Chronograph Question

[LiveLife]

+1.

Reloaders have successfully developed accurate loads for decades before the use of chronos became common practice (still not common practice for many).

It's like saying unless you have a digital scale accurate to .02 gr resolution, you cannot develop accurate loads. Many match shooters have developed accurate loads to 1000 yards using just the .1 gr resolution beam scales without chrono for decades.

If you are referencing published load data and conducting powder work up from published start charge, it is possible to develop accurate loads without the use of chrono.

While use of chrono is now part of my load development process, it is ultimately the size of groups and accuracy trends that drive the load development and not chrono data as often, smallest shot groups do not correlate with lowest SD numbers.

 

[ljnowell]

While use of chrono is now part of my load development process, it is ultimately the size of groups and accuracy trends that drive the load development and not chrono data as often, smallest shot groups do not correlate with lowest SD numbers.

And that's the key right there.

 

[cfullgraf]

That's the point, you want to know what your rifle is doing compared to their predictions.

I agree.

I like to know if my firearm is fast or slow when compared to published data or factory ammunition. It is a consideration I use when deciding how far to increase a load during development.

Also, I do not have access to any range with distances longer than 100 yards. But, I do some longer range, out to 500 yards at times, varmint hunting.

It would be nice to be able to shoot at longer ranges to get actual bullet drops, but having the correct muzzle velocity and using ballistic calculations gets me closer than when assuming what the velocity is based on the published data.

I find an accurate load first then see what its velocity is.

 

[LiveLife]

I find an accurate load first then see what its velocity is.

Yes.

Neither the Ladder Test or Optimal Charge Weight methods depend on the use of muzzle velocities but instead the accuracy trends of the shot groups. So reloaders could develop accurate loads without the aid of a chrono (and have for decades).

I do agree that it is helpful to verify/compare muzzle velocities with published load data.

 

[hdwhit]

im thinking I need to get a chrony but money is very very tight but I also don't want problems with over pressure.

A chronograph is of limited use in diagnosing over-pressure loads. You can generally learn everything you need to know about chamber pressures from a careful, close inspection of fired cases.

A chronograph can provide useful information to a reloader, but it is not essential equipment.

If money is tight for you right now, take the $100 you would spend on a chronograph and either pay off a bill or put it into savings against the day you have a real need for it.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If money is tight for you right now, take the $100 you would spend on a chronograph and either pay off a bill or put it into savings against the day you have a real need for it.

Now that right there is very hard to argue against!

 

[TBJK]

I'd say you should retest. Keep your rifle & ammo out of the direct sunlight. The direct sunlight will easily preheat the barrel, especially if it's black. The ammo being in direct sunlight can make it burn hotter & give you higher chamber pressure than if it were in the shade. You mentioned you were in a shooting/reloading club, I'd bet money if you asked around someone would loan you theirs or bare minimum rent it to you.