I was wondering if any body could recommend a decent chronograph. I'd like a good one and without starting a war on this thread about the manufacture of things i'd like it to be american made. also any things to look for like ease of mounting on stands and portability since it will need to be transported to and from the range. Mostly want advice from experiences.
chronographs
- Thread starter yeayow
- Start date
Richracer1
Handloader
- May 12, 2005
- 2,138
- 117
I use a PACT model 1 XP chronograph. I like it due to the sky-screens are separate from the the display. This make it easy and cheaper to purchase new sky screen if you destroy them. As for it being better than the others, I can't say as I haven't used the others. Each has it's own pros and cons. In the end, it's your decision as to which one to buy.
I have an Oehler and a Pact and they are both very good equipment.
I think Oehler has gone strictly to selling to the military, etc. I don't think you can get them any more.
The Pact is a great piece of gear. It never fails to give me a reading and has more features than I could ever use. It uses one 9 Volt battery as opposed to the Oehler that needed 6 D batteries. But, when the battery goes in the Pact it goes right now. I never go to the range without a backup battery.
I would stay away from the darned Chrony chronographs. I know lots of people use them, but I have seen some darned screwy results come from their use. I had a guy at the range one day bragging how his 7mm Rem Mag was going 3500 fps. Yeah right, I finally got him to let me check it on my Oehler and it was barely making 3000 fps.
I set my Oehler and my Pact up on the same stand one day and shot over both of them at the same time. Never more than about 20 or 30 fps difference when shooting guns that ran from 3000 to 3800 fps.
Again, the Pact has lots of features I do not use since I have ballistic programs at home on my computer. But, it will calculate bullet drop, wind deflection, etc. etc.
I think Oehler has gone strictly to selling to the military, etc. I don't think you can get them any more.
The Pact is a great piece of gear. It never fails to give me a reading and has more features than I could ever use. It uses one 9 Volt battery as opposed to the Oehler that needed 6 D batteries. But, when the battery goes in the Pact it goes right now. I never go to the range without a backup battery.
I would stay away from the darned Chrony chronographs. I know lots of people use them, but I have seen some darned screwy results come from their use. I had a guy at the range one day bragging how his 7mm Rem Mag was going 3500 fps. Yeah right, I finally got him to let me check it on my Oehler and it was barely making 3000 fps.
I set my Oehler and my Pact up on the same stand one day and shot over both of them at the same time. Never more than about 20 or 30 fps difference when shooting guns that ran from 3000 to 3800 fps.
Again, the Pact has lots of features I do not use since I have ballistic programs at home on my computer. But, it will calculate bullet drop, wind deflection, etc. etc.
Not disputing what anyone else says. I've never used a Pact or an Oehler, so I can't say a thing about them.
I have a Shooting Chrony Alpha Master and it works fine for me. Nothing fancy, no software, but it gives me readings that are consistent and fall right in line with what I'm expecting, no 3400 fps readings when I'm figuring on 3100, etc. The only error code I've ever seen on it was "low battery".
It gives me bullet velocity, string average, ES and SD, which is really all I want. It sets up and breaks down easily and only costs a little over $100. Plus the readout sits on the bench next to me.
Maybe I was lucky and got a good one, but I have no complaints.
I have a Shooting Chrony Alpha Master and it works fine for me. Nothing fancy, no software, but it gives me readings that are consistent and fall right in line with what I'm expecting, no 3400 fps readings when I'm figuring on 3100, etc. The only error code I've ever seen on it was "low battery".
It gives me bullet velocity, string average, ES and SD, which is really all I want. It sets up and breaks down easily and only costs a little over $100. Plus the readout sits on the bench next to me.
Maybe I was lucky and got a good one, but I have no complaints.
G
Guest
Guest
The Chrony is actually a good product with alot of other options to dress them up and at a reasonable price the base model is roughly $70 and well worth it. What happens when a folding Chrony isn't fully open, because they all fold in half for ease of carry, is the photo eyes are closer together, in turn creating faster read outs. That im sure is what was happening with the 3500 fps reading that that chrony was displaying!
Placitas Slim
Beginner
- Feb 26, 2007
- 10
- 0
I have been using a Chrony Beta Master for over a year now and have been very happy with it. I like the master series because the readings are on the bench with you and not out being shot at. :grin:
- Thread starter
- #7
Desert Fox
Handloader
- Aug 14, 2006
- 1,965
- 3
I use Beta Chrony for a long time. It's a descent chronograph for the money. I upgraded it a few years ago and went with Pact Professional. A very versatile chronograph loaded with all kinds of goodies. Check them out.
2ndtimer
Handloader
- Sep 26, 2004
- 269
- 11
I really like my Competition Electronics Pro Chrono Digital, see one here:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=852429
I have had two different units of the more expensive model, and no, I didn't shoot one. I gave the first one to a buddy. I like it because it is reasonably priced, versatile, and easy to set up. I also picked up a digital remote control for mine, since sometimes the range is crowded at my club, and I can't just step over the firing line to switch strings. I am sure the Oehlers were the best, and I have heard good (and bad) reviews of the PACT units. I can only relate my positive experience with the Pro Chrono. It has worked really well.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=852429
I have had two different units of the more expensive model, and no, I didn't shoot one. I gave the first one to a buddy. I like it because it is reasonably priced, versatile, and easy to set up. I also picked up a digital remote control for mine, since sometimes the range is crowded at my club, and I can't just step over the firing line to switch strings. I am sure the Oehlers were the best, and I have heard good (and bad) reviews of the PACT units. I can only relate my positive experience with the Pro Chrono. It has worked really well.
