Chronographs?

[runtohunt]

I have a Shooting Beta Chronograph and have been using it for 4 years. Over the course of the last year, I have noticed some troubles, i.e., if the chrony is not completely open the loads read faster than they truly are. When a load reads faster than expected or previously experienced, I look at the box of the chrony after every shot to ensure that some how the back end of the box has not been elevated.

Three days ago I received three boxes of Nosler Custom Ammunition for the 7 STW. From one box, the first three shots read 3070 FPS, 3270 FPS and the third shot read 3170 FPS. I let the rifle completely cool in between shots. I have a hard time believing that Nosler has that horrible of quality control to allow that kind of deviation.

With that said, I am looking for a new chrony. If for no other reason than to check the original chrony.
Who makes the best chrony and why? I am not opposed to spending extra cash for a better product.

Thank you for your responses

 

[DrMike]

Oehler 35 is the epitome of chronographs. Any of the other chronographs will give you good service. I use two Beta chronographs and an Oehler 35. Each has a place. FWIW, the Betas track very well with the Oehler.

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

FWIW, the Betas track very well with the Oehler.

And for 1/8th the price.

 

[DrMike]

FWIW, the Betas track very well with the Oehler.

And for 1/8th the price.

+1

 

[JD338]

I have an Oehler 35, best one on the market.

JD338

 

[FOTIS]

What they said. Oehler! I had a beta but got fed up with the BS readings.

 

[DrMike]

What they said. Oehler! I had a beta but got fed up with the BS readings.

Try as I might, mine never looks that neat, Fotis.

 

[FOTIS]

Ahem! That was the day I opened it.....

 

[DrMike]

I was prepared to say, Mine looked like that ... once. Then, I used it. :grin:

 

[FOTIS]

Mine still looks like that---sans the plastic though.

 

[Wincheringen]

I just have a basic Shooting Chrony. I use it with a kmart operator grade tripod. It works well enough for me.

 

[SJB358]

I have a Shooting Beta Chronograph and have been using it for 4 years. Over the course of the last year, I have noticed some troubles, i.e., if the chrony is not completely open the loads read faster than they truly are. When a load reads faster than expected or previously experienced, I look at the box of the chrony after every shot to ensure that some how the back end of the box has not been elevated.

Three days ago I received three boxes of Nosler Custom Ammunition for the 7 STW. From one box, the first three shots read 3070 FPS, 3270 FPS and the third shot read 3170 FPS. I let the rifle completely cool in between shots. I have a hard time believing that Nosler has that horrible of quality control to allow that kind of deviation.

With that said, I am looking for a new chrony. If for no other reason than to check the original chrony.
Who makes the best chrony and why? I am not opposed to spending extra cash for a better product.

Thank you for your responses

RTH, I run the Shooting Chrony Beta Master as well. I have had great luck with it.

I will say this, the 264 Win Mag 125 PT Nosler ammo I had also had HUGE spreads, it was still decently accurate, but it was all over the map in speeds. Haven't had that issue with my handloads. I thought the same as you with the chrono, but it was more of the load than the chrono's fault.

 

[Wincheringen]

I ran some Nosler 7/08 ammo the other day. 6 rounds from one lot varied 100 FPS, the other lot which was blem only varied 40 FPS. The two lots did have a different primer, but thats all I know about it.

 

[AzDak42]

I've read somewhere, and it seems logical, that in something other than a controlled, indoor range, where all the variables are stable, a chronograph is inherently limited. Movement from the wind, variable light from clouds and the movement of the sun, etc, can all contribute to variations.

I think the real question is... to what degree does it matter?

My question has always been, what size string is statistically significant? What level of accuracy can you get for SD, with 3,5, 10 shot groups?

 

[DrMike]

Generally speaking, a three-shot string suggests what is going on. It cannot, however, be taken as definitive. If one wishes to make statements that carry an air of being definitive, it will be necessary to have at least a ten-shot string. Time is a big factor, however; so, most of us shoot three shot strings to get where we want to go and check with multiple sets of three-shots to verify the load.

 

[runtohunt]

Thanks for the input guys. Of the three boxes, only the one box had such deviation. The three shot group was about twice as big as well--2.5" group instead of 1.25". The Oehler looks to be very nice! I will probably have to save up for it though. The Shooting Chrony will have to work for now. Again, thank you for all the input. I value each of your advice.