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  #1  
Old 06-16-2017, 10:47 PM
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38SPL HV 38SPL HV is offline
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Default Looking for simple chronograph

I now have plenty of space to check my loads! I'm looking for a chronograph which has fast and easy setup, and not too expensive.

Any suggestions?
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Old 06-16-2017, 11:10 PM
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...and be sturdy enough to withstand windy conditions
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Old 06-17-2017, 12:50 AM
TX-Dennis TX-Dennis is offline
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I have a cheap Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph. It works well enough. I'm sure there are better chronos, but it was cheap ($60 or so). I don't use it a lot, but it works when I do. If you want to, you can connect your cell phone to it with the included cable and through their app track your results on the phone. I haven't done so, so I'm not sure how well that feature works.
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Old 06-17-2017, 07:01 AM
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I have a Pro Chrono Plus, that's been accurate and reliable.
I chrono when I feel I can get the most consistent results. That's about 80 degrees, cloudy but bright. This matches the conditions that I get checked at the chronograph station at matches.
But it does work in most all conditions. If its that windy, and the chrono is moving.............you won't be the first person to shoot a chrono.
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Old 06-17-2017, 07:02 AM
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Default Chrony

I'm using the basic Chrony. It works just fine, gives me the velocity without compiling un-needed statistics or making cappuccino. I think I paid $99.00 a few years ago. However, with most any chronograph, you need to own a basic camera tripod.
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Old 06-17-2017, 10:34 AM
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I have used the same basic Chrony for over 15 years. It works fine if you are using it mainly just to check MVs of your reloads. A better quality substantial camera tripod having all the adjustments to go with the Chrony is a good idea. Look for those at estate/garage sales or Goodwill, or maybe on eBay. I saw two good tripods on my last visit to Goodwill a week ago. I just write down the MV for each shot in my notebook and do all the statistical calculations on my computer using Excel.

If you are doing heavy-duty ballistics research, a more expensive model will serve you better.
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Old 06-17-2017, 11:38 AM
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The fastest and easiest chronograph to setup is the LabRadar.

Just put it on the shooting bench next to you and point it down range.

Wind can not influence it since there are no sky screens

It just fails to fall into the "not too expensive" category

Last edited by colt_saa; 06-17-2017 at 11:39 AM.
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Old 06-17-2017, 04:55 PM
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I have both the Caldwell chrono and the ProChrono Digital with a Bluetooth module and both will get the job done on most days. Neither likes bright sunshine days though in my experience. The cable hookup to your phone works well on an Android phone with the Caldwell and the Bluetooth hookup to my phone also works well with my Android phone with the ProChrono and both apps seem to be pretty stable for me. Of the 2, the Caldwell is quite a bit less expensive, if pricing is your main criteria.

Like colt saa said, the best and easiest out there is the LabRadar unit is king, but it's quite a bit more than I wanted to spend on a chronograph. Last time I looked, they started at $500+. I did watch a guy using one out at the range one day and it was really nice though and gives multiple readings while the bullet is traveling down range too. I want to say with the caliber that guy was shooting, it was giving velocities up to around 80 yards downrange.
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Old 06-18-2017, 10:13 AM
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I have had a PACT Model 1 for probably 15 years. It's only problem is that it must be set up so the shadow of the diffuser falls directly over the screens. If the ground is reflective like sand, I have to place a black blanket under the screens so it doesn't get goofy due to bullet glint.

If I had to do it all over again I would spend the money necessary to buy a higher end chronograph. An Oehler or Labradar would be on my wish list. Statistical analysis has become important to me with longer distance shooting.
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Old 06-18-2017, 01:41 PM
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I find my Chrony does not need the translucent screens above the photocells on cloudy or overcast days. I use only the support rods so I know where I am shooting. On sunny days, I use the translucent screens. For those shooters who need a chronograph only occasionally, the basic Chrony is perfect, and you can't beat the price. Every shooter should have one, at least as a starter. When I bought mine, I had originally intended to later buy a better one, but never found a need to do so. So I still have and use it, even though it's fairly beat up.
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