Comparing Chronographs

[JNeilWix]

Tried this in the "Shooting Gear and Storage" sub forum. No takers. Hoping that this sub forum in more active.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/628006/caldwell-ballistic-precision-chronograph-premium-kit

I'm looking a the Competition Electronics ProChrono, but you get this whole kit for the same price...and I like that the light kit has the option of running without AC.

Does anyone know if the light kits would interchange between the units?

Does anyone have any experience with the Caldwell unit. It's gotten some fairly mixed reviews. If the light kit would work on the CE ProChrono, I think I could buy this and feel like I'd gotten a fair deal for the light kit, tripod and bag, even if the chrono was junk.

Thoughts?

 

[WelshShooter]

First of all; what type of firearms are you intending to use the chronograph for? If it's predominantly rifles then I'd make a suggestion to go for the MagnetoSpeed Sporter chronograph. Looking at list price, it's not that much different to the original price of the chrono you have linked.

The reason I asked for firearm type is because the MagnetoSpeed Sporter will only work with rifle barrels. The benefit is that this device is not limited by the weather, it is a well known fact that conventional chronographs are very weather and light dependant and may not give you good results. I've found my MagnetoSpeed to be very consistent and it doesn't care about weather conditions. Also, the MagnetoSpeed runs on a 9V battery which is included. The readout device stores 10 shots, but you can buy a cable to transfer the data to your smartphone as a .csv which is quite handy.

It might be outside of your budget, but buy once, cry once.

 

[JNeilWix]

Mostly pistol...at least for now. Rifles later, when I work up to reloading for rifle.

I was thinking more along the lines of buy now and cry when it takes a bullet...

 

[WelshShooter]

Mostly pistol...at least for now. Rifles later, when I work up to reloading for rifle.

I was thinking more along the lines of buy now and cry when it takes a bullet...

But that's just it; the cost of two caldwell's is equal to the price of one MagnetoSpeed which if set up correctly, should be impossible to hit.

With pistols, you would need the V3. I think that MagnetoSpeed were working on a picatinny rail adaptor (I don't have or shoot pistols so I've not kept up to date on this) which would fit on some underbarrel pistol rails. But then again, this chrono is almost $400 so turns out to be very expensive. Personally, I didn't buy this one since it is well out of my preferred price range too.

In that case, you're best off getting a conventional chronograph. Look up the sticky/thread for "tricks/tips you've learnt" as there was one person who had a steel plate mounted in front of the chrono to protect it from any "inaccurate" shooting.

 

[JNeilWix]

Most of my pistols don't have rails. I don't think this will really work for me. Going to need a traditional chrono, I think...

 

[WelshShooter]

Sounds like a good idea, have fun, and hopefully someone else can answer your question regarding compatibility between the two light kits.

 

[dave333]

I have the Caldwell Chrono and mine has been great. I just got the basic unit instead of the whole package since I already had a tripod and use it outside where I dont need lights anyway. The software is easy to use and they update it periodically. Hook it to your smartphone and it automatically calculates everything for you. Now you can store a picture of your target in with the chrono data for future reference. I bought one of the first units that hit the shelves and mine has been great since day one. There was one batch of units Caldwell had some trouble with but I understand they promptly replaced those units with a new one no questions asked. If I was to shoot mine today I would replace it with another Caldwell.

I have seen a few negative reviews about people getting error messages or wildly unpossible numbers but I believe the majority of that is user error. If your bullet doesnt go over both sensors you will get an error message. I found out if you are shooting shiny plated bullets in direct sunlight you will get issues with reflection messing with the sensors and giving you crazy numbers. Cast or coated lead dont have this problem. Im usually shooting in shade anyway and mine works great.

 

[JNeilWix]

Dave,

If shooting in heavily shadowed woods, do you think there's enough illumination to not need lights? I've read heavily shaded shadowy areas can be problematic.

Thanks!

 

[loose noose]

I've used my ProChrono in overcast weather out here, as well as in UP Michigan in a heavily wooded area range, and never had any problem with lighting.

 

[jmorris]

My $20 shooting chrony (sportsmanship warehouse had a $50 coupon) is the one I use the most, it's either in the shop or in the truck.

Even works at night with a piece of cardboard and a flashlight.

 

[dave333]

Dave,

If shooting in heavily shadowed woods, do you think there's enough illumination to not need lights? I've read heavily shaded shadowy areas can be problematic.

Thanks!

I guess it depends on how thick the woods are and how much light gets through the trees. Most of my chrono work is done early in the morning as the sun is coming up with the chrono set up under a covered rifle range at my gun club and that's never been a problem.

 

[Duvel]

My $20 shooting chrony (sportsmanship warehouse had a $50 coupon) is the one I use the most, it's either in the shop or in the truck.

Even works at night with a piece of cardboard and a flashlight.

What the!

Hadn't thought of that!

I tried small led 'work' lights. On top of the screens, taped to the underside - just didn't work. Finally broke down and bought an infrared light kit, batteries, and a charger.

Hope to test the setup in the next few weeks.

 

[Dudedog]

I have the Competition Electronics ProChrono PAL. I bought an inexpensive one figuring I would need to shoot one and get that part out of the way. It's still alive and works well, just does not have as many features as the ProChrono (non PAl)

 

[RPegram]

I use the Prochrono Digital and it works well for me. Only problem I've had was one time late in the day it quit reading due to low light, and I don't have any kind of light kit. Took me a while to get the USB interface to work properly, but finally got everything communicating.

 

[Duvel]

figuring I would need to shoot one and get that part out of the way.

lol

I've got the CE - really like the Bluetooth link to a tablet.

 

[mugsie]

I have the caldwell unit that plugs into my iPhone. Had one incident where I received an error message. According to the manufacturer it was supposed to reset and be good to go again. It didn't. I had to shut it off then turn it back on and it worked perfectly. Haven't had any issues since. Numbers all appear to be accurate and realistic. I would recommend this unit any time.