Sharing some chrono results

[vaalpens]

I tested out my new/first chrono today and decided to share my loads and chrono numbers.

It was interesting that all my CFE Pistol numbers came out at the bottom. I just started loading CFE Pistol, so it seems I still have a lot of work to do.

An eye opener for me was the numbers I saw for Bullseye in 357sig. Bullseye is not used much in 357sig, but I load it with plated bullets as practice ammo. I am not trying for top speed, but rather just good grouping and reliability.

All my chrono results are sorted by ES and SD as a percentage of the average velocity.

Any comments will be appreciated.

SIG P229 3.9"
357sig
COL:1.135"
Berrys 124gr HBFPTP Bullseye 6.2 CCI500
Average:1232
ES:5
SD:1.8
PF:153
ES % of Avg:0.41%
SD % of Avg:0.15%
Velocities:1233, 1235, 1230, 1232, 1232

SIG P229 3.9"
357sig
COL:1.135"
MG 125gr JHP Longshot 7.8 CCI500
Average:1258
ES:15
SD:5.8
PF:157
ES % of Avg:1.19%
SD % of Avg:0.46%
Velocities:1260, 1260, 1265, 1254, 1250

SIG SP2022 3.9"
9mm
COL:1.060"
Berrys 124gr HBFPTP AutoComp 5.3 CCI500
Average:1085
ES:13
SD:5.0
PF:135
ES % of Avg:1.20%
SD % of Avg:0.46%
Velocities:1088, 1090, 1084, 1077, 1086

SIG P229 3.9"
357sig
COL:1.135"
MG 125gr JHP Unique 7.2 CCI500
Average:1224
ES:16
SD:6.2
PF:153
ES % of Avg:1.31%
SD % of Avg:0.50%
Velocities:1228, 1221, 1216, 1232, 1224

SIG P229 3.9"
357sig
COL:1.150"
RMR 124gr JHP BE86 7.6 CCI500
Average:1259
ES:18
SD:6.8
PF:156
ES % of Avg:1.43%
SD % of Avg:0.54%
Velocities:1256, 1268, 1250, 1263, 1259

SIG P229 3.9"
357sig
COL:1.135"
MG 125gr JHP PowerPistol 8.2 CCI500
Average:1339
ES:31
SD:11.5
PF:167
ES % of Avg:2.32%
SD % of Avg:0.86%
Velocities:1356, 1342, 1337, 1325, 1333

SIG SP2022 3.9"
9mm
COL:1.060"
Berrys 124gr HBFPTP BE86 5.6 CCI500
8Average:1076
ES:28
SD:11.4
PF:133
ES % of Avg:2.60%
SD % of Avg:1.06%
Velocities:1076, 1083, 1067, 1091, 1063

SIG P229 3.9"
40SW
COL:1.142"
Xtreme 165gr RNFPHPCB CFEpistol 6.5 CCI500
Average:948
ES:30
SD:11.6
PF:156
ES % of Avg:3.16%
SD % of Avg:1.22%
Velocities:937, 967, 942, 951, 945

SIG P229 3.9"
357sig
COL:1.135"
Berrys 124gr HBFPTP CFEpistol 7.0 CCI500
Average:1174
ES:55
SD:20.2
PF:146
ES % of Avg:4.68%
SD % of Avg:1.72%
Velocities:1146, 1166, 1179, 1201, 1180

SIG P229 3.9"
40SW
COL:1.142"
Xtreme 165gr RNFPHPCB CFEpistol 6.7 CCI500
9Average:980
ES:73
SD:29.8
PF:162
ES % of Avg:7.45%
SD % of Avg:3.04%
Velocities:929, 1002, 992, 978, 998

 

[cfullgraf]

I guess you did not shoot your chronograph, so it was a good day.

It seems you learned a thing or two.

I find looking at my chrono data enlightening at times. I like to compare my loads to some factory loads. It gives me kind of a base point.

 

[kcofohio]

I can only comment on your 40 S&W loads with CFE Pistol. Hodgdon list their load with 165 gr. Berry's between 6.9-7.5 gr. of CFE Pistol at 1.135". Though, I don't if the HPCB effects the load any.

Thanks for sharing your results.

 

[vaalpens]

I guess you did not shoot your chronograph, so it was a good day.

It seems you learned a thing or two.

I find looking at my chrono data enlightening at times. I like to compare my loads to some factory loads. It gives me kind of a base point.

Thanks.

The first shot through the chrono was one of those mental barriers you have to overcome. I put some blue tape on the uprights so I could see where to aim, and I was also shooting from a rest. A target was set up behind the chrono, and at the end of the day the hole in the target was just over 1". You can't really miss at 4 yards shooting from a rest.

The chrono data definitely provides additional information that I can use in addition to my normal findings.

 

[vaalpens]

I can only comment on your 40 S&W loads with CFE Pistol. Hodgdon list their load with 165 gr. Berry's between 6.9-7.5 gr. of CFE Pistol at 1.135". Though, I don't if the HPCB effects the load any.

Thanks for sharing your results.

Thanks.

I started low with the 40s&w load because there was a thread on THR where it was indicated that the CFE Pistol starting load was hot. The chrono just confirmed that I can work up the load since it obviously need some more pressure.

 

[ColoradoShooter77]

Glad to see the numbers on the 6.7 grain 40 S&W load, its obviously not hot. It sure "felt" hot in my PPX 40, as in "snappy".

I prefer longshot, which gives more of a "push" in the recoil.

 

[vaalpens]

Glad to see the numbers on the 6.7 grain 40 S&W load, its obviously not hot. It sure "felt" hot in my PPX 40, as in "snappy".

I prefer longshot, which gives more of a "push" in the recoil.

I still have a few of my 40s&w loads I need to test with the chrono, including some Longshot loads.

You are probably correct that CFE Pistol is going to be snappy since I am already at just below 1000fps, and when I take into the suggested powder range, then I will see over 1000fps. I will definitely feel the 40 once I push it into the 1k velocity range.

 

[PhotoBiker]

I guess you did not shoot your chronograph, so it was a good day.

Mine took a hot 45 Colt load about a month ago and kept on ticking. Since then, I stopped stacking targets to save running down range to adjust the chrony.

 

[vaalpens]

I like to compare my loads to some factory loads. It gives me kind of a base point.

I did test a factory load also, and was surprised how low the velocity was. Here are the numbers:

SIG P229 3.9"
357sig
Factory Fiocchi 124gr FMJTC (Red Box)
Average:1153
ES:19
SD:6.7
PF:143
ES % of Avg:1.65%
SD % of Avg:0.59%
Velocities:1163, 1153, 1152, 1144, 1153

 

[Dudedog]

Chronos are sure fun.

 

[vaalpens]

Chronos are sure fun.

They sure are. I thought I never needed a chrono, but after I started reloading 357sig I realized I needed some more data to know how far I can go.

With my 357sig, MG 125gr JHP, Longshot 7.8 load I realized that I am below or at minimum load, so I can try a little higher and actually have a lower charge accurate load, and maybe a higher charge accurate load also. My next loads will be 8.0gr to 8.4gr to see if I can identify another accurate load. This is fun.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

Ha, I didn't need a chrono either until I started reloading. I took mine out for the first time today and was pleasantly surprised by some of the "budget" loads I like, especially my 357 loads.

 

[ColoradoShooter77]

Today I chrono'd my 124 grain 9mm load with CFE Pistol:

5.2 grains, 124 grain Berry RN, mixed brass, CCI primer:

Out of 5 rounds, the highest velocity was 1115 fps and the lowest was 1091 fps.

This is a good shooting load, recoil isn't bad at all.

 

[Dudedog]

Longshot is loud, but sure works well in 9mm when you want to step on it.
I have seen people say the same thing about it in .357 SIg, 40S+W and 10mm.

I reloaded for quiite a while without one but just wanted to know what I was really getting velocity wise.
When I bought my chrono I bought an inexpensive one expecting it do die as I have heard chronos live charmed lives

So far like the Bullseye in the center of the targets, I have managed to consistently miss it, so it's still alive.

 

[kcofohio]

After getting so many combos of bullets/powders with little data to go with. I decided to get one earlier this year.

I have put some 300-400 rds. over it so far. there are 3 streaks across the top of the plastic housing, one with a smidge of lead deposit.

I took some peoples suggestion and replaced the aluminum rods with wooden dowel rods. Good thing too, as I have shot 3 of them so far. I tend to shoot a bit to the left.

Just need to find a range/luggage bag that carries the chrono, target stand base, targets, ammo' and guns. I must look like a sight carrying all this stuff under each arm with carry bag, and the chrono box.

 

[vaalpens]

Ha, I didn't need a chrono either until I started reloading. I took mine out for the first time today and was pleasantly surprised by some of the "budget" loads I like, especially my 357 loads.

Yes, it is interesting when you can finally put some concrete numbers to the difference you feel between loads.

 

[vaalpens]

Today I chrono'd my 124 grain 9mm load with CFE Pistol:

5.2 grains, 124 grain Berry RN, mixed brass, CCI primer:

Out of 5 rounds, the highest velocity was 1115 fps and the lowest was 1091 fps.

This is a good shooting load, recoil isn't bad at all.

The best load I have so far is 5.1gr, 124gr Berry HBFPTP, 1.060" COL, CCI primer.

I have not chrono the load yet, but will definitely do it next time and will post it here.

 

[vaalpens]

Longshot is loud, but sure works well in 9mm when you want to step on it.
I have seen people say the same thing about it in .357 SIg, 40S+W and 10mm.

I reloaded for quiite a while without one but just wanted to know what I was really getting velocity wise.
When I bought my chrono I bought an inexpensive one expecting it do die as I have heard chronos live charmed lives

So far like the Bullseye in the center of the targets, I have managed to consistently miss it, so it's still alive.

I like Longshot in the calibers I load, but have been hesitant to get to the higher charges, due to the recoil of Longshot and I want't sure where I was velocity wise. With the chrono now I should be able to up my charges again and then compare the accuracy and reliability. At the end accuracy and reliable cycling trumps chrono numbers.

 

[vaalpens]

After getting so many combos of bullets/powders with little data to go with. I decided to get one earlier this year.

I have put some 300-400 rds. over it so far. there are 3 streaks across the top of the plastic housing, one with a smidge of lead deposit.

I took some peoples suggestion and replaced the aluminum rods with wooden dowl rods. Good thing too, as I have shot 3 of them so far. I tend to shoot a bit to the left.

Just need to find a range/luggage bag that carries the chrono, target stand base, targets, ammo' and guns. I must look like a sight carrying all this stuff under each arm with carry bag, and the chrono box.

I have not replaced the rods yet, but I am very careful when using my chrono. This is how I use the chrono:
-Taped some 2" blue tape on the fron and back rods (4"-6" above chrono) as aiming point
-Use a rest that is set so that my aim is at the top of the blue tape
-Target behind the chrono, so after first shot I have an additional aiming point
-Chrono level and consistent distance from bench

Using the rest and the target I could see that all my shots were in about a 1" grouping. This gave me the confidence that I will probably not shoot my chrono.

 

[kcofohio]

I have not replaced the rods yet, but I am very careful when using my chrono. This is how I use the chrono:
-Taped some 2" blue tape on the fron and back rods (4"-6" above chrono) as aiming point
-Use a rest that is set so that my aim is at the top of the blue tape
-Target behind the chrono, so after first shot I have an additional aiming point
-Chrono level and consistent distance from bench

Using the rest and the target I could see that all my shots were in about a 1" grouping. This gave me the confidence that I will probably not shoot my chrono.

The tape is a good idea.

As for shooting position, I shoot standing. The range I belong to has a shallow horseshoe range separate from the rest of the range. Works out good, as I can fiddle with the chrono when needed. But has no shooting bench. I, from time to time, shoot left (my big hands don't always get the finger properly onto the trigger). That is why I elected to get wooden dowel rods.

And I agree that a target set behind the chrono. And the chrono needs to be parallel with my aim, or my aim be parallel with the chrono.

 

[vaalpens]

The tape is a good idea.

As for shooting position, I shoot standing. The range I belong to has a shallow horseshoe range separate from the rest of the range. Works out good, as I can fiddle with the chrono when needed. But has no shooting bench. I, from time to time, shoot left (my big hands don't always get the finger properly onto the trigger). That is why I elected to get wooden dowel rods.

And I agree that a target set behind the chrono. And the chrono needs to be parallel with my aim, or my aim be parallel with the chrono.

I have not used my chrono at our range yet, but has only used it when shooting in the desert (yes, this is AZ).

Before I went out the first time I had everything measured, the height of the table, the height of the rest, the height of the tri-pod, and then the target I was going to use in the back. I also added a level in the chrono box.

So at the end of the day the first chrono excursion was uneventful. It help to be prepared.

 

[Dudedog]

At the end accuracy and reliable cycling trumps chrono numbers

I agree completely. A lot of my pistol loads tend to be mid range.
Accurate less recoil and function fine.