Chronographs?

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grimblyd

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Just got back in to reloading, and thinking I want a chronograph to check the rounds.

Budget is getting tight because I've spent all my beer money getting reequipped and The Dept. of War and Finance (also known as the Mrs.) is starting to notice....

So looking at getting a chrono 'on a budget'.

Looking at the Shooting Chrony 7000037 Beta Chronograph for $140 from a well known AMAZing website ON the internets.

But before I pull the trigger on it,

Is there any concerns around chronos I should be aware of? Is a $140 chrono like this going to give me the right information I need, or is this another area that I have to break the bank or don't bother scenario?

As always, thanks in advance for any knowledge and assistance shared.

Dan
 
It's true for cars, it's true for firearms, it's true for electronics and it's true for wives: you get what you pay for. *ducks*

From all the reports on the various models of chronographs I see on this forum, the one constant report is that the cheapest models are not very consistent in their accuracy.

The optical chronographs seem to be sensitive to changing light conditions and when you buy one, remember to add the cost of the tripod to hold them (unless you make your own or find a convenient bar stool to sit it on :) )

I'm debating getting a Magnetospeed Sporter, the reports seem good about it. The Labradar looks to be the ultimate tool, but I don't think I can really justify the expense with the kind of shooting I do.
 
Happy with my MS sporter, great job on rifles. Yes it changes the elevation on POI but grouping is consistent. Great for measuring SD/ES.
Doesn't work on handguns but haven't had need to chrono HGs (upcoming adapter for HGs with rails. I won't be buying it).
 
burnaby said:
Happy with my MS sporter, great job on rifles. Yes it changes the elevation on POI but grouping is consistent. Great for measuring SD/ES.
Doesn't work on handguns but haven't had need to chrono HGs (upcoming adapter for HGs with rails. I won't be buying it).
Click to expand...

X2, couldn't be happier with mine..
 
I'm using the CED Chrono it's been pretty reliable and available locally

h ttp://www.cedhk.com/shop/categories/Shooting-Electronics/CED-Chronographs-%26-Accessories/
 
Like all things in life it depends on your application and what you want to get out of it? A $140 chronograph will work but can be a PITA to set up. If you do very little load development, and not alot of shooting there is no reason to go out and spend $500-1000 on a chronograph.
If you're shooting fanatic, you compete and are obsessed about your reloads and ballistics info perhaps a Labradar is a good choice.
The Magnetospeed sporter kit seems to be middle ground and best value out there...they have great reviews and are simple to set up. That would be my choice.
You hear the "get what you pay for adage" but remember there is the law of diminishing returns as well.
 
I recently got a Caldwell Chrono which came with everything you need. Just under $200. It seems to work fine. My commercial test rounds gave consistent results now I just have to get my reloads working consistently. For me this is all I need. It is reasonably easy to set up and I have had very few errors. Happy enough.
 
silverfoxdj said:
I'm using the CED Chrono it's been pretty reliable and available locally

h ttp://www.cedhk.com/shop/categories/Shooting-Electronics/CED-Chronographs-%26-Accessories/
Click to expand...


Even with 55000 posts you are correct this time

CED would be my choice but I have a lab radar on order and it should be here next week thankds Canada post
Jeff
 
I have a CED Chronograph as well. I like it and I recently found out one of the unintended advantages that it offers. I was doing load workups and determining Power Factor and after about 35 rounds, "somehow" the back sensor got a 9mm hole in it. I didn't have to replace the entire chrony, I simply ordered a new sensor and I was back in business.

I like the concept of the Magnetospeed, but for the amount of use I would have for it, I can't justify the cost of the V.3, and as of yet, there is no way to use the Sportster on a semi-auto hand gun.
 
I've got the basic Chrony model. It does just fine at seeing bullets fly over it.

But I bought the basic fold up version some years ago when I was still running around with paintball gear. The basic one is fine for guns but it needs to be set a few yards downrange so the muzzle blast can't be "seen" by the sensor. And that makes it hard to read.

So either buy the basic folding Chrony and a set of close focus binoculars or pay a pittance more for the Chrony with the remote display that can sit beside you at the bench.
 
scott_r said:
Like all things in life it depends on your application and what you want to get out of it? A $140 chronograph will work but can be a PITA to set up. If you do very little load development, and not alot of shooting there is no reason to go out and spend $500-1000 on a chronograph.
If you're shooting fanatic, you compete and are obsessed about your reloads and ballistics info perhaps a Labradar is a good choice.
The Magnetospeed sporter kit seems to be middle ground and best value out there...they have great reviews and are simple to set up. That would be my choice.
You hear the "get what you pay for adage" but remember there is the law of diminishing returns as well.
Click to expand...


Second the Silverfox comment...well stated.

I saw a different type of chrono at Northprosports today, an acoustic type that I've never seen before. SuperChrono listed at $500 or so. I'm going to research that one as well. Different technology to read velocity by the looks of things.

Regards
Ron
 
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