Budget chronograph?

tactical lever

tactical lever

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Fox Creek, Alberta
Had a Chrony F1. Well... still have it, but need a new one. For reasons.

Looking at a Caldwell Ballistic Precision, or Competition Electronics ProChrono. On paper, the Caldwell is more accurate, but does it mean anything?

Have Chronographs changed much in the last few years? Better accuracy? Just looking for a basic model.

Also open to other suggestions. Maybe a new F1?
 
I have a Caldwell, and also have a Oehler 33 [very accurate unit, but takes time to set up]
I have compared them, and the difference is negligible [ c. 5-12 fps ] Dave.
 
Eagleye said:
I have a Caldwell, and also have a Oehler 33 [very accurate unit, but takes time to set up]
I have compared them, and the difference is negligible [ c. 5-12 fps ] Dave.
Click to expand...

The Caldwell is just a basic, or do they only have one model with the option of accessorising it? The Caldwell has a screw in base to mount to a tripod? Or is that just a standard?
 
tactical lever said:
The Caldwell is just a basic, or do they only have one model with the option of accessorising it? The Caldwell has a screw in base to mount to a tripod? Or is that just a standard?
Click to expand...

I have the green Caldwell. Not sure of the name, but it's the least expensive chronograph on the market. It has a tripod screw on the bottom.

I don't think there's any meaningful difference between all the cheap ones, so I'd go with the cheapest option you can get.
 
One thing I found I despised in chronographs was the various models that force you to have to walk down range to the unit to change series or copy data etc.
I liked the chrony model with the wired remote as I could run all of the functions from the comfort of the bench without having to disturb the rest of the firing line having to run down range every 5 rounds to change a series or fiddle with the data. That’s worth a few extra bucks to me.

That being said I just upgraded to a labradar and it’s heavenly to use, but not what I’d call budget friendly.
 
I think a F1 chrono like what I actually have is a good tool. But it has a limit...

Each shooting session it seems to be repeatable. Speeds ES are good. But from a session to another one, numbers are off. It is related (my opinion) to setup, alignment, etc.

If there is a small difference in angle, (front to back, left to right), you’re screwed.

I want to Get a Magnetospeed also to avoid all the time spent to install it, while the range is all waiting for me...! That’s a pain.
 
The cheap Caldwell can be connected to your phone through a cable. It saves your datas and stuff, nothing particularly fancy but it works.

I don't think the average shooter has the tools to measure which chrony is more accurate. Even if you place two one after the other and their measurements are different, you can't tell which is right, and just betting on the most expensive one is very naïve. Unless the measurement is obviously boinker, you can't tell. So a 300$ F1 isn't fundamentally better than a 150$ Caldwell, at least as far as accuracy goes. If there are more features you want like a remote, go for what you think you'll prefer.

Also, I have this tripod for the chronograph, it's very inexpensive and more sturdy than a celestron I had that was double the price: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B005KP473Q/
 
I've used a lot of Competition Electronics ProChronos and have never been disappointed.
The upgrade path to Bluetooth is a really nice option for later (or right away)
 
I'm very satisfied with my CED M2. Not the quickest setup, but affordable, and you can export the data as an Excel file.
 
Fortunately, I can shoot at pretty quiet locations. So the bells and whistles aren't as big a deal to me at this time. The Caldwell might not work with my phone, as I have a Sonim XP880, and am not fully schooled on what it can pair with. I don't see a headphone jack, but it does have a couple of points on it that look like microphone jacks like you'd see on a 2 way radio.

The ProChrono seems like it reviews a little higher. Anyone have experience with the blutooth upgrade? Expensive? Easy to use?

Thanks for the replies fellas.
 
ponymusic said:
I'm very satisfied with my CED M2. Not the quickest setup, but affordable, and you can export the data as an Excel file.
Click to expand...

THIS... CED M2 all the way especially with IR kit... actually I have an extra one I might get rid of... still undecided but if I do it will go in the EE... PM me to discuss use and any questions you might have.
 
Eagleye said:
I have a Caldwell, and also have a Oehler 33 [very accurate unit, but takes time to set up]
I have compared them, and the difference is negligible [ c. 5-12 fps ] Dave.
Click to expand...

I have done the same thing, Dave, but comparing a Chrony with the Oehler. We set up my Oehler 33 with the sky screens four feet apart and a friend's Shooting Chrony exactly in the middle between them. It was quite an eyeopener to see how very little difference there was between the two units.

Ganderite said:
For "cheap" i have Chrony. I use them on overcast days and they are perfect. Until i shoot one.
Click to expand...

So far, I have nothing to report in this regard other than was there when one was given a flesh wound. ;)

Ted
 
tactical lever said:
The ProChrono seems like it reviews a little higher. Anyone have experience with the Bluetooth upgrade? Expensive? Easy to use?
Click to expand...
Reasonably priced.
I use it about once a week on average. Crazy simple.
Turn on the chrono. Turn on the Bluetooth adapter. (No pairing or anything)
Bring up the app on the phone and either enter the bullet weight for the load and a name for the run or just start shooting.
It shows the speed on your phone and enunciates it.
After your last round, look at the stats on the phone. Stays in the phone as long as you need it.

Only problem I've had is it's easy to forget and leave both on, and then you're putting in a new set of batteries the next time.
 
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