Author Topic: Chronograph Decision (Read 761 times)

Bullseye · « **on:** November 08, 2004, 06:57:20 AM »

I figured this would be as good a place to ask this as any.

I have been looking at the PACT Professional, Oehler and the Prochrono. Seems it would be nice to print out your results which would throw the Prochrono out unless you bought an accessory printer.

What is everyones experience with these three brands? Is one better than the other, or will they all get the job done?

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** November 08, 2004, 12:04:29 PM »

I have a less expensive PACT. It's perfectly good. I've never had a need to actually print out the results of shots. This is because the chronograph saves your shot string data for later review. You can then review the velocity of each shot, and then it will calculate average velocity, extreme spread, standard deviation, minimum velocity and maximum velocity. I usually just look at the average, SD, and extreme spread. If that looks about the way I want it, then I consider the load good enough. Then I move on to accuracy testing. I like the PACT also because I've shot the sensors and they are cheap to replace.

Kragman71 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 09, 2004, 04:17:16 PM »

Bullseye,
I have had the Oehler for about 13 years now,and am glad that I spent the extra money for it.
It takes a little more time to set up,but I never have any of the problems that you will hear from the other brand owner's.
On the other hand,if you are not sure that you really need one,buy a cheaper one.
Frank

mudriver · « **Reply #3 on:** November 11, 2004, 04:53:59 AM »

I recently asked the same question on this forum and ended up buying a ProChrono. It is very easy to set up and use. I have only used it during one session but it worked every time and gave me the data I was looking for.

calvon · « **Reply #4 on:** November 11, 2004, 07:56:15 AM »

I have the least expensive Chrony, the F1. I bought it as a refurb from the Chrony people for about fifty dollars. It stores nothing. You shoot and it shows the velocity in the display. On the next shot the first is erased and replaced.

You have a computer or you wouldn't be posting to this forum. I devised a simple little paper form on which I record the velocity as I shoot them. That comes home and is punched into a spreadsheet on the computer. It computes mean velocity, standard deviation, and spread between slowest and fastest.

Sometimes simpler is better.

hubcap · « **Reply #5 on:** November 18, 2004, 11:28:55 PM »

I have an Oehler 33 and a Pact Pro(the one WITH the printer). I prefer the pact, but either would perform well.

wild willy · « **Reply #6 on:** November 19, 2004, 03:40:37 AM »

I have the PC 2 works great If I was doing it again would get the Pro with the printer

Lvl1trauma · « **Reply #7 on:** November 25, 2004, 02:19:30 PM »

I have had both the Oehler 35 and Pact. Get the Pact PC2. You will be much happier. Trust me.... It is MUCH more user friendly and easier to set up. Someone stole mine and I have to use the Oehler. For what you pay for it, it is really a cheezy setup and hard to use. I don't care what all of the "pros" have to say about how good it is- the end results are the same. The Pact will get you there cheaper and happier. Get the Pact and don't look back.

Lvl1trauma

Mark whiz · « **Reply #8 on:** November 25, 2004, 03:09:55 PM »

I just had my new Shooting Chrony Beta Master delivered yesterday. :grin:

Did a little setup & testing with it here at work this evening.
I case any of you ever wondered.....................a 2.5" long rubber band can propell a 10gr paper wad at a max velocity of 145fps, with a 60 shot average velocity of 120fps.................delivering .391 ft lbs of torque to the Boss's shoulder blade. :eek: :-D

Gotta love Gov't work.

willysjeep134 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 30, 2004, 06:56:04 AM »

I also have an F1 chrony. I just bring a pad of paper and a pencil with. It may be cheap, but for just casually testing a few handloads or black powder loads I think it is the most I would want to spend for one.

legolas · « **Reply #10 on:** December 15, 2004, 12:43:07 PM »

Bullseye:
Whatever you get, don't pick up the PACT I Chronograph. I've had extensive experience with it and I just sent it back to the manufacturer because it can't see anything. I mean the instrument was blind!!! :evil: I shoved in fresh batteries and shot as low as 5 inches over the sensors and it still will not detect a slow moving 45 ACP. Go figure! Right now I have my eyes on the CED millennium or the PACT Beta Master. Anybody else got any experience with these units? Please post your comments.

1895GG · « **Reply #11 on:** December 17, 2004, 04:18:11 AM »

I've got the PACT Pro model and am very happy with it. I personally like and use the printer every time. Couple of things to think about: The pro has a LARGE area to shoot thru--less likely to shoot the screens. Also the computer is separate from the screens. If you do shoot the screens, those parts are less expensive to replace than the computer part if it gets shot. Some models have the screens right above the computer all in one unit--DON'T SHOOT LOW!!

Watch the gun magazines with the PACT ads. Usually a 1/2 page ad and every few months they run a special on the Pro model.