Should I own a chronograph?

L

laker415

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
144   0   0
Location
Kelowna/Northern Camp
I am trying to decide if these are worth owning. I currently handload for a 223 and 308, both are bolt guns. I am chasing accuracy and want to develop some good data to slowly step my range up. I always get distracted with my next gun purchase but I am starting to believe my time would be better spent behind my current rifles gathering data and working on my skills.

Will a simple shooting chrony do the trick or do I need to get into something more expensive? Thanks for any advice.
 
Yes - a basic chrony will help you understand your load development. If you are chasing accuracy then you will definitely want to know what the round is doing, and the deviation between each one.


It assists in troubleshooting as well.
 
Thanks, I figured as much. I suppose if I don't shoot it I should get a decent amount of life out of it.

After some quick local searching, I think the magneto speed sorter model looks pretty decent. Probably going to give it a try
 
Last edited:
I'd like something that will work for pistols and rifles and doesn't need to be setup down range, so far it's the Labradar unit but the price and availability will probably hold me back..
 
I'll sell you mine. Beta Master chrony in a Pelican case. Used 3 times. Never been "hit". I haven't used it in 3-4 years.

Let me know if your interested.
 
I have loads that I thought would be really cruising - until I shot them over a chrony. The chrony is indispensable for good load development. Money well spent.
 
No. You should get a decent Doppler microwave unit, Labradar or higher end Infinition unit. And you should lend it to me when you're not using it.
Seriously; buy whatever you can . I bought a Shooting Chrony Beta Master. It's made a world of difference for my load development to be able to see what difference grain by grain increases make, until you reach a peak performance point where things start getting worse.
 
Also; sometimes it's interesting to see how some powders perform in the hottest part of July, compared to the colder parts of November.
 
if you simply want "accuracy" take loading data from a manual such as the Speer book for the particular bullet you're using - load 5 rounds of each of the incremental loads - shoot off a bench - see which loading gives the best group. From experience - it may not be the highest velocity but it WILL be the loading your particular rifle "likes best" ...

In my Rem Model 7 .223 -,using a 52gr SPITZ BT with 20 grs 4198 in R-P brass gives me the kind of accuracy I want in a varmit load...
 
here is a scenario of why a chrono is important.

I have 3 jugs of H322 for my .204 (204 is notoriously load sensetive) best loading from 1 jug produced excellent groups at 25.2gn of powder and velocity was 3800fps.

The next jug, using same COAL, primers and powder charge, the groupings opened up to 3/4" What gives? Well, I chrono that lot of powder, and lo and behold.. velocity is 3670 fps.

So, I increase the load to 25.8gn, and match the velovity of prev loads, and wow, the accuracy comes back.

Chronos are an important tool. It is not just about 'the fastest' safe load, it can also show differences in manufacturing batches of powder.
 
A basic truth: If you can measure it you can improve it.
Without a chrono you have an unknown variable and miss measuring an important piece of information.
I found load development is a whole lot of measuring during the reloading process to eliminate known variables, then testing- which includes keeping detailed notes on all influencing factors and then review the data against other known data to confirm or reject the value of that load in that firearm.
A chrono is indispensable in my opinion.
 
Got Juice? said:
here is a scenario of why a chrono is important.

I have 3 jugs of H322 for my .204 (204 is notoriously load sensetive) best loading from 1 jug produced excellent groups at 25.2gn of powder and velocity was 3800fps.

The next jug, using same COAL, primers and powder charge, the groupings opened up to 3/4" What gives? Well, I chrono that lot of powder, and lo and behold.. velocity is 3670 fps.

So, I increase the load to 25.8gn, and match the velovity of prev loads, and wow, the accuracy comes back.

Chronos are an important tool. It is not just about 'the fastest' safe load, it can also show differences in manufacturing batches of powder.
Click to expand...

mix all your powder up in one large jug, then you won't suffer from this in the future, this is where empty 8 pound jugs come in handy
 
yodave said:
mix all your powder up in one large jug, then you won't suffer from this in the future, this is where empty 8 pound jugs come in handy
Click to expand...

I have since started that practice. And it works very well. (better with stick powders, I get clumping with ball for some reason) But in general when people ask, why invest in a chrono, this scenario really shows why it is a great tool to have in your arsenal.

I honestly don't think I would be without one now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom