Chronograph?

[wisconsinteacher]

As of now, I am getting MOA out of most of my rifles that I reload for. I do not have a chronograph but often wonder if I should save up and get one. Can one be had for $125 or less? Also, do I need one? How will it help me with my reloading/shooting?

 

[DrMike]

There are a number of fine chronographs on the market that will fit your need. Take a look at the Shooting Chrony line. The Alpha model will work very well. Also, I believe PACT and a few others will meet your criterion.

 

[SJB358]

WT, some of the chrono's Mike mentioned can be had for under a 100 if caught on sale. They are really a very useful tool.. I think you are more than ready for one. After using it a few times, you will wonder how you got along without it!

 

[dlove]

I paid $99 for my prochrono digital. it's been great so far. it sure is nice to know for sure how fast I'm pushing these little pills.

I worked up a short range, light recoil load for the 7-08 for my 12yr old son. I was really impressed to clock it at 2989fps.

 

[onesonek]

WT, some of the chrono's Mike mentioned can be had for under a 100 if caught on sale. They are really a very useful tool.. I think you are more than ready for one. After using it a few times, you will wonder how you got along without it!

While they are not a 100% necessary,,I totally agree with Scotty.

 

[onesonek]

http://www.shooterssportandfield.com/pr ... ALPHA.html

 

[aka Hunter]

I don't think you "need" one; however, they're nice to have for gathering trivia-type information. I've enjoyed seeing MVs and probably have shot more because of experiement with different recipes; however, a couple of my shooting/hunting friends have them and don't fool with 'em. I think the real issue is whether you want to fret over trivia-type information (which I enjoy), or whether you just want to shoot and have fun doing so.

PS Are you the former "lovestohunt" from the other forum?

 

[wisconsinteacher]

I am Wisconsinteacher on every forum I am on or have been on. Keep the info coming.

 

[Guest]

I'll venture to say that a decent chronograph has been one of the best additions to my cadre of reloading tools, ever. I would not handload without one at this point, knowing what I now know. Nothing gives you a better picture of pressure in your loads than the most directly correlative variable - velocity. Reading primers, caseheads, bolt lift, and the like is important, but the real key to the puzzle lies in understanding what your loads are producing in terms of velocity, relative to other loads in your rifle. I highly encourage you to acquire one. I have two. For ease of use, one of the Master Chrony series (with the electronic readout on the bench and connected by cable to the chrony body) is the very best solution. I have the Beta Master, but only because I won it in a raffle. Prior to that I used my PACT Professional - which is a great chronograph, but far more work to transport, set up, and take down. If I were buying right now, I'd buy the Alpha Master Chrony:

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/i ... ER%20ALPHA

I don't think you'll find it for much less than $110 unless you can find it on sale. Of course, for another $13, you can get the Beta Master:

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/i ... TER%20BETA

But in reality, I don't use the Beta's extra features very often, preferring to take down my data at the range using a notebook and pencil. If you won't be writing shot velocities in a notebook at the range, you might like having the multiple strings in the Beta. It's kind of cumbersome to navigate, but it will do all the stats for you and keep multiple shot strings. I just shoot, record velocity, inspect case, shoot again, so it doesn't matter to me. I use Excel to get my SD, ES, and Mean Velocity.

 

[sask boy]

I am just starting to use one and it is always nice to see exactly what the bullet is traveling at.
Books with data tell you only approximate speeds.
I bought the Beta model here in Canada for 120.00

Blessings,
Dan

 

[DrMike]

I don't use the Beta's extra features very often, preferring to take down my data at the range using a notebook and pencil.

+1

I pour over the data streams at the conclusion of each range day.

 

[JD338]

A good chronograph is crutial for load development.
Once you use one, you will wonder how you ever got by with out one.

I have an Oehler 35.

JD338

 

[wisconsinteacher]

How long is battery life in the Alpha? When looking, what features do I want it to measure?

 

[FOTIS]

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/852429 ... S015538940

 

[Guest]

I think I may be on my second or possibly third 9v in my Beta. And thats over at least 6yrs. I unplug it between range trips, too.

For me, since I write down the velocity for each shot, the only features I are about are ease of use and accuracy. Add in low cost and you get a perfect combo.

 

[bbearhntr]

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/852429/competition-electronics-prochrono-digital-chronograph?cm_vc=S015538940

+1

I have this same model and am very happy with it. I also have the USB interface which I think is a great way of sending data straight to my laptop.

 

[Oldtrader3]

I also have a Chrony, Beta Master which I bought a few years ago from MidwayUSA for $110. It has the remote cord connected screen module for LCD display which I like for not having to squint out under the roof into the sun, in order to read the readout. I have A to B'ed this Chrony to a couple other makes of Chronograph just to calibrate and validate my machine in velocity measurements to others. It seems pretty accurate (within 1 std dev against others).

I do not lug mine to the gun club every time I go, plus being a LCD readout, I do not leave it in the hot car all summer which will kill the screen. I do use it a couple times a year, if I change a load or more often, a bullet and want to check load muzzle velocity. I use the Chrony as much for revolver load measurement as for rifle.

It is really handy to have a Chrony around, even if you don't use it more than 2-3 times a year. It not only helps define pressure in handloads but also will define an eroded barrel throat as well.