Do I need a chrono?

[readyeddy]

Yeah, it's not really about max speed. More about verifying your velocities (different barrels shoot differently) and calculating your drop. Not everyone has access to a range where you can put your targets wherever you want.

Here's a ballistic calculator. http://handloads.com/calc/

Too bad biggameinfo.com is not up anymore. They had an outstanding calculator that would give you your MPBR based on a recommended zero range.

 

[Walkalong]

I have never used trajectory charts. I have always just shot the load at different yardages to see what it does.

 

[readyeddy]

Where I live there is only one public range where you can place paper targets only at 50, 100 and 200 yards. So figuring out your drop beyond 200 is guesswork without a chrono, unless there's some way to calculate the drop at ranges beyond 200 based on the drops at 50, 100 and 200.

 

[Trent]

I have never used trajectory charts. I have always just shot the load at different yardages to see what it does.

I do that at 100-200-300. Then compare my results to get a ballistic chart worked up for ranges I do not have the ability to shoot at (400+).

Ballistic charts and chronographs come in handy if you ONLY have access to shorter ranges. There are VERY few long range rifle clubs in Illinois and they are all 3+ hours from where I live.

 

[crummyshooter]

I don't have one but have used a few. I was surprised how much help it is in working up shotgun (Trap ) loads. As most have said, It adds more fun to loading and tuning gun/load.

 

[dirtykid]

good thing I saw this thread,
I just decided to purchase a newer graph,something that wasn't sensitive to anything but perfect lighting conditions,wind gusts, or was built like a chimpanze fit the pieces together, But now since I DO have access to an area where I can shoot up to 800 yards,
Maybe I will just spend the money in worked-up loads,instead of on another gadget you have to haul into the field with you,and spend a bunch of time screwing around getting everything perfect,

 

[joatman66]

So... If I am interested in working up and documenting loads to match factory specs as part of selling reloads (working on 07 FFL), what chrony would you recommend. Mostly looking at pistol ammo. Is it overkill?

 

[Reloadron]

So... If I am interested in working up and documenting loads to match factory specs as part of selling reloads (working on 07 FFL), what chrony would you recommend. Mostly looking at pistol ammo. Is it overkill?

If I were to consider manufacturing ammunition and wanted or saw a need for a commercial grade chronograph I would look towards something along the lines of an Oehler 35P. That and the help of a notable ballistics expert.

If I could find good sensors I would also think about building my own.

Ron

 

[Crashbox]

I just ordered a chronograph today because I am really curious as to exactly what my loads are doing in different firearms.

For example, I have both a GP100 and an SP101 with 4" and 3" barrels, respectively. My standard target load for these could be classified as somewhat of a legacy load since AFAIK, no one is currently publishing .357 Magnum loads using Herco. I'm using 7.5 grains pushing a MBC 140 TCFP, lit with Fed 200 primers. I really want to see what this load is doing FPS-wise along with the SD. I'd additionally like to find out how the hotties (using 2400/H110) perform with the MG 125 JHP's.

It should also be interesting to see what my .405 Winchester loads are doing, among other rifles.

For the record, I decided to go with an Oehler 35P.

 

[Reloadron]

I just ordered a chronograph today because I am really curious as to exactly what my loads are doing in different firearms.

For example, I have both a GP100 and an SP101 with 4" and 3" barrels, respectively. My standard target load for these could be classified as somewhat of a legacy load since AFAIK, no one is currently publishing .357 Magnum loads using Herco. I'm using 7.5 grains pushing a MBC 140 TCFP, lit with Fed 200 primers. I really want to see what this load is doing FPS-wise along with the SD. I'd additionally like to find out how the hotties (using 2400/H110) perform with the MG 125 JHP's.

It should also be interesting to see what my .405 Winchester loads are doing, among other rifles.

For the record, I decided to go with an Oehler 35P.

Who still sells them? I have one my wife gave me as a gift about 15 or more years ago. Then Oehler quit making them, then they began making them again. Now, if I look at Midway they show the 35P as discontinued by manufacturer?

A few years ago I called Oehler and bought an extra print head for mine and some extra sky screen parts (yes, I shot one of my plastic screen parts). They were great and I had my parts within a week.

Ron

 

[Crashbox]

I ordered it directly from Oehler.

 

[Hondo 60]

Do you NEED a chronograph?
No, but I REALLY like having one.

I look at it as just another tool that can help keep me safe.

 

[Reloadron]

I ordered it directly from Oehler.

Thanks and good to know as I would have no reservation suggesting a 35P. They are great units. Not exactly budget but great units.

Ron

 

[j1]

It could be nice to have. If you borrow one be careful not to shoot it.

 

[Crashbox]

Thanks and good to know as I would have no reservation suggesting a 35P. They are great units. Not exactly budget but great units.

You're welcome, glad I could help.

I did a fair amount of research on various brands and it seems that although each has their own idiosyncrasies, almost no one grumbled about the Oehler other than cost. Other brands were certainly less expensive but they seemingly had a pronounced tendency to encourage the use of profanity amongst their owners. Granted, a chronograph is a specialized tool that I won't be using daily but there are certain aspects about load development and monitoring that- in my opinion- cannot be done any other way. And since my house is paid off and I'm old enough to want what I perceive to be the best, I figured the Oehler was well worth the investment.

I'm in the process of compiling a list of uses for my new toy in addition to baseline load behavior, but I may Google it some more. I can think of several, e.g., season-to-season variations, powder lot-to-lot differences, etc.

 

[Reloadron]

I can think of several, e.g., season-to-season variations, powder lot-to-lot differences, etc.

Once the weather up here improves I hope to run some over the chronograph that are from different temperatures. For example some in a cooler with measured temperature and some at air ambient. Same loads just different temperatures. Additionally some .308 loaded in military brass versus commercial brass with the cases weights noted. The list goes on....

Ron

 

[ltcboy]

I really dont use the chrony for handgun reloading, however, I do find it very helpful for rifle. I like to reload for the M1 and I like to work up the loads from a very conservative level til I get just around 2700 fps. I like to see what different powders will do and how they will perform. Is it necessary? No, but it is a valuable tool to have.


MIke