. It is problematic if you are on the 100 yard firing line with other folks. The units with the brains at the bench have a lot going for them, but the Pro Chrono is fast to set up and take down, and works for me. The CED M2 gets good reviews.
 
I've got a ProChrono as well. No regrets here, it works well under reasonable light conditions, and the screen is big enough to read easily from 10ft away. It keeps a ton of data in it's history, so no particular need to write down each shot as it happens, but I sometimes do that.

.. and no, I haven't struck it with a bullet yet :)
 
I have had a Chrony for years, works fine. The only problem I had was when I loaned to a friend and he put a .44 slug thru the digitial readout!

Many will debate quality, accuracy, etc. but the data is useful. And some of us working folks are happy to have one, we don't need the most expensive version around soley to use it 3 times a year (after the first year).
 
I have the Pro-Chrono Digital and am satisfied with it too. It records all shots and computes the numbers. I record the data when I get home.
I sometimes do wish I had bought the optional remote (about $50 I believe).
I can read mine just fine at 15', but can't change strings until the range is cleared , so I can go downrange and push one button. A PITA sometimes.
 
With my ced I can read it at 100 yards with a scope set on 9 power. was testing bc at the time.
 
I use a Chrony Beta Master and like it. The instrument readings are right in front of me on the bench, and it will do everything but roll over and bring the newspaper. I do recommend replacing the metal sticks with wooden dowels, but only because I've had the two-piece rods come apart while setting up or tearing down, and it's just easier to use one-piece wooden dowels. Haven't shot mine (yet).
 
medalguy said:
Haven't shot mine (yet).
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Some folks have built armor plating to protect their chronograph. An admirable quest.

I built some armor plate for my second Chrony after shooting out my first.

After i shot at, and pierced, some plate with my 221 Remington Fireball at 100 yards, I re-thought my chronograph armor. The 221 Rem Fireball is not the high powered rifle round that others are.

It was really no problem to protect the chronograph against handgun rounds. Not so easy with rifle rounds.

A nobel cause. Anyone got any reactive armor?

The best course of action is to always take your time when shooting over the chronograph. Both of mine were casualties to rushed shooting.

Finally, wood dowels to replace the steel rods holding the sky screen shields is a good idea. Inexpensive to replace, no big deal if the dowels get shot out.
 
I use a ProChrono Digital. It works ok. My only complaint given that the results are shown on the unit rather than remotely is that a good LED bank would be much easier to read than the LCD display on my unit. Depending on the conditions I have to squint and look VERY closely to see the result (I might start bringing small binoculars just to see a few feet away :).

You do have the option of reviewing all shots after you're done shooting a string, but I find it more efficient to just sit down with a pad and jot them down as I go.

So far though, I haven't shot it (had it about 6 months). From most of the stories I've heard, MOST times that people end up hitting their chrono it's not standard usage. As mentioned, they're either sighting in through the chrono, or shooting off-hand, etc.

For my uses - handguns off of a rest from ~10 feet away - I can't possibly see ever being so off that I impact anything going through.
 
All my pistol shooting through the chrono is off hand. I shot a rod shooting left handed one time (Trying to watch the ejection while getting numbers), and another one after changing a red dot and being dumb enough not to check it more carefully first before shooting through the chrono.
 
I think the F-1 Chrony is about $75 bucks on line at Wally World. Order online and have it shipped to the nearest store no shipping charges. I ordered mine online and got an e-mail telling me it was at the store the next day.
 
BossHogg said:
I think the F-1 Chrony is about $75 bucks on line at Wally World. Order online and have it shipped to the nearest store no shipping charges. I ordered mine online and got an e-mail telling me it was at the store the next day.
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I suggest against the models with the readout and on-off switch on the sensor unit. Having the readout on the bench is easier, on-off switch close at hand saves battery life and having no readout at the sensor unit will allow you (if you so choose) to put your chronograph behind armor:

How to skin and gut a Chronograph?
http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums?a=tpc&f=2511043&m=446105658

The F model (the least expensive Chrony, because it doesn't have the fancy memory functions) does come in the "Master" (with the remote brain) version. I own one.

Lost Sheep
 
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I have/had a Competition Electronics Pro Chrono Digital.

I've learned that scoped rifles WILL KILL a good chronograph.
I shot it last week. (certainly NOT intentionally)

When I contacted CE they said they'll either fix it or replace it for $60 or less.
Which ever is cheaper.

As far as operating, it was great for 2 years of hand gunning.
Very reliable, unless you try using it too close.
Then the muzzleblast will give very high readings.

Just remember:
Thair ain't but 2 kinds of chronograph users.
Them that's shot it & them that's gonna shoot it.
 
Lost Sheep said:
I suggest against the models with the readout and on-off switch on the sensor unit. Having the readout on the bench is easier, on-off switch close at hand saves battery life and having no readout at the sensor unit will allow you (if you so choose) to put your chronograph behind armor:

How to skin and gut a Chronograph?
http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums?a=tpc&f=2511043&m=446105658

The F model (the least expensive Chrony, because it doesn't have the fancy memory functions) does come in the "Master" (with the remote brain) version. I own one.

Lost Sheep
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I agree 100% the F 1 chrony is a very basic chrono. I've reloaded without one for awhile and I'm fairly set on my loads. I've always been curious if my reloads were anywhere close to the load data. I'm a casual shooter and don't do a lot of chrono work, more or less just to verify the velocity with book data. So the F 1 serves my needs.

No argument here that it would be better to have the brains away from the unit. The OP said this will be a fun project and wanted an accurate, reliable, and affordable chrono. I think the F 1 is that. Not the best by any standard, but has a place.
 
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Pro Chrono

I've had a pro Chrono for a short time. Works great, i can see display 20 ft away in full sun, and knock on wood, no holes in it. You guys are scaring me. I can see shooting the diffusers but the machine?

PS If I do shoot it I'm just going to bury it and say it was stollen.

Oz
 
My opinion is based on my experiences with chronographs over the last 25 years or so, so take it for what it's worth...

First, if you shoot at a public range, do yourself an enormous favor and DON'T buy one of the models with the brains out in front of the bench. You'll likely pull your hair out waiting for a break in the shooting so you can reset your chronograph.

I owned a Pact PC2 and it was a great chronograph. Very reliable and convenient with a handy keypad. Would still have it, but it got stolen.
I now own a CED Millennium II and it's every bit as good as the Pact and a little better. Like the Pact it has a handy keypad. The data can be DL'ed to a computer. But best of all replacement skyscreens can be had for about $45, and infrared skyscreens can be purchsed as well. These work in ANY light conditions including total darkness if you're so inclined.
I've owned one Chrony, a Beta Master, and it will be my last. Mine was a very unreliable POS and is currently under my loading bench collecting dust until such time that I throw it away or pawn it off on someone. I finally got tired of messing with it and bought the CED.

The other various brands I've owned over the years, with the exception of the Chrony, have all been reliable.

35W
 
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