The whole time I've had this chrono I've had really inconsistent readings and more errors than I was content with. So much so that I didn't trust the data.
I re-read the instructions and decided that lighting was probably my issue. The chrono has always been used outdoors and I was contending with clouds, trees blowing in the wind, etc. I did some looking and saw that Caldwell had an LED kit that replaced the stock sun shades. I was able to buy it directly from them for $15 with free shipping (sorry guys, the price has gone back up since then). https://www.caldwellshooting.com/ra...c-precision-chronograph-light-kit/110142.html
When it arrived I cut out a piece of cardboard to fit the perimeter of the LED sun shade (approximately 15"x16") and attached it with zip ties. That allowed me to attach the wiring and battery pack to the cardboard, rather than having it dangling down.
The project was a success. I've sent 100+ rounds over it and am now seeing SDs in the teens and single digits for the first time. I am way, way more confident in my load development efforts now.
I would recommend making the cardboard bigger, as much as +6" on each side. If the sun is anything but directly overhead, the cardboard doesn't really accomplish anything. However, on an overcast day, the LED lights and the cardboard combine to give very accurate readings. Ironically, even though this is the Sunshine State, I've only had the chrono out on one bright day, but it still worked fine.
If there is interest, I can post pictures of my setup.
I re-read the instructions and decided that lighting was probably my issue. The chrono has always been used outdoors and I was contending with clouds, trees blowing in the wind, etc. I did some looking and saw that Caldwell had an LED kit that replaced the stock sun shades. I was able to buy it directly from them for $15 with free shipping (sorry guys, the price has gone back up since then). https://www.caldwellshooting.com/ra...c-precision-chronograph-light-kit/110142.html
When it arrived I cut out a piece of cardboard to fit the perimeter of the LED sun shade (approximately 15"x16") and attached it with zip ties. That allowed me to attach the wiring and battery pack to the cardboard, rather than having it dangling down.
The project was a success. I've sent 100+ rounds over it and am now seeing SDs in the teens and single digits for the first time. I am way, way more confident in my load development efforts now.
I would recommend making the cardboard bigger, as much as +6" on each side. If the sun is anything but directly overhead, the cardboard doesn't really accomplish anything. However, on an overcast day, the LED lights and the cardboard combine to give very accurate readings. Ironically, even though this is the Sunshine State, I've only had the chrono out on one bright day, but it still worked fine.
If there is interest, I can post pictures of my setup.