Chronograph in the snow

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Mr_Flintstone

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Has anyone ever had problems with chronographing ammo on a bright day with the ground covered in snow? I have a Caldwell Ballistic Precision chronograph that I attempted to use today. It was only about 15 degrees so I only ran 5 rounds to get an idea of velocity. The first round said Error, the second was 1750 fps, the third was 1751, and 4 and 5 didn’t register. I’ve ran this chronograph with everything from 22 lr to 8 mm Mauser, and never had more than 1 error.
 
I purchased the same one.
You could try laying a sheet down and setting it up on the sheet, might take the glare off....
 
I guess the bright light reflecting off the snow was causing issues then.
Could be. I'd be interested in what you figure out because if I use my chronograph at all in the next few months here, it will be in the snow.;)
I’ve ran this chronograph with everything from 22 lr to 8 mm Mauser, and never had more than 1 error.
My chronograph gives me a lot of "error" readings if I'm too close to it - particularly with a powerful handgun. Which can be a problem for me because I'm afraid I might shoot my chronograph if I'm too far away from it when I shoot a powerful handgun.o_O
 
Error readings are common when there is snow on the ground. Early chronographs were particularly known for this problem. Light reflected up from the snow illuminates the underside of the bullet, so there is very little dip in brightness as the bullet passes over the photosensors. You might have some luck coating the bullet with a black Sharpie.

Get a LabRadar. :)
 
Could be. I'd be interested in what you figure out because if I use my chronograph at all in the next few months here, it will be in the snow.;)

My chronograph gives me a lot of "error" readings if I'm too close to it - particularly with a powerful handgun. Which can be a problem for me because I'm afraid I might shoot my chronograph if I'm too far away from it when I shoot a powerful handgun.o_O
I’d like to try it again, but it’s too easy to lose my cases in 10” snow. I might try it with a revolver though. I always try to go for about 15 ft away. Sometimes I’m afraid of hitting mine as well, so I will hang a paper target off the back side of the chronograph to aim at.
 
Has anyone ever had problems with chronographing ammo on a bright day with the ground covered in snow?
Take the Skyscreens off.
Let it look directly at sky.
(Leave the support wires for easy aimpoint alignment)
As well as lay a black ground cloth under the chronograph tripod, or a black cardboard shelf right under the head unit. This gives a nice black reflection off the underside of the bullet for the sensors to “see” on an otherwise bright everything day.:thumbup:
It seems I only feel like getting the chronograph out in the winter…;)
 
Make sure the sensors aren’t blinded by direct sunlight. I’ve found a very clear sky on a sunny day the sky screens help but I kept the unit in the shade.
(Leave the support wires for easy aimpoint alignment)
I’d recommend substituting wooden dowels for the metal supports, that way if you hit one it won’t telegraph as much energy into that cold, frozen, easily cracked, breakable plastic case. Good luck.
 
Works great if it’s an overcast day.
I've found (w/ my trusty Oehler-35) that early morning/late afternoon works fine
-- anything where the sun's at a slant angle or even the least bit bit of cloudy. :thumbup:
 
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