|
|
08-15-2018, 02:34 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Southern FL, East side.
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 2,343
Liked 3,032 Times in 1,262 Posts
|
|
Chronograph recomendations
As my old Chrony was murdered I would like recommendations for a replacement. I don't want to break the bank but price isn't necessarily the primary consideration. A few more features that what my Chrony F-1 had would be nice.
My old Chrony had gotten to the point that it would only read reliably if the round passed very close to the top of the unit. After talking to the Shooting Chrony tech that is a characteristic of an old unit with tired sensors. It's a self solving ailment. I can get from $30 up to $45 off a new one by sending in the carcass, depending on new model, but that will cost $10 bucks or more to ship the carcass, plus the hassle.
Paul105 suggested a Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital
.
This one on Amazon seems fairly feature rich and is downright cheap: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph
Other suggestions from happy chronograph owners?
|
08-15-2018, 03:02 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Evansville, Indiana USA
Posts: 6,237
Likes: 485
Liked 11,421 Times in 3,533 Posts
|
|
I also have the "ProChrono Digital" from Competition Electronics. No complaints so far. I've been using it since 2013.
__________________
Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer
|
08-15-2018, 03:24 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: South Central Texas
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 2,688
Liked 1,114 Times in 501 Posts
|
|
Just got my 2nd ProChrono Digital since I DA'd it last week with my 2in. Still NOT happy, so now have a LabRadar on the way.
If you are worried about affording this hobby, you may need to find another hobby...
OR,... just keep assassinating/replacing your "normal" chrono's
|
08-15-2018, 04:10 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 498
Likes: 515
Liked 517 Times in 219 Posts
|
|
Get a Labradar.
They're more expensive but worth every penny.
If mine broke today, I'd buy a new one today.
They are that good.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-15-2018, 04:42 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Southern FL, East side.
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 2,343
Liked 3,032 Times in 1,262 Posts
|
|
As little as I use them lately I can't justify a Labradar. I had my Chrony for ~25 years before I put it out of it's misery. Knock on wood!
|
08-15-2018, 05:28 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Southern FL, East side.
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 2,343
Liked 3,032 Times in 1,262 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Collects
That means that you shot your old Chrony?
|
Through and through! I don't think it suffered any.
|
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
|
|
08-15-2018, 05:55 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 80
Likes: 78
Liked 130 Times in 43 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by oink
As little as I use them lately I can't justify a Labradar. I had my Chrony for ~25 years before I put it out of it's misery. Knock on wood!
|
Completely understand. Be mindful, though, that the very quick setup and ease-of-use of the Labradar may very well prompt you to use it a great deal more than a conventional chrono.
From a handloading perspective, it truly has changed the game.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
08-15-2018, 05:58 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: NE FL
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 1,416
Liked 4,054 Times in 1,267 Posts
|
|
I just used my new CEC ProChron Digital for the first time today. I was impressed. I had retired my Gamma Chrony because it was getting more and more finicky to the point of uselessness. The ProChron Digital worked out of the box and is much simpler to use then the old Chrony. I also got the digital blue tooth device that connects to my iPad. Now that is neat!
Saves all my test results to my iPad using thier free download program. Came home and just printed out the test logs and added that to my loading documents.
The Labradar is no doubt the new state of the art. I just can’t justify the cost (north of $500).
__________________
"Your other right........."
Last edited by fordson; 08-15-2018 at 06:05 PM.
|
08-15-2018, 07:19 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Michigan Western UP
Posts: 12,997
Likes: 3,060
Liked 14,435 Times in 5,492 Posts
|
|
I have owned my PACT Professional XP for 20 years and it has never failed me. What I would recommend you look for in a chronograph is a bench readout. It is worth the extra money to be able to take readings as you shoot and not have to walk out to the unit to record your shots. I do not use the available download options, but simply hit the print button and have all that I need.
I keep my unit well out in front of the muzzle to ensure that the shock waves or gun smoke does not affect the readings and with a bench top unit. It is especially important when tracking black powder loads. All you can shoot is the wings on the unit and they are cheap to replace. I say that because I have unfortunately done just that more than once in 20 years.
__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515
Last edited by glowe; 08-15-2018 at 07:27 PM.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-15-2018, 08:21 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times in 3 Posts
|
|
I look at the lab radar biggest issue I had was it's max velocity is 3900 fps and if you shot some of the faster varmint rounds it won't work. So I went with the CED Millennium 2 works great so far.
|
08-15-2018, 08:54 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 5,346
Likes: 11,606
Liked 9,019 Times in 3,193 Posts
|
|
I happen to own both of the ones you linked, oink. Of the 2, I prefer the ProChrono Digital over the Caldwell. I did buy the Bluetooth adapter for mine so that I can remotely show the data on my smartphone. In my opinion, the adapter is well worth the extra $52.80 to have the versatility of being able to reset strings without having to go downrange to reset the string; you just do it all on your smartphone. The Caldwell can also be run remotely, but it is tied to a 15 ft cable that connects to your headphone jack on your smartphone, which means if you have a newer iPhone without a phone jack you are SOL.
If I were to buy another one, I would invest in the LabRadar unit too. I saw one in action and it's great. And since you don't have to go downrange to use it, I bet you would find yourself using it much more than a conventional chrono.
|
08-16-2018, 07:07 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: N.E.Ohio
Posts: 115
Likes: 884
Liked 186 Times in 71 Posts
|
|
Oehler 35P
Have an Oehler 35P for over 20 years, still the Gold Standard for chronographs. Excellent customer support.
Home - Oehler-Research
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
08-16-2018, 08:49 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 498
Likes: 515
Liked 517 Times in 219 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by oink
As little as I use them lately I can't justify a Labradar.
|
A Labradar justifies itself with just one use.
I can set mine up well within one minute and be ready to shoot.
All from behind the shooting bench.
It's as accurate as any other chronograph.
Probably better built and more durable.
The only drawback is the price tag.
500.00 dollars is a lot of money.
ALL reloaders need a chronograph.
Without one, you have no idea what your reloads are doing.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-16-2018, 10:03 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: South Central Texas
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 2,688
Liked 1,114 Times in 501 Posts
|
|
LabRadar +10
The reason I have a new LabRadar on the way, even though I just replaced my ProChrono Digital with another one, is that MOST of my working up of loads is for my two DA-only revolvers. Hard to be very accurate at distance with DA-only.
In other words, setting a chrono TOO far out in front of the DA shooter results in shortening the chrono's life dramatically...
Hence, go with LabRadar... +10
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-16-2018, 10:36 AM
|
Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Deer Park Texas
Posts: 450
Likes: 410
Liked 596 Times in 212 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by glowe
I have owned my PACT Professional XP for 20 years and it has never failed me. What I would recommend you look for in a chronograph is a bench readout. It is worth the extra money to be able to take readings as you shoot and not have to walk out to the unit to record your shots. I do not use the available download options, but simply hit the print button and have all that I need.
I keep my unit well out in front of the muzzle to ensure that the shock waves or gun smoke does not affect the readings and with a bench top unit. It is especially important when tracking black powder loads. All you can shoot is the wings on the unit and they are cheap to replace. I say that because I have unfortunately done just that more than once in 20 years.
|
I think my Pact is a little older than yours. I haven’t wounded mine yet. But I like the convenience of the brains of the unit setting on the bench with you. Handy to see readings.
Plus any problems with Pact products are handled quickly by them.
|
08-16-2018, 11:27 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: In The Woods Of S.C.
Posts: 8,988
Likes: 14,219
Liked 13,904 Times in 5,044 Posts
|
|
I'v owned my Oehler 35P for over 20 years. Never Failed.
__________________
S&W Accumulator
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
08-16-2018, 01:36 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Southern FL, East side.
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 2,343
Liked 3,032 Times in 1,262 Posts
|
|
So, no one recommends replacing it with another new Shooting Chrony???
|
08-16-2018, 02:05 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,623
Likes: 4
Liked 8,979 Times in 4,164 Posts
|
|
I've had six chronographs over the last thirty-five or more years. I've always done a lot of handload development. If you're not going to use a chronograph very often, a cheap one like a Chrony is fine. If you're doing heavy-duty work, nothing compares with an Oehler 35P (I've found a PACT to be a close second). I've been using a Labradar for about six months with no real complaints other than a poorly written manual, but these units are far too new to the market to evaluate how well they will hold up after years of use. They are a bit easier to set up than an Oehler and they may prove to be an equal in terms of being reliable and durable, but we'll have to wait to know for sure.
The better machines are expensive, but you won't outgrow one and wish you had bought the best quality unit.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
08-16-2018, 02:21 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Pensacola,FL
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 4,198
Liked 999 Times in 536 Posts
|
|
As stated above the Oehler 35P will give many years of extensive service with few if any problems . Depends on what you want & how much you use one . I personally would buy one before I'd shell out $ 500 on a LabRadar . If you seriously shoot competition , do lots of load developement , are a serious open country hunter don't go cheap . Chronos , scopes & barrels you generally get what you pay for .
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
08-16-2018, 04:17 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Lower Alabama
Posts: 43
Likes: 5
Liked 51 Times in 23 Posts
|
|
I have been using a ProChrono for years with no issues. Low acquisition price, works well. I believe they offer a bench read out accessory for it, not sure as I am usually alone at the range and walking 10 to 15 feet to check the readout and reset is not a problem for me.
|
08-16-2018, 07:56 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Black Hills of SD
Posts: 2,827
Likes: 2,211
Liked 4,285 Times in 1,832 Posts
|
|
I have been using a Pact Championship timer/chronograph/ ballistic computer for 25 years. Had one problem about 2005 and They said send it back with a check for $5 to cover return shipping. Took two weeks. I wouldn't go anywhere else.
|
08-16-2018, 10:18 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Southern FL, East side.
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 2,343
Liked 3,032 Times in 1,262 Posts
|
|
Thanks for the comments and recommendations. I'll decide shortly but further comments are welcome. I just got in a rather large and diverse order of Zero jacketed bullets and I'll be wanting to play with a chrony.
|
08-17-2018, 12:42 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Hancock County Ohio
Posts: 710
Likes: 2,507
Liked 525 Times in 235 Posts
|
|
Here's the one I've been considering.
MagnetoSpeed
|
08-18-2018, 07:43 AM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: S/W Indiana
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 1,923
Liked 2,458 Times in 876 Posts
|
|
Chronograph’s
I have had an Oehler ever since they became available to the public. They are great. Two years ago I bought a Labradar, because the range I shoot long range on every week has no ground in front of the shooting benches to set up a chrono. Shooting positions are on a hill top and two feet in front of the bench is a steep slope.
I use my Labradar every week. It is so much easier to set up than the Oehler, and so much easier to breakdown and secure when I am done shooting.
Depending on your preferences either one IMO will be an asset to you and your shooting experience.
Photo is from the range yesterday.
Last edited by loc n load; 08-18-2018 at 07:48 AM.
|
08-18-2018, 09:01 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 375
Likes: 87
Liked 210 Times in 112 Posts
|
|
I can’t comment on any chronograph as I’ve never owned one. I did buy a LabRadar as most of my handgun shooting is indoors and not possible to set a traditional chronograph up.
It was a lot of money to be sure but I would never be without it now.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
12-14-2018, 04:42 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Southern FL, East side.
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 2,343
Liked 3,032 Times in 1,262 Posts
|
|
Well, I finally got another chronograph. I went with the Competition Electronics ProChronoDLX. I haven't really used it other than to zing a few .22LRs across it, I think 12 moderate .357s and 15 or so .44 mags. I haven't really played with the bluetooth other to check that it will connect with my old Galaxy S-4.
It works way better than my antique Chrony did with a much bigger area to shoot through. My old Chrony was the early one with the cardboard sky screens with the tiny target area and it had gotten to where you had to keep shooting closer and closer to the top of the unit to get readings. Murdering it was not much of a crime.
|
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|