I still use my beta master chrony. It is a pain to set up but it is fine once you find a load and just want to check the velocity. The garmin set up looks pretty slick for sure but alot of money for that, Might have to wait a few years for prices to come down.
Recommend a good chronograph
- Thread starter y2k
- Start date
Depends on how hard-core you are (either as a data-nerd or a competitive shooter). I've had:
The Athlon Rangecraft looks promising, with features similar to the Garmin Xero at about half the price. It might be worth look at; there are some reviews up on Youtube already.
- Shooting Chrony F1
- Shooting Chrony Beta Master
- Labradar v1/gen 1
- Garmin Xero C1
The Athlon Rangecraft looks promising, with features similar to the Garmin Xero at about half the price. It might be worth look at; there are some reviews up on Youtube already.
This is not mine (zero affiliation in any way) but I just noticed it in the Reloading section of EE.
I had the V3 not the Sporter but it looks like a cut down version of the same, for $125 it seems like a heck of a deal.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/magnetospeed-sporter.2519106/
I had the V3 not the Sporter but it looks like a cut down version of the same, for $125 it seems like a heck of a deal.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/magnetospeed-sporter.2519106/
Well for me I use to have still have it actually a Caldwell used it for a few years then the garmin came out and it took me a few years to decide to buy one and man did I like that thing. Easy to rigged up, don’t need to stop the entire line of fire for 5 minutes to set up, never miss a shot sunny cloudy rainy windy snowy cold warm it doesn’t care, just work!
No bed to readjust when changing distance or target, friend can use it easily, really it is a no brainer! If you can find the athlon one even better cause it is cheaper!
No bed to readjust when changing distance or target, friend can use it easily, really it is a no brainer! If you can find the athlon one even better cause it is cheaper!
Simplest thing, and Canadian, is the Labradar LX.
It's also expensive.
So if you're okay with shutting down the line when you setup and teardown, and can live with occasionally shooting your chronograph etc., any of the inexpensive optical chronographs will do.
Or find a used Labradar V1, aim it _carefully_, and you'll get good results.
Yes, you do. All the other models suck in comparison. The Garmin is worth every penny. Setting up, tearing down, shooting the thing every once in a while, dragging a big box around is just silly, when the Garmin sets up in literally 5 seconds and fits in your pocket. You want the
Garmin, trust all the people telling you that.
Exactly.
Get a Garmin. If it's too expensive for you, I would pick up a different hobby. Or consider how valuable your time and reloads are.
Light based ones suck when the weather isn't right or if you have shadows or any other potential issues. I also had a Labradar and it was kinda alright. But the Bluetooth didn't work until one day when I dropped it(??). And it misses shots sometimes or can be temperamental.
Magnetospeed is fine. but I prefer not to have the POI shift from it being on the muzzle. I don't notice it on thicker barrels. but on stuff with thin barrels, there is a noticeable shift.
The Garmin "just works," barring a couple of crashes I have had. I have to drive XX amount of time to the range and it cost ### in gas, and it costs ### in consumables... The Garmin is not that large of an investment considering the other costs associated with reloading. And frankly, accurate velocity data is crucial to my reloading process.
Light based ones suck when the weather isn't right or if you have shadows or any other potential issues. I also had a Labradar and it was kinda alright. But the Bluetooth didn't work until one day when I dropped it(??). And it misses shots sometimes or can be temperamental.
Magnetospeed is fine. but I prefer not to have the POI shift from it being on the muzzle. I don't notice it on thicker barrels. but on stuff with thin barrels, there is a noticeable shift.
The Garmin "just works," barring a couple of crashes I have had. I have to drive XX amount of time to the range and it cost ### in gas, and it costs ### in consumables... The Garmin is not that large of an investment considering the other costs associated with reloading. And frankly, accurate velocity data is crucial to my reloading process.
Had my Garmin out for the first time on Wednesday, it is so easy to use, picked up every shot, sent it to my phone. Also have a Magneto speed, also a good chrono, but being attached to the barrel has it's down sides, Garmin is so much better. The Athlon chrono is supposed to be in Canada at the end of June and is about $200 cheaper than the Garmin and is almost the same as the Garmin.
more like $300 plus tax Cheaper 
Wow! That's just elitist BS.
I've reloaded a lot just using the manuals and assumed they were close enough.
What do you think people did before chronographs were available?
I now own a Caldwell and it's OK for me, and I'm not likely to move up unless it breaks.
- Location
- WMU247 near Edmonton
I still use my old Chrony, face plate is missing, it detached from muzzle blast.
good enough for the few times I want to use it
good enough for the few times I want to use it
Had the Caldwell, which malfunctioned often, which defeated the purpose of getting it. $150 wasted. Bought a MagnetoSpeed, but that changes the barrel harmonics (I also had to take off my muzzle break each time). The Garmin, allthough expensive is small, quick to setup and works everytime. The iPhone app (via bluetooth) is also a nice touch.
- Location
- Alberta, North America
