Using a chronograph

[Red Cent]

Can't remember when I bought it but I have an old working chronogrph. I have been working up a load using 147gr Berry plated in a G34. I test loads in my garage. Got acreage, but the neighbors get nervous. Anyway, good bullet stop, about 30 feet to target and 25 feet to chrono. During the day when I step into the garage and fire 3-5 rounds I was getting random readings. Screens installed,lights on, and a good battery.
Last night (dark) I went to the garage, turned just the chrono lights on and fired a handful. Got readings as I would expect. Vaariation of no more than 8-10 fps.
I haven't used the chrono for a long time. Seems as I remember, you got better readings outside on an overcast day. Bright sunlight caused problems. Need some expertise on the subject. It is a Chrony Delta Model

 

[Hk Dan]

They do sometimes read the ejecta, but I would think you were far enough away to avoid that problem. I've never had problems on a sunny day, but ours doesn't have lit screens either. This'll be interesting!

Dan

 

[Jon_Snow]

Flourescent lights will give you all kinds of trouble with chronos. Incandescent lights work, but you really want diffuse light where possible. If you're using a chrono in any condition other than outdoors and overcast, you should try to use some kind of diffuser.

 

[Red Cent]

Since the chrony is setting just in front of the target (5') the lights from the chrony is usually sufficient. The other light on that side of the garage is a four bulber, not uv.
I used the chrony for archery and it was used out side with no lights. Never had a problem.
The lights are setting on two plastic bowed diffusers. The random, and some time "error" readings were doing the day. However, the chrony is setting in the back of the garage. No bright sun shine and no bright lights.
Getting dusk outside here in NC. I have a handful loaded and will try them in an hour. I will post the results.

 

[Jon_Snow]

Are there any shadows across the sensors? If so, are they constant or moving?

 

[Red Cent]

No defined shadows. The garage is not bright white. Between sand blaster, sanders, chop saws, radial saws, table top saw, drill press and bunch of other tools and tables it is a little crowded. I am alone when shooting. Always hang the bright yellow "Range Is Hot" sign on the garage/house door. So nothing moving. Got me.

Just fired five rounds. Dusk outside, no lights in garage ecept for the chrony lights. All registered in the mid 860s. Worked great.

Its been awhile but we had to chrono our arrows before a 3D match. We had to shield the chronograph (don't know what brand) from direct sunlight to get consistent readings.

Tomorow I will load some more and shoot at high noon. I am using American Select and I know it shoots rather clean. But then all are loaded with AS.

 

[MinnMooney]

I've got the Chrony Beta master and get a lot of -err- . Most of the time, I don't care but if I'm shooting test loads where I've only got 5-6 of each test then it's important to not have a lot of errors or the ammo and the test is wasted.

 

[1SOW]

I don't have your chrony, most chronys:

Use sun diffusers that work best when the sun is high/noonish. (late in the day the sun can come in under the diffusers.

Mine (Pro-Chrony Digital) suggests 10' away or a little more and be shooting at a target to test for grouping..

With overcast days don't need the diffusers.

I've always used 10 test rounds and toss a "flyer".

Following these guidelines, I seldom get -err- with my 9mm pistol tests.

Hope this helps

 

[HighExpert]

It has been awhile since I used my chrono extensively, but I seem to remember something about using a DC light source as the 60hz light could give you issues with readings. I have always had better readings with an overcast day, incidentally.