Chronograph question

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LabRadar, like so many things now, uses an external 5v, USB type power supply. I got one of the 2Ahr rechargeable packs and use it both for the LR as well as a small fan to cool my guns off between practice strings.

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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?


One thing I want to remind you of is that an optical chrono will not tolerate florescent lighting. Unless you know there's no such lighting in the firing line area I'd lean toward the Labradar. I'm cheap however and my plan is to setup my Chrony with a black flocked tube to set down over the Chrony to eliminate exterior light, the lighting wound be provided by LED panels mounted in the tube directly above each sensor. I'll post a photo when I get around to it, don't hold your breath it could be a while. Meanwhile here's my current setup. I have a bracket that snaps onto the Chrony and I clip a piece of foam board onto that with a target dot.

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Most of the time I'm just shooting for velocity data so I don't need a target beyond the chrono. When I setup I sight back to the base of the rest from the chrono and then I clip in the card and I'm all set. If you are shooting a target for accuracy also very easy, sight through the hole in the card from bore elevation to the target then remove the card and you're all set. I have never shot a chronograph and I don't plan on doing it. The bottom photo is my son helping out, we have a great time. The vertical oblong hole in the card on the bottom photo represents 96 rounds through a Redhawk, Desert Eagle, 2 Security Sixes and 2 1911's, our total for the day.
 
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There are two kinds of shooters: those that shot their chronograph and, those that WILL shoot their chronograph.
:rofl: Let the wagering begin. Believe me, I'l let ya'll know IF it happens. My famous last words.
 
If you want to buy based solely on customer service, go with Oehler.

I was having a problem with my Shooting Chrony. I posted my problem on a forum and it was Ken Oehler who helps me out. I figure if the man himself would help me with an SC problem imagine what he'd do if I had a problem with his equipment.
 
I have two chronographs. The first one I bought was a F1 Shooting Chrony. The second was the Caldwell. (No, I have not shot either - yet). If I had it to do over again (and it was available at the time) I would get a Labradar. Can use it anywhere, does not have to mount to the gun, does not have to be in front of the firing line (which significantly reduces the possibility of getting shot) and does not depend on lighting. I currently am borrowing a Labradar from a friend, but intend to get my own at some point.
 
Let me say that I am speaking out of my @$$, as I don't have a chrony, and have never used one...
That said, I researched this a bit (searched for chrony tests) and found this interesting article (interesting to me): https://thegunzone.com/best-chronograph-for-the-money/
Since I am also budgetly challenged, I am interested in a low cost chrony, but I don't know that my indoor range will allow one...actually, I've never asked.

That said...this is what I am currently pretending that I'm going to buy one day, based on the recommendation from the article:
The Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph Premium Kit is our top pick for best chronograph. It provides excellent accuracy within +/- 0.25% accuracy, has a durable design, and all data read can be stored and uploaded to various devices including most phones and tablets. All of this and more come at a reasonable price, which is why it’s our final pick.​

The complete kit including tripod and other features comes to $114.74, or under $80 for the Chrony itself.
 
The Caldwell is what my neighbor has. He come over to my place to use the CE Pro Digital. The unit your looking at requires you to run a cable to a smart phone or tablet. His has been a hit and miss on getting the connection to work.
 
The Caldwell is what my neighbor has. He come over to my place to use the CE Pro Digital. The unit your looking at requires you to run a cable to a smart phone or tablet. His has been a hit and miss on getting the connection to work.
See...told you from where I was speaking. Still, I thought they all required a cable run somewhere...unusually to a small display unit of some type. I do have quite a few tablets collecting dust in my house...one that I wouldn’t be all that upset if I accidentally shot it. However, I’d be pretty upset if I shot my chrono.

Thanks for the tip!
 
Regarding the Caldwell, I've heard of people having problems with some androids. I have had no problem getting my connection to work with my iPhone 6, or earlier iPhone 4, or my iPad.

The Pro Chrono will do shot strings and statistics without any external devices. It has the option for a bluetooth interface. The Caldwell, without connecting to anything else, will only report the last shot velocity. All statistics and data collection is done with the app.

The Labradar that I have been borrowing has worked well with my iPhone via bluetooth. The friend that owns it had some problems with his non-apple phone (not sure the brand).

There is a newer Caldwell, that has inverted the screens (chrono on top, looking down) that has a bluetooth connection. I don't have any experience with that one.
 
I have the Pro Chrono with Bluetooth. Never had a problem connecting it my iphone and the app is very good- it gives the stats in either text or graphical form, and allows you to name each string. I enter the caliber and powder weight in the name field for easy reference. The shot lists stay on my phone so I can review or export them without being connected to the chrony.

After looking at the LabRadar, I would definitely get one if I could afford it- it is easier to set up, nothing to attach to the gun, you shoot next to it not over it, and it gives velocities at 5 separate different distances for each shot (not sure if this is really useful, but it looks pretty cool).
 
If you're going to be shooting indoors, just save your money until you can afford a labradar and be dome with it.
I usually get very interested in the equipment recommendations from experienced re-loaders. I've been trying to convince myself that I really do need a Forster Co-Ax after all...and perhaps will save some money towards that prize. But the Labradar is, and ever will be, totally out of my price range, and my comfort zone. As beautiful and awesome and lovely as it may be...there's a lot more equipment out there that needs my $600+ dollars (chrono, stand, case, accessories).
However, I'd be happy to borrow someone else's for a few weeks...anyone in the Dayton, OH area that wants to lend a hand?
 
he Pro Chrono will do shot strings and statistics without any external devices. It has the option for a bluetooth interface.
It also has a wired interface available if you need to connect it to a Windows PC. The old blue tooth software didn't do Windows, but there is a new version so I don't know if it will or not. (both versions do Windows with the wired remote)
I bought the wired version and a cheap $140 laptop. Laptop was cheaper than my phone so the phone stays safe in the car at the range. (as much as I would like to shoot it sometimes-probably why I like to leave it in the car:))
 
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