Inexpensive chronograph

[otisrush]

I have the ProChrono and it has worked fine. (I can't speak to its accuracy.)

I also have the Bluetooth module and that has been flawless.

 

[Blue68f100]

I wish I had gone that way to start with. This unit looks good: https://www.amazon.com/Competition-Electronics-ProChrono-Digital-Chronograph/dp/B0028MTBJ4

I like that it stores 9 strings/99 shots and does statistics internally, so it should be usable without any kind of data device. I believe it is expandable with a bluetooth communications module as referred to by Blue68f100 above.

This is the one I have, with their Bluetooth adapter. I've put over 3k rounds over mine. The only time I have any issues with lighting is late in the evenings. I do need to shade mine at times during the summer. The sun direction is just right to get to the sensors. Simple fix though.

 

[LoonWulf]

BC=Ballistic coefficient. By knowing start velocity, and the velocity at a known distance you can figgure out what the BC is of your bullets from your rifle, in your conditions....or atleast those particular conditions.

The why of chronographing a shotgun load was.....well....'cause.
The how, is at 10ft or so the shot, and even wad, are all basically still one projectile.

 

[ray15]

Which is why i bought the magspeed.

If you don't mind, would you do a bit of their job for them? I cannot even tell if this device is applicable to handguns, much less how it attaches to any firearm (assuming it attaches to the firearm). They have a video, pictures and an owners manual that all seem to assume one already understands what guns this can be used with and physically how one does that.

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

.... Caldwell has not updated its apps in a long time and they never were as reliable as they should be.

Caldwell updated the app on my Android on 28Mar17.
Version 1.37

As far as I know, that's the latest.

The app is definitely clunky to use, but it does work for me, at least 95% of the time. I still think that, for the money, it's a good deal.

 

[ray15]

I agree, when it works, it's a great deal. Prospective purchasers do need to understand it may not work, however. The iOS version is more reliable (although not foolproof), probably due to the lesser degree of hardware variation that exists in apple-land. Check out the reviews on the Android version of the app - I'm far from alone.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.battenfeld.chrono&hl=en

 

[LoonWulf]

If you don't mind, would you do a bit of their job for them? I cannot even tell if this device is applicable to handguns, much less how it attaches to any firearm (assuming it attaches to the firearm). They have a video, pictures and an owners manual that all seem to assume one already understands what guns this can be used with and physically how one does that.

The V3 kit will work on a handgun that doesn't have a reciprocating slide, ive attached it to a ruger black hawk.
But to use it on a semi, youll need the rail adapter which attaches to the bayonet, thr red knife looking thing. That can then be attached to an pistol with an underside rail.
If the semi dosent have a rail there isnt an easy way to make it work.

On rifles the bayo just straps onto the barrel and you use the included shims to position it correctly. It seems a little complicated but once you do it its easy.
On something like an AR with a rail right near the muzzle you can use the rail adapter on that as well.

Here are some pictures of the components, and how it mounts to a rifle or other gun barrel. This is infact my airgun.
I dont have a rail adapter tho, as i generally use the Pro Chrony when im chronographing handgun loads.

 

[ray15]

Thanks. I gathered it was rifle-centric, but the makers leave a lot to the imagination. I would love to have its precision and accuracy, but it seems like conventional units are a better fit for most handguns.

 

[LoonWulf]

Not my image but it does a good job of showing the rail adapter in use.



Yeah while it can work on handguns, and on revolvers or stuff like a DE its the same as a rifle, working with reciprocating slide semis with no underside rail is a pain. Ive been trying to figgure out angood way to mount it but again i have the eyeball chrono so its been a back burner thing.

 

[MikeInOr]

Be aware that compatibility with Android devices is very poor. I ended up buying an old iPhone off of ebay just to get the app to work. The app could be a lot better, both from a design and compatibility standpoint, but in most cases can be made to work.

Mine works with my Samsung 12.2 Note tablet great. I never could get it to work with my Samsung Galaxy galaxy Note 4 phone. I love using it with my tablet. It collects the data without having to write it down and I can easily tag the strings of rounds... great for shooting one gun then another or one load then another.

If I were a rich man this is the one I would own...
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1016447132/labradar-ballistic-velocity-doppler-radar-chronograph
But realistically I don't use my chrono that much. Only when working up loads. Once I have found a good load the chrono doesn't come out very much.

 

[Dudedog]

I had a Competition Electronics Pro Chrono Pal, worked well but would not interface so writing down the results was slow and you had to be by it to view them or change strings, also did not compute SD or ES. (which can be done with paper and a pencil or excel, getting to old and senile to try to do SDs in my head, ES of course is easy, no pencil required)
I purchased a Competition Electronics Pro Chrono Digital with the USB link (extra cost for the link) to my laptop. Quite happy with it. Software is a bit clunky but runs fine on Windows 10. They have a Bluetooth link to your phone available (also extra cost) but since I getting old and blind I prefer the larger laptop screen.
More money than the Caldwell but seems to work well and will store 9 strings of up to 99 shots each in the Chrono.

 

[Newtosavage]

Used my ProChrono Pal again today to see the difference between Superformance and H4350 powders in my '06 loads.

Also told me where my .243 was, so I could then calculate downrange ballistics using the published bullet BC.

Someone once said "a man has to know his limitations" and part of knowing that for riflemen, is knowing the velocity of your bullet.

 

[Dudedog]

Off thread but was the Superformance better?
Better of course taking in to consideration vel and accuracy, 10,000fps would do you no good if it doesn't hit the target.

 

[Newtosavage]

Off thread but was the Superformance better?
Better of course taking in to consideration vel and accuracy, 10,000fps would do you no good if it doesn't hit the target.

60g Superform was 2840 while 57g H4350 was 2800. H4350 was slightly more accurate, but that was only one, 3-shot group ea. I'd call it a wash really.
Since I'm using the H4350 for my .243, and expect to use it for my 7mm-08 as well, it's nice to know I could also use it in my '06 with good results. One powder for my 3 hunting rifles is damn handy.