Well it's high time I get one. I've been reloading the same recipe for years but lack of components has me making a few changes. Might be fun too-so let me know what chrony you use and suggest ad or what to avoid. Thank you in advance.
Seeking chronograph recommendations
- Thread starter F5guy
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medalguy
Member
I have used the Beta Master with remote readout for several years and love it. With the remote readout, you can sit at the range bench and read the strings you're shooting without having to wait for a cold range to walk out to the chrono to read the data. PM inbound to you re the chrono.
http://www.amazon.com/Shooting-Chro...1372647437&sr=8-1&keywords=chrony+beta+master
http://www.amazon.com/Shooting-Chro...1372647437&sr=8-1&keywords=chrony+beta+master
arizona98tj
Member
Over the years, i have used several Chronys, a CED M2, and a Magnetospeed. The first two Chronys expired from "lead poisoning", so buying a unit where replacing the sensors is not too expensive is a plus.
Of the chronographs that have used that use some kind of optical sensor, getting the chronograph to "see" the bullet can be a challenge at time. The position of the sun in the sky, position of the sensors to the sun, cloud cover, caliber of the cartridge, distance of the sensors to the muzzle, and several more issues can all give fits to the sensors.
There are several troubleshooting aides out there. The Chrony's instruction manual has some good suggestions. With my CED M2, I finally bought the infrared lights and virtually all of my sensor issues have gone away. Of course, you now have to make sure the lights batteries are charged.
Currently, I have been using the Magnetospeed chronograph. So far, it has been the cat's meow with rifles and jacketed bullets. No sensors down range which adds some flexibility to its use. Down side, it does not work with handguns and I do not know how well it works with cast bullets. The chronograph has sensor adjustments that are supposed to read cast bullets but I have never tried shooting cast over my Magnetospeed.
The M2 and the Magnetospeed chronographs have a method of downloading data directly to a computer, which I like. But, this feature is not necessary.
In my opinion, most of the differences between the different chronographs are in the features the chronograph offers. The Ohler (spelling?) has an excellent reputation but that comes at a price.
Hope this helps.
Of the chronographs that have used that use some kind of optical sensor, getting the chronograph to "see" the bullet can be a challenge at time. The position of the sun in the sky, position of the sensors to the sun, cloud cover, caliber of the cartridge, distance of the sensors to the muzzle, and several more issues can all give fits to the sensors.
There are several troubleshooting aides out there. The Chrony's instruction manual has some good suggestions. With my CED M2, I finally bought the infrared lights and virtually all of my sensor issues have gone away. Of course, you now have to make sure the lights batteries are charged.
Currently, I have been using the Magnetospeed chronograph. So far, it has been the cat's meow with rifles and jacketed bullets. No sensors down range which adds some flexibility to its use. Down side, it does not work with handguns and I do not know how well it works with cast bullets. The chronograph has sensor adjustments that are supposed to read cast bullets but I have never tried shooting cast over my Magnetospeed.
The M2 and the Magnetospeed chronographs have a method of downloading data directly to a computer, which I like. But, this feature is not necessary.
In my opinion, most of the differences between the different chronographs are in the features the chronograph offers. The Ohler (spelling?) has an excellent reputation but that comes at a price.
Hope this helps.
New user here. After some research I got Competition Electronics ProChrono digital + tripod on Amazon ($125 total)
Remote display was a concern. Depending on where you going to shoot it may or may not be a problem. I can read display from 15ft no problem. I walk to chrono to switch strings. But in my shooting range it's not a problem.
I was concerned about reliability, errors reading, etc. NONE is a problem. I shot in a middle of day with sun, right before sunset cloudy and sunny.
It worked every time. I always start with a string of factory ammo just to make sure it looks OK and it does. I'm happy with this device. It allows for remote control if I ever need it.
Remote display was a concern. Depending on where you going to shoot it may or may not be a problem. I can read display from 15ft no problem. I walk to chrono to switch strings. But in my shooting range it's not a problem.
I was concerned about reliability, errors reading, etc. NONE is a problem. I shot in a middle of day with sun, right before sunset cloudy and sunny.
It worked every time. I always start with a string of factory ammo just to make sure it looks OK and it does. I'm happy with this device. It allows for remote control if I ever need it.
Crashbox
Member
If you have the money, I would recommend an Oehler 35P. Got one myself a couple of months ago- not cheap at almost $600 but you will not regret it. They are the Cadillac of the chronographs IMO.
jfh
Member.
Another vote for the CED M2
I've owned others. The CED M2 is the most reliable of the brands I've tried.
For me, the deal maker was the ability to download the data at home, into a CSV file on my computer. From there, it was a simple step to move it into my spreadsheets for analysis or archiving.
Jim H.
I've owned others. The CED M2 is the most reliable of the brands I've tried.
For me, the deal maker was the ability to download the data at home, into a CSV file on my computer. From there, it was a simple step to move it into my spreadsheets for analysis or archiving.
Jim H.
thump_rrr
Member
I own. Chrony Gamma Master.
It comes with a printer included and has a memory of around 60 strings.
You don't need to bring the printer with you since everything is stored in memory.
You just hook up the printer to it later and print the strings that interest you.
The other plus of the Chrony brand is that the plastic sky screens and metal rods cost nearly nothing.
It is so very compact and has a small optional carry bag that holds the head unit, printer, and sky screen parts.
I also bought the LED Lamp kit for shooting indoors under fluorescent lights.
This is what the printout looks like. I obviously taped 4 to a sheet and identified them with a label maker.
It comes with a printer included and has a memory of around 60 strings.
You don't need to bring the printer with you since everything is stored in memory.
You just hook up the printer to it later and print the strings that interest you.
The other plus of the Chrony brand is that the plastic sky screens and metal rods cost nearly nothing.
It is so very compact and has a small optional carry bag that holds the head unit, printer, and sky screen parts.
I also bought the LED Lamp kit for shooting indoors under fluorescent lights.
This is what the printout looks like. I obviously taped 4 to a sheet and identified them with a label maker.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
If you're looking for a basic Chrono that just flat works every time give the PACT Model 1 XP a try. ($130) It comes with upgrades that are on their Pro XP for free. Add to that the fact the Chrono itself sits on the bench next to you while only the sensors are in harms way, I think it's a great setup.
If you want all the bells and whistles give the PACT Pro XP a look-see. ($230 to $270) It comes with plenty of software and a computer interface so you can download the day's data to your computer. The ballistic software allows you to calculate bullet drop and more.
Best of all, they are both made in the USA. Both can also use their M7 Infared Skyscreen System which is very useful indoors. I bought the Model 1 XP about 4 or 5 years ago and it's a good Chrono IMO.
If you want all the bells and whistles give the PACT Pro XP a look-see. ($230 to $270) It comes with plenty of software and a computer interface so you can download the day's data to your computer. The ballistic software allows you to calculate bullet drop and more.
Best of all, they are both made in the USA. Both can also use their M7 Infared Skyscreen System which is very useful indoors. I bought the Model 1 XP about 4 or 5 years ago and it's a good Chrono IMO.
+1 for this. I like to write down the info after each shot since sometimes I do something stupid like turn it off before advancing so it doesn't save or forget to advance to another string when switching things up. With the readout on the bench its no problem writing info down. Once home all I have to do is plug the remote into a 9 volt battery and go through the info and log what I log on to my reloading sheets.
arizona98tj
Member
The CED M2 saves the current string in memory if you decide to shut down the unit without already saving it. 
Another feature it has....it will speak to you. If you don't want to break your cheek weld, just enable the speech function. Take a shot....1.5 seconds later, it will announce the velocity. It is a nice chronograph, IMO.
Another feature it has....it will speak to you. If you don't want to break your cheek weld, just enable the speech function. Take a shot....1.5 seconds later, it will announce the velocity. It is a nice chronograph, IMO.
Mohave-Tec
Member
http://www.walmart.com/ip/F1-Chronograph/4382668
$90 from Wal Mart. I've owned two of them. Works great and I can read them from the bench.
$90 from Wal Mart. I've owned two of them. Works great and I can read them from the bench.
morcey2
Member
I own a low-end chrony, notebook and pen, binoculars (eyes are getting old), home-made "remote control" (really a momentary switch in a box), and a calculator. It hasn't expired from lead poisoning, although I think I just jinxed myself by mentioning that.
At some point I'll upgrade to something better, but it works for me right now.
Matt
At some point I'll upgrade to something better, but it works for me right now.
Matt
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