Chronograph Recommendations?

[GrampaMike]

I want to buy a Chronograph but have no idea which one.  Asking for recommendations.  

Thanks.  Mike

[skb2706]

I have the absolute cheapest one I could find ....Chrony F1 cost me $69 on sale. I can tell you this much about it.
It doesn't have remote control.
It doesn't do the SPC calculations
It doesn't have a printer
It only gives you the most basic feedback
I bought it for just that....most of the calculations I would ever need I can do.
I have great eye site so I can read the display from the sitting position to the tripod.

I picked this particular unit just to learn to use one and it has worked everytime I set it up.......when matched with other units costing much more they were virtually identical in information.
 
In the words of my favorite brother in law - Its not "if you will ever shoot your Chrony .........its when". I might as well make that a cheap mistake.

Now you need someone to give you info. on the other end of the spectrum of which I have no clue.

[Questor]

I have a PACT that is very nice. The sensors are separate from the chronograph. This is a good thing, because I've shot my sensors three times. They aren't very expensive to replace.

[calvon]

I second the motion on the Chrony F1. If you can be happy with a reconditioned F1 you can get it for fifty US dollars at the Chrony website.

http://chrony.ca/shooting_chrony/sc_mc.htm

[New Hampshire]

I third the F-1.  Its what I have, and if you get sick of doing calculations an extra 15 bucks will get you a remote upgrade that does it for you.  Ive been thinking of getting it....if not only to see the display instead of squinting (yeah my eyes need a check-up again.)
Brian M.

[Iowegan]

I have a Chrony and an Oehler. The Oehler is a much better unit and cost a lot more. Both read near identical velocities when I've tested them together. Seems like I always grab the Chrony if I'm going to do a few quick tests. It sets up in seconds and folds up to fit in my shooting box.  Also, if it took a hit, I wouldn't be out as much.

I think all the brands are quite good.  I know I'd be lost without one.

[Donna]

Hello Mike,

I have two Oehler Model 33Â’s for special research that I love and I also have a Chrony for down range velocities at the target, I figure if it gets shot I havenÂ’t lost much money and I can always buy another cheap Chrony. The Chrony that I have had to go back to replace the electronics it developed an unrecoverable error on its own the third time I took it out. My OehlerÂ’s has never failed me and one of them I have had for about 20 years. Mind you the Model 33 is no longer being made. For all practical purposes most any of the chronographs should do a satisfactory job.

Donna

[Wlscott]

I have a Pro Chrono Plus from Competition Electronics.  Seems to be pretty accurate and works every time I take it out.  I do have an occasional odd reading that I attribute to either too many clouds moving across the sky, or the wind blowing the trees above the chrony and causing moving shadows on the chrony.  

As others have said, these chronographs are NOT to be trusted.  They will turn on you, and when one charges it's pretty scary.  The only thing you can do is rely on your instincts and put it down quickly.  I did mine in with my 44MAG.  They're DANGEROUS I tell you

Course, Competition Electronics replaced the unit for around $40.00

[Rmouleart]

I have used a F1 chrony for years, and tested it ageist the best, no difference;) keeps me honest when reloading, I always noticed my loads are a slight bit more fps than the book, maybe due to crimp, I for the most part put a heavy crimp on the big bores. I always use a lee factory crimp. Aim small hit small. RAMbo.

[GrampaMike]

Thanks Everyone...

Looks like I got my answer...

Mike

[50 Calshtr]

GrampaMike,
   One suggestion, if you shoot anything with wads in it, blackpowder cartridge, shotgun etc, mount a sloping plexiglass shield in front of the unit.  The projectile may clear but the wads may not.  Needless to say found this out the hard way.  Have fun.
Best

[hogship]

I had a Pact PC2 chronograph, and it's a good one.....gives all the calculations you'd ever want to know.

BUT

After several years of using it, I decided that the holes on the target are a better indicator of accuracy.

I sold my chronograph, and have never regretted it. If you have a workable and  systematic method of determining the best load for your rifle, you'll find the best load without any more load experimentation than required with a chronograph.

I suspect a chronograph is a "frustration factor" for some reloaders. This is because they concentrate on hi-lo and SD readings, rather than what is happening on the target.....and what happens on the target is the FINAL indicator of accuracy.

If I were a competitive bench rest shooter, I don't think I could do without a chronograph....but, most of us are not fine tuning our loads that will equate to hundredths of an inch at 100yds.

Chronographs are a great toy for the average reloader, though. It will definitely give you a better mental picture of the mechanics/physics of the intricacies of precision shooting. If you have the desire to have one, by all means, get it.....and use it.  I'd recommend the Pact PC2 for those considering purchasing one.

hog

[Larry Gibson]

GrampaMike

"I want to buy a Chronograph but have no idea which one.  Asking for recommendations.  Thanks.  Mike[/quote]"

I have used numerous chronographs since the mid '70s.  Some are inexpensive, some give more data than needed, some are a pain to set up but all of the newer ones with "sky screens" work well these days and are accurate.  

About 14 years ago I aquired an Oehler M35P with printer.  Its screens are set up on the short spacing of 24" and the  screen bar mounts easily on a camera tripod.  It is easly to set up and adjust to shoot through.  I set it up as quick as any Chrony.  The whole set up including tripod fits in a small wooden box and transports to and from the range very easily.  The printer is very nice as I do not have to record anything at the range, I do it later at home if I want to retain the info.  The M35P will give you all velocities plus the proof screen velocity, the high and low velocity, the mean average velocity, the extreme spread of velocity and the standard deviation.  That's really about all you need to know.  Since I've had the M35P I have compared it to numerous others and have not found it wanting.

It is aweful hard to beat the Oehler 35P with printer for accuracy or convenience.

Larry Gibson

[Swamp Fox]

I'm suprised no one mentioned CED.

Here's the website:

http://www.cedhk.com/show.php/Object29

[Lloyd Smale]

I have a remote chrony. It consistantly reads a couple hundred feet per sec. to fast but I just take it into account. Other then that it has worked fine.

[GrampaMike]

Oops---   Getting more answers and advice...  This is a great site.  Mike

[bgjohn]

I have a remote chrony. It consistantly reads a couple hundred feet per sec. to fast but I just take it into account. Other then that it has worked fine.

 :?  :? How do you know it reads too fast? :?
JM

[ricciardelli]

I have two Chrony F-1's and a Chrony Gamma Master.  Never had any problems with any of them.

My usual set-up is the Gamma Master 15' from the muzzle, one F-1 right in front fo the target, and the other F-1 half-way between the Gamma and the target F-1.

I also generally have two spotting scopes set-up.  One focused on each F-1 so I can get the readings.

[hubcap]

I've owned a Oehler 33 for 20+ yrs. and it's a good unit. They have excellent customer service. Bought a Pact with a printer about 2 yrs ago and would recommend it highly. Don't know about their service, since no 1st hand experence. Their manual isn't as good as the Oehler, IMHO.