Chronograph question

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Lee Q. Loader

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I decided to quit trying to convince myself that I don't need a chronograph. I think it will be an integral tool for me to continue to develop safe loads.

The indoor range where I sometimes shoot, has a private lane where they will allow a chrono. So I'd like to get one that works best indoors.

My youngest starts college in January so I'm on a pretty tight budget, but certainly I need something reliable.
Any suggestions for a good one? Also if you're indoors you don't have to bother setting up the shades, Right?
 
MagnetoSpeed V3. Use it on any lane at the indoor, no light quality sensitivity, adaptable to multiple platforms, versatile for multitarget shooting, incredibly consistent, and obviously accurate. I upgraded my Sporter with a V3 bayonet to accommodate use with a suppressor.

MagnetoSpeed Sporter is cheaper, but less adaptable.

LabRadar is better, but more expensive.
 
I too need a chronograph and think the Labradar would be the best BUT at this time I cannot afford one. I have not done an in depth study but would the Magneto Speed work with 1911's, Glock's and revolvers work with the Magneto? I do not load for rifles so I need something for handguns.
 
I also agree with Walkalong on the Pro Chrono Digital, I've had one now for about 3 years, and has served me well, I do believe it cost me just over $100.00 including shipping from Midway.
 
If you are shooting indoors with the chronograph and it has optical sensors, I'd recommend getting the auxiliary lights for the sensors.

The Magnetospeed and LabRadar do not use optical sensors and do not require setting up the sensors down range. They cost more than several of the optical sensor chronographs.

I have a V2 Magnetospeed and it is not very handgun friendly. I know they have been improving the mounting for handguns with the newer models but I bought a LabRadar instead of updating to a newer model Magnetospeed. So do some research to make sure the sensors will work with what handguns you are planning to chronograph.
 
The problem with Lab Radar is that you end up chronographing everything. Your pistols, rifles, air guns and archery. You chronograph your reloads AND all your factory ammo.

Set up is so easy. I had a Shooting Chrony for a while. LR just makes it so.o.o.o.o easy. Save your nickels and dimes. Quit buying coffee at the expensive coffee shop. Really it's worth it.
 
The problem with Lab Radar is that you end up chronographing everything. Your pistols, rifles, air guns and archery. You chronograph your reloads AND all your factory ammo.

Set up is so easy. I had a Shooting Chrony for a while. LR just makes it so.o.o.o.o easy. Save your nickels and dimes. Quit buying coffee at the expensive coffee shop. Really it's worth it.

I don't follow, why is that a problem?
 
I had a Prochrono Pal and liked it but it does not give you the stats like the non Pal model and could not be connected to the wired (for laptop) or bluetooth (for phone) remote they sell.
Nothing wrong with it just be aware of the limitations.

I have this one now
https://www.amazon.com/Competition-Electronics-538002-SSI-ProChrono-Chronograph/dp/B0028MTBJ4
$93 a free shipping

Worth the extra $13 and probably cheaper than the Pal Midway by the time you add shipping

I made a light kit for mine playing around with two LED flashlights from Harbor Freight.
Be aware optical chronos won't work under flourscent lights becuase the lights actually flicker. (AC power....)
Will dig up the link to what I did and add it.


https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/free-chrono-light-kit.799110/

Of course they make light kits
https://www.competitionelectronics.com/product/indoor-lighting-system/

PS I use Amazon smile and my charity is the California Rifle and Pistol Association, so I sort of counter act the Amazon anti stance.
PS #2 I do like Midway, I like free shipping too.
 
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I bought a PACT Model 1 XP about 10 years ago and but for replacing the sensors (don't ask) it's worked great over that time. Now there are less expensive ones with many more features so I can't tell you to buy the PACT unless you don't want the extras.
 
Pro Chrony Digital with the BT adapter is what I have and works very well. As for your indoor range. If they have upgraded lighting to LED's or even T8 it may work without the light kit. T8 uses a electronic ballast which is a much higher frequency than the old stye ballast. I need to test mine with the new LED's in my shop.

A neighbor has the PACT and he comes to my place to use mine 99% of the time. Having to run a cable and hoping the phone connects has been a problem with his iPhone.
 
?..I chrono'd a paper clip shot through my pro chrono at about 7 feet once using a standard rubber band as a sling shot. Recorded 192 fps and I think I could have bumped it up with a stronger rubber band. :) Unit worked perfectly.

Check, air soft, paint ball and nail guns. Wonder if it'll do baseballs?
 
If your fastball control isn't good I believe CE will repair replace the damaged chrono for 1/2 price.
I believe they will do this even if it dies from lead poisoning.

So far I have managed to avoid shooting mine but I understand it does happen on occasion.
When I chrono I just concern myself with putting the bullets over the sensors and missing the chrono, I test for accuracy separately.
 
I like to set a a target at 7 yards with the chrono at 5 yards. I got started doing that years ago so I put all the bullets nearer to the same spot going across the chrono. My thought pattern was that would give better results. I have no clue if that is correct though.
 

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I too am in the same boat. Indoor chrono. Picture of my niece being taught to shoot at our indoor range. I've not dropped any cash due to concerns wasting money if it won't work with the ranges ambient lighting. I'm also looking for good recommendations within an indoor setting
 

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I too need a chronograph and think the Labradar would be the best BUT at this time I cannot afford one. I have not done an in depth study but would the Magneto Speed work with 1911's, Glock's and revolvers work with the Magneto? I do not load for rifles so I need something for handguns.
Your gun needs to have a rail and you need to use their rail adapter (about $25). It also needs to be a full size rail/gun. They have the info on their website.
I used their chrono with the adapter on a Glock 17 and it worked perfectly.

If you have a revolver with a long barrel (I think they state 5"+) then you should be able to use the rifle barrel mount...never tried it so don't know.

The problem I had was that the one I had was faulty and eating batteries quickly - supposed to get about 18hrs on a 9V and I barely got 2 and it would drain the battery while off.

Ended up returning it and am now debating whether to try again or save some bucks and get the Labradar.

FWIW - had a ProChrono which worked fairly well (outdoor shooting) for a couple of years until I shot it. Due to some medical problems I can only get to the indoor range nowadays so am limited to using with a MagnetoSpeed or a Labradar.
 
So far I have managed to avoid shooting mine but I understand it does happen on occasion.

I've had two expire from "lead poisoning". Both occurred when I got in a rush to complete a string before the rain got too heavy. As they say, haste makes waste.:)

One of the reasons I got a LabRadar.

The problem I had was that the one I had was faulty and eating batteries quickly - supposed to get about 18hrs on a 9V and I barely got 2 and it would drain the battery while off.

In general with battery powered equipment that I do not use frequently, I pull the batteries when I put the equipment away. In part, it eliminates the batteries running down, but more importantly, if the batteries leak, the equipment does not get damaged.

And yes, batteries don't leak like they used to, but it still happens.
 
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