xsquidgator
Member
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2007
- Messages
- 835
Hello all - I've been reloading .38/.357 and 9mm for a month or two now with a Lee 4-station turret press and am getting comfortable with it. By that I mean I've been able to make what I think are pretty nice practice rounds using both lead and jacketed bullets. In one sense that's "good enough", since I can now make as much practice ammo as I want or need. By a little bit of trial and error I've developed a couple of loads that are just a little above the starting loads to cycle my semi-autos properly, and pleasant to practice with, that is, by subjective feel when I'm shooting them, they're maybe just a little less "peppy" than the factory practice ammo I have.
However, it's the learning process involved with reloading that has me most intrigued, and wanting to go up a level in knowledge and expertise. I've been considering buying a chronograph since it appears that there are a number available for $100-$200. Without ever having had one, it seems to me that a chrono would be a really convenient way to quantify my reload's performance, and that would be a good thing. I know at least one guy who's reloaded for decades and never had one, but if I could get one for maybe $100, I think I'd like to have one.
Do you experienced reloaders think an inexpensive chrono would be a worthwhile thing for me to get, as a way of more closely monitoring my reload performance? And if so, are there any features that would provide a lot more bang for the buck? (i.e. - buy entry level or spring for more stuff on it?) If I get one, I anticipate mostly using it at an outdoor range/club I belong to, with perhaps occasional use taking it to an indoor range with uncertain lighting. I'm reloading mostly for the hobby aspect of it, but the economy pleases me greatly too. So far at least I think I'm typical in that reloading isn't saving me $, but I am shooting more for the same $ (neglecting my capital outlay to buy the reloading equipment). I'm hoping that a chrono would help me learn and get more out of reloading as a hobby.
However, it's the learning process involved with reloading that has me most intrigued, and wanting to go up a level in knowledge and expertise. I've been considering buying a chronograph since it appears that there are a number available for $100-$200. Without ever having had one, it seems to me that a chrono would be a really convenient way to quantify my reload's performance, and that would be a good thing. I know at least one guy who's reloaded for decades and never had one, but if I could get one for maybe $100, I think I'd like to have one.
Do you experienced reloaders think an inexpensive chrono would be a worthwhile thing for me to get, as a way of more closely monitoring my reload performance? And if so, are there any features that would provide a lot more bang for the buck? (i.e. - buy entry level or spring for more stuff on it?) If I get one, I anticipate mostly using it at an outdoor range/club I belong to, with perhaps occasional use taking it to an indoor range with uncertain lighting. I'm reloading mostly for the hobby aspect of it, but the economy pleases me greatly too. So far at least I think I'm typical in that reloading isn't saving me $, but I am shooting more for the same $ (neglecting my capital outlay to buy the reloading equipment). I'm hoping that a chrono would help me learn and get more out of reloading as a hobby.