Author Topic: Chronographs (Read 759 times)

billjoe · « **on:** March 25, 2003, 07:20:55 AM »

What do I need to know about chronographs if I want to do average velocities and deviations? Any brands or types to be aware of? Anybody used a model made by Chrony, Inc?

Thanks for the help guys.
bj

JMCrane · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2003, 08:46:40 AM »

Hav had 2 chrony's. They work just fine. I prefer writing doum velocities and then plugging them into a spreadsheet at home to analize. My SS gives avg vel, extream spread and std dev. All chronographs are regulated for velocity, there are differences in features

MnMike · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2003, 04:14:47 PM »

I have the basic Chroney. I was happy that they repaired my 1 1/2 year old machine for free in a reasonable amount of time. Hope you don't need this info, but I thought it might be useful.

Crayfish · « **Reply #3 on:** March 26, 2003, 01:52:07 AM »

I bought my first chronograph last summer after much deliberation. I ended up getting a Chrony "Beta Master". This one puts the controls on the bench with you while the chrono is actually 15' away. Easier to see the numbers, reset if needed, toggle thru std dev / ext spread / min / max / average velocity / etc. without having to walk up to it each time. It will also save something like 10 strings of shots for you to review at home or whatever.

I haven't used it a whole lot but it is easy to use and cost less than $100 at MidSouth Shooter's Supply.

... Crayfish

bsekf · « **Reply #4 on:** March 26, 2003, 02:12:49 AM »

I have a Chrony "Master", too. I did a lot of research and decided it was the best bang for the buck. Not real happy with it. Like all toys, there is a lot of fooling around. I have yet to get velocities that I trust. Someone suggested I needed to put baffels up to stop the muzzle blast. Haven't figured out just how to do that.

I am still using trajectory figures and group size to judge loads.

I don't trust my GPS either, compass works just fine.

billjoe · « **Reply #5 on:** March 26, 2003, 07:35:28 AM »

Good info guys. Typically- how far in front of the muzzel do you place these? Are there any other brands besides Chrony to look at? I guess I want to limit my spending, but want an accurrate machine. Seems like a luxury tool, but what are hobbies for anyway.

thanks
bj

Hopalong7 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 26, 2003, 08:23:39 AM »

For about the price of a new barrel you can get Oehler 35P and man is it worth it. I've had mine about 8 yr now. Right after I got it, I couldn't believe I had put it off for so long. Never regretted buying it. Never owned a Chrony but played w/ a friend's some and there was no comparison. I guess it would just depend on how much you think you would use it, but If you shoot much and reload I highly recommend one and the Oehler If you can justify it.
GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #7 on:** March 26, 2003, 09:11:17 AM »

Billy Joe,

I have been using my Crony F1 for a lot of years now. Use it for archery, muzzleloaders, shotgun, rifle and pistol.

How far you place it from the muzzle depends upon where you want to read the speed at. Usually I set mine about 15 feet out.

I am not really scientific about it, just use mine for general referance and for finding standard deviations on loads I come up with. I also write down the readings and then use a spreadsheet to crunch the numbers.

I have burned the face of it a little with the muzzleloaders, but the display keeps working. If you use a pair of binoculars to read the display you don't have to get up to it each time as the display resets itself with each shot.

The other thing I like about it is that it uses a inexpensive 9 volt battery.

I have yet to lend the unit out to anyone or let anyone shoot through it. I do that myself, sure would hate to have someone put a bullet in a vital area. I have once nicked it slightly, I think with a shotgun load, but just to the sheet metal case and it still keeps on working perfectly.

JD HHI 6092® · « **Reply #8 on:** March 26, 2003, 09:44:58 AM »

I've shot over a Chrony and a Oehler. Both worked great. I once ordered a chronograph from CED. I took it to the range and set it up. Shot over it and nothing. Checked my connections still nothing. I sent it back. If it was me, I would save my pennies and buy the Oehler.

contendernut · « **Reply #9 on:** March 26, 2003, 11:59:47 AM »

I've shot over three diferent chronographs: Oehler 35P, Pact 1, and Pact Professional. My first was the 35P. Its a great machine but costs around $400. If you go this route, be sure and spend the extra $$ to get the 4' rail/tripods. Unfortunately,I left it in the bed of my truck at my gun club and a member helped themselves to it. I bought the pact as a replacement because a friend had one that I had used with the Oehler and I couldn't justify the extra $$. It doesn't have the "proof channel", but works just as good as the Oehler.

contendernut · « **Reply #10 on:** March 26, 2003, 12:04:36 PM »

I place the skyscreens around 10' away. With a load greater than 1200fps, you will have no trouble with the sound wave tripping the screens. If you plan on shooting subsonic handguns, you may have to move back a little to keep the sound wave from triggering the screens. If you have this problem, build a baffle out of cardboard or plywood. Cut a narrow, long hole that runs vertical to shoot through before the skyscreens. This will stop most of the sound wave.