Recommendations for an accurate chronograph

[Derek Zeanah]

I'm looking for a chrony, and most of them sell themselves on reporting features and how the data can be mangled. This doesn't matter much to me as I can do that in Excel, or even on my calculator. Plus, it's hard to imagine a scenario where I'd need the device to keep the last thousand shots in memory.

What I'm looking for is recommendations that focus more on accuracy than on interface. Consistent shot to shot measurement is probably most important even if those numbers are off from the "real" numbers by some percentage, but a device that gives accurate readings all around then that would be best.

What have y'all had the best luck with? What should I absolutely, positively avoid?

 

[MtnCreek]

Consistent shot to shot measurement is probably most important even if those numbers are off from the "real" numbers by some percentage, but a device that gives accurate readings all around then that would be best.

CED Millenium will do it.

 

[rcmodel]

Oehler is back making the Model 35 again.

http://www.oehler-research.com/model35.html

While expensive, they don't get any more accurate then that.

rc

 

[Asherdan]

My experience with Shooting Chronys has been great but the folding design leaves it open for user error more so than other units. If you don't get it fully opened you shorten the travel distance between the sensors and capture fast times.

Oehler is the bell cow in this parade.

 

[northark147]

I've heard great things about the CED M2, It it what I have decided I am going to get. Target barn has package deals where you can get the Chrono, a carrying case, and a tripod all together. or the chrono, carrying case and IR upgrade kit.

 

[gennro]

I ordered this one the other day. Seemed to have a really good reviews compared to others in the price range.

http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/113204/competition-electronics-prochrono-pal-chronograph

 

[sugarmaker]

I'm very happy with my CED M2. No experience with other brands, though I did design and build one as a teenager - had to shoot through 2 wires to make it work. The M2 is a huge improvement.

 

[EddieNFL]

CED

 

[Bayou1535]

Not to hijack but I have also been looking and the prochrono in the link above gets good reviews but the reviews for the ced doesn't appear to.

 

[cfullgraf]

I like my CED M2. I've had good success with Chronys over the years.

Remember your sight offsets, chronographs don't take kindly to bullets.

 

[Deavis]

CED M2, rarely misses a shot no matter the light and the download feature makes archiving easy

 

[MtnCreek]

CED M2, rarely misses a shot no matter the light and the download feature makes archiving easy

That’s my only complaint about the CED, but mine is an older version and it is sensitive to light conditions (but a lot of times I’m trying to sneak in some load development after work and at last light).

 

[5thSFGroup]

I have had the ProChronograph from Midway as does genro. I have had it for 8 months without a missed shot or problem. It is affordable and appears to be reliable.

 

[Ledhore]

I've got the Competition Electronics Pro Chrono and like it much more than the Chrony I had previously.

 

[Derek Zeanah]

Thanks for the responses.

What I'm getting is that the CED and PACT have some dedicated fans, and for good reason. But sometimes you'll get a flyer that's hard to identify as either a problem with the round, or a problem with the measurement. You can simply throw out the questionable data, but my statistics professor would strangle me if I was throwing out data without a firm reason for doing so. This is the Path of Madness (or at least the path of statistically irrelevant results).

So, what anal-retentive types do is shoot through two chronys, or use an Oehler 35 which essentially does the same thing.

Fair statement?

 

[MtnCreek]

I don't know anything about the Oehler, so I can't comment on it. Judging by my consistent figures from the CED, I think it either takes an accurate reading or it sometimes fails to get a reading. I haven't had any problems with 'high noon' direct sunlight, but I have with late evening lack of light. Just for fun, I’ve taken loads developed using 2’ screens and then tested with 4’ screens; findings were consistent.

 

[amlevin]

I replaced my old Shooting Chrony with a Pact XP Pro, with infrared sensors. Am totally pleased. I can shoot strings of varying length (longer the better for statistical accuracy), print them out for instant review, and if desired, download to my PC to make cute little graphs, etc.

The infrared sensors are totally non-ambient light dependent. The club where I shoot has large baffles ahead of the firing line that cause most chronographs to give erratic readings during times when the sun is low on the horizon (Morning, evening, and all fall/winter). No issues now, just plug it in or if no power, just adapt the sensor power cord to a 6v lantern battery or rechargeable motorcycle 6v battery.

For the "Patriots", the PACT unit is "Made in America".

 

[hdbiker]

I've had my Shooting Chrony,beta modle for 10 years.works good,no problems except a dead battery. biker

 

[nra-for-life]

i have the pro chrono. it works well. as with all chronigraphs it can be tempermental if the lighting is not right. i ended up buying the light kit for mine. (i usually am set up in the shade.)

if you have never owned a chronograph you might be very surprised at usefull all the "reporting features" actually are. it is a lot more convienient to be able to upload dircetly to pc or have it print rather than have to write it all down.

 

[ljnowell]

Have you made a decision yet Derek? I have been looking into this too, so I think I will wait and see how your purchase plays out.

 

[Derek Zeanah]

Have you made a decision yet Derek? I have been looking into this too, so I think I will wait and see how your purchase plays out.

I'm leaning toward the Oehler, in large part because of its ability to double-check itself, but the reputation doesn't hurt.

I'm weeks away from pulling the trigger though.

 

[ljnowell]

I'm leaning toward the Oehler, in large part because of its ability to double-check itself, but the reputation doesn't hurt.

I'm weeks away from pulling the trigger though.

Looks like I may have to go ahead and take a chance then.

 

[springer99]

I've used a $100 basic pro-chrony for about 10 years and it's worked well for me. I've used it to check velocities on numerous airguns, pistol and rifle rounds; both indoors and outside. Sometimes it's a little fussy about the light conditions it wants, but other than that I don't have any complaints. It gives consistant readings and stores about 6 shot strings at a time.

Now, is it "accurate"? Can't answer that as I don't what I'd compare it to. Guess that's pretty much true on any of them though.