Chronograph, where and what to look for?

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exit31

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I'd like info on what has proved to be a good quality shooting chronograph (s) over the yrs?What would you suggest? My plan is to chronograph target and hunting reloads, both cast and copper jackets, that I have been using for many yrs....just for the "fun" of it. Suggestions, ideas, cautions,--all welcomed.

Hope this is the right forum for this question...
 
chrono

Of the 4 cronos that I own and have used over the past nearly 40 years I find my Oehler 35 P to be the most accurate and reliable. Quite often I will tandem up 2 chronos just to check them one against the other or if I have a load that is way out of expected norm. Invariably the 35 P is the more believable.
Oehler has just produced another run of the 35 P so they are available, right now.
 
Oehler has just produced another run of the 35 P so they are available, right now.
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You just have to send them $700 US, and they will send you one. The shipping will run about $60US, for a total of around $800CAN.
 
I've been using a Chrony Alpha Master for several years, and recently I have started to doubt its numbers. I contacted Chrony, and they wanted about 50% of the value of a new unit to re-calibrate mine, so I ordered a ProChrono Digital, instead. When I receive it, I'll compare both units against each other and see what numbers I get. I've heard LOTS of good feedback about the PC units if you're looking for a lower-priced alternative to the Oehler or CEDII.
 
Twice I did a side by side (or end to end) comparison between a Shooting Chrony and Oehler chronographs, and velocities were within a few fps of each other. The Oehler is top of the line, no doubt, but I often wonder if a guy would be just as informed and $400 wealthier by sticking 2 CHronys end to end. Or even one Chrony. ;)
 
chronos

I've got 3 different Chronys, including their latest and greatest (can't remember model designation) and have found them unreliable, hence the 35P. Different light conditions with the Chronys I have, will give up to 200 fps changes with the same rifle/load/temp combos. When the 35P doesn't like the lighting it just shows ERROR no false readings, but ya they are expensive. However, they are still less than a new rifle and look at use you'll get and 5 years down the road you won't miss that 800 bucks and you can be sure your data is good.
I have a collector item chronograph, Oehler mod 10 which took paper screens, I bought off Guntech nearly 40 years ago. It was a pain to set up and use but very accurate as light had no bearing on it.

If only accurate guns are interesting.......then it must follow.......... only accurate chronographs are informative.

Douglas
 
Got a couples but always come back to my faithfull Oehler, it is very accurate and reliable... JP.
 
Bought a CED and it shows about 400 fps slower than my buddies Chrony. A load out of a 6.5-284 showing 2900 out of the chrony only showed 2500 on CED. Don't even bother to take it to the range anymore. I should look into the Oehler 35......
 
Oehler 35 P

Bought it many years ago - never let me down. The proof channel really works. You know if the reading is valid or not, no speculation.
 
chrono's

Oehler's web site lists their price at $575.00 us plus shipping sounds expensive but like anything in life you get what you pay for buy one cheap one not happy then do the right thing send the money you should have on the first place and buy a oehler 35p just noticed midway usa site has them with a 2' rail for $344.09 on sale
 
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My response from Oehler, when I inquired about the 35P recently.

Thank you for your interest in Oehler ballistic products! The Oehler 35P Proof Chronograph is shipping about 7 to 10 days after an order is received. Please note our online store is intended for shipments within the continental U.S. as international orders require additional handling, preparation of export documents, special packing materials, etc., and are normally ordered by email, fax, or phone.

The export price for the 35P complete system with the hard side case, 4 foot mounting rail, two folding stands, etc., is $700. This carton (53 x 16 x 5 inches, 22 lb) can be shipped to most destinations in Canada by UPS Standard service for about $60.
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Sure you can go tru a sponsor so he can get it for you, got mine about 6 years ago via a store in Montreal... Cheers. JP.
 
oehler chrony

accumark said:
Oehler's web site lists their price at $575.00 us plus shipping sounds expensive but like anything in life you get what you pay for buy one cheap one not happy then do the right thing send the money you should have on the first place and buy a oehler 35p just noticed midway usa site has them with a 2' rail for $344.09 on sale
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Just did a search on the Midway site & I can't find it.
 
I have used a Chrony for several years now and have been very pleased with it. If you are getting significant variations with factory ammo, then I would question the chronograph but if you are getting significant variations with handloads, then in every case I have come across, I have found the problem to be with the handload and have been able to reproduce the variation once I understood the problem. Problems can be powder forward vs. powder back (huge variations with some powders and some cartridges) or too slow a burn rate, or too little powder for the capacity. I always use the white plastic things. If a fellow is getting Chrony readings all over the map, fire a few factory loads across it of known velocity at a known temperature. They should be very close (i.e., very low S.D. and E.S.). If that is the case, then you know it isn't the Chrony.
 
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