Favorite Chronograph

[USMC586]

I have hemmed and hawed for a couple of years now and I think I might take the plunge and get a chronograph.

I shoot and reload quite a bit. Alright alot.
I reload for rifle and pistol and try to tailor accurate loads for each firearm. I keep detailed information of each load and it's group size but don't have records of speed.

For those of you that are equally anal would you suggest getting a chronoghraph and if so which one? Would you suggest one that prints out the data for you or do you prefer pen in hand? Does anyone dump the data into their computer or is that overkill? What do I need and what is a waste of coin?

Help me Smith and Wesson Forum you're my only hope.


Seriously buy and cry or save my dough.....

[ia1727]

USMC---

I'm not really qualified to answer this correctly--but-- I can tell you what I did. I bought one that prints out 5 or 10 shot strings--I can't remember. I used it twice and it's like trying to program a computer, I think. I'm an older guy and computers are still scary things to me so like I said I may not be the best person to ask.

It's been sitting in the basement for years cause I can't figure out how to use the dang thing.

I can tell you--if I ever get another one it will simply print out the speed and nothing else--the less bells and whistles the better for me. JMHO

Steve

[OKFC05]

I uses the PACT 1 XP, which is about as simple as they get; not the cheapest, but made in TX. About $130
PACT Inc. - Model 1 XP Chronograph

ADDED: This model provides a summary of alll shots on a string, high, low, extreme spread, and standard deviation. You don't need a calculator or a computer, but you do need a pencil to make a permanent record. Personally, I don't write every shot, just the avg and SD unless there is something odd in the data.

But if you want a printer, then there is the XP Pro model. About $230

The advantage of a model like the PACT with a separate electronic box is you can only shoot the skyscreens, not the whole chrono like the cheaper brands.

[rck281]

I have an Ohler 35P which is no longer made. I don't know about the others but if you can plug in a couple of cables, mine is easy to use. Just start shooting. When finished, push the summary button. I think it give you a LOT of information about your handloads and you can compare velocity to factory out of your gun. I would absolutely buy one with a printer. Who wants to write down info after every shot. If you want an average (which is the best way to compare loads), you would have to average the velocities at home on calculator or computer.

Buy it - you won't regret it.

[Wheelgunner840]

I have been using the Shooting Chrony Alpha Master for many years. It works great, is simple to operate, and lets me read the data right at the bench. They are usually on sale at Midway USA for around $100. I test everything that I reload, and have done so with ease for a good long time with this Chrony. It folds up to fit right in the range bag!


Shooting Chrony Alpha Master Chronograph - MidwayUSA



WG840

[Skip Sackett]

I have used a Shooting Chrony of some kind since I started keeping records. My son shot a bit low once and I found out that they won't stop a 30/06 @ 15ft too well! When he left the range, he drove directly to the local gun store and bought another, actually better one!

The thing about the Chrony, you can trade nonworking ones in for credit. Not sure how that works when they have big gaping holes in them though!

It was kind of cool looking! 150gr HPBT @ 2900fps or so. 'Course, we never did get a reading from that one round!







Maybe it was because it was red! He bought this one for me then.



Since it is blue, it seems to be much more resilient!

[Skip Sackett]

As a side note, I have simply written down the velocity of each round and then came home and plugged the numbers into an Excel Spreadsheet. There are ES and SD functions in it, probably Works too, so, you could get an el-cheapo and still be able to have all of the data you want.

If you want to know how to do that with Excel, pm me.

[tdan]

My Pact model 1 has served me well for almost 20 years now. Probably because I won't allow other shooters to shoot over it. If you want me to clock your loads, you'll have to simply observe the digital readout. I once watched a guy blow away his buddy's front skycreen with a textbook jerk of the trigger while playing "Dirty Harry" with his new 44Mag. I did find it quite funny. The guy that owned the chrono was not amused.

[Rule3]

I have the Chrony Alpha Master. I like the fact that the "guts" computer are at you shooting station and not in the machine. It is a decent machine at a good price when on sale.It stores your strings until you shut it off then they are all cleared.It calculates all the averages, SD ES etc. I made copies of the record log and just write them down. I have no need for a printer or to download into a a laptop.

It is a little finicky in the bright Florida Sun and works best late in the day or on cloudy days. If I had to do it over again I would probably get the Pact only for the lifetime warranty.

[ia1727]

Originally Posted by smith crazy

I have used a Shooting Chrony of some kind since I started keeping records. My son shot a bit low once and I found out that they won't stop a 30/06 @ 15ft too well! When he left the range, he drove directly to the local gun store and bought another, actually better one!

The thing about the Chrony, you can trade nonworking ones in for credit. Not sure how that works when they have big gaping holes in them though!

It was kind of cool looking! 150gr HPBT @ 2900fps or so. 'Course, we never did get a reading from that one round!







Maybe it was because it was red! He bought this one for me then.



Since it is blue, it seems to be much more resilient!

Skip--

The one I have is exactly like the blue one you show on the floor. Wish I was Techy enough to figure it out how to use it. Used it twice and put it away.

Gotta' love them kids--nice shootin' by the way--he got the whole thing.

Steve

[Alk8944]

Oehler Research is doing a run of it's 35P. Oehler Research, Inc.--Home Page At least go to their site and look at it. It is a bit more than the common brands, but it does things they won't, too.

[matsu]

Oelher 35p( p) stands for printer 3 screens and proof channel so it reads your bullet twice new around $550.00 but I bought one used last year for $80

[alwslate]

Competition Electronics, Inc. ProChrono Pal. Simple to use and cheap
at 99.00. Far better than my Chrony which yields mostly wild readings
such as my 1800fps .25acp. Pipsqueak? Not my .25 according to Chrony.

[dla]

I like the Chrony Alpha Master.

Chrony Alpha Master information

[38-44HD45]

My first chronograph was a first generation Chrony. Given its minimal price, it worked wonderfully. I never shot it. I gave it to my brother years ago. My second chronograph, which I still own, was a first gen. PACT Professional. It is a truly wonderful device, in terms of its capablilities. Unfortunately, it is WAY too sensitive to lighting conditions, and there are only very limited times of day and lighting conditions in which I can use it at all. Very frustrating.

Recently, I bought a CED M2, and so far, I find it to be superior in every way, other than user-friendliness. I've gotten good readings in all kinds of light conditions, setup is simple, and computer interface is retard-easy. Use of the unit itself is not nearly as intuitive as is the PACT, but once it is hooked up to my computer, all is well. It does not seem as rugged as the PACT or Chrony units I've owned and seen, but with reasonable care, it should be fine.

[snowman]

I also use the Chrony Alpha Master, and it's not real expensive(at least it wasn't 6-7 years ago when I got it). I'm also somewhat technically challenged; mathematically too. I have to reread the entire instruction sheet every time I use it, and still get a little confused when reading through the display and trying to remember what each number is referring to each time I push the button. I understand extreme spread, but still can't seem to grasp standard deviation. But that's OK. I can do what I need to do.

Andy

[papajohn428]

I've also got the Chrony Beta, but I'm going to have it upgraded to the Alpha version, with the readout on the bench next to me. That way I don't have to upset the range nazis by leaning out and resetting it or cycling through the results. They get upset about that kind of stuff, even if I'm the only one there. So for a few bucks more, I'd get the alpha.

[RDub]

Hi
I also have an Oehler Mod 33 chronograph. I got it back in 1980. It's been a great tool. Just recently I noticed some of the LED's are burned out. Oehler says to send it back and he will replace them. Not bad service for an old unit.

The 'Chrony' types are great tools as well, but the only thing that bothers me about them is, your whole investment is, DOWNRANGE..
Sooner or later the enivitable might happen...

If one can afford it, the Oehler 35P would be a great investment, but they are a bit spendy..

[Rule3]

Originally Posted by RDub

Hi
I also have an Oehler Mod 33 chronograph. I got it back in 1980. It's been a great tool. Just recently I noticed some of the LED's are burned out. Oehler says to send it back and he will replace them. Not bad service for an old unit.

The 'Chrony' types are great tools as well, but the only thing that bothers me about them is, your whole investment is, DOWNRANGE..
Sooner or later the enivitable might happen...

If one can afford it, the Oehler 35P would be a great investment, but they are a bit spendy..

That is not correct on the Chrony Alpha. The "Guts"(computer chip) are attached by cable (wire) and sit right next to you. Only the sensors and box are downrange.

[BobR1]

I have a Pro Chrono Digital. Simple to use, self contained. And if you do not mind using a calculator to multiply your reading by app. 1.015 to correct it, it is not to bad.

NOTE: Other units probably work fine. Mine however reads slow by app 1.5%. Not good enough when you are using a ballistic calculator to develop drop charts for a long range accuracy rifle. On a 308/168 grain load it reads slow app 40 fps

Not sure about customer service. They never did answer my e-mail about the inaccuracy problem. They are probably just busy.

[alwslate]

Originally Posted by BobR1

I have a Pro Chrono Digital. Simple to use, self contained. And if you do not mind using a calculator to multiply your reading by app. 1.015 to correct it, it is not to bad.

NOTE: Other units probably work fine. Mine however reads slow by app 1.5%. Not good enough when you are using a ballistic calculator to develop drop charts for a long range accuracy rifle. On a 308/168 grain load it reads slow app 40 fps

Not sure about customer service. They never did answer my e-mail about the inaccuracy problem. They are probably just busy.

I have gotten readings from my Pro Chrono that I thought
were slow when I was too close or forgot to make sure that
both screens were shaded from direct sunlight. I make sure
that I am at least 12ft from the start screen now and the
readings seem more valid. I always use a black marking pen
to ring any jacketed bullet loads. I still lament my old Quartz-
Lok 86 that I had until I got careless one day a couple of
years ago.

[bgrafsr]

I have had an Oehler 35P for years. Works well for me.

[Sevenshooter]

Another vote for a Competition Electronics Prochrono Digital.

Easy set up, accurate in all kinds of outdoor weather, cloudy, sunny. I use the sunscreens and set up proper distance from where I'm shooting and it has never missed a shot.

Ss

[Freischütz]

I'm very happy with my Oehler 33. The modern sykscreens really increased its usefulness.

[bmcgilvray]

Y'all don't laugh but I'm still using the Oehler Model 12 I bought in 1979 and the pocket calculator I purchased to go with it. The Model 33 sold for $200 more at that time and I figured I could put up with the velocity tables supplied with the cheaper model and use the calculator for averaging chores in order to save some bucks.

I've had a ball with it over the years. The skyscreens provided are very reliable except at high noon on a sunny day.

[Wheelgunner840]

smith crazy;Not sure how that works when they have big gaping holes in them though!

Having had said bullet hole through my Shooting Chrony Alpha Master, I can tell you how it works.


You call them up, tell them you shot your chrony. The nice lady told me that I could get a replacement downrange component (the red metal box with the receptors) for a minimal cost. I think it was something like $30. She then told me that they were also on sale, and I could have a completely new one including the remote readout, wires, and sunscreens for $85.


I now have two!!!


WG840

[tomjerry1]

The pictures are why I purchased a chrony with the removable controller, the expensive part.

[geddylee10002000]

Bob1,

How did you find out about the error of 1.5%? Shoot it against something of a known value?

[Mike, SC Hunter]

Originally Posted by bgrafsr

I have had an Oehler 35P for years. Works well for me.

+1............Had mine for years. Works great. Met Mr. Ken Oehler at the 1999 Shot Show. Nice fellow,