I think it is time to purchase a chronograph. I have been reloading for a long time, but have never felt the need for one until now. I know nothing about them. I know Google is my friend and I read reviews on them at Midway. I believe this site is a better source of info. I searched for them here, but found little. I would like your opinions as I have gotten invaluable information here many times, even though I have a low post count. Please recommend what you believe to be the best value in a chronograph. I don't mind spending a little more for a better product, but I don't need to have the absolute best one one the market. I want the biggest bang for the buck. Pun intended.

With this thread open, scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see a list of similar threads about chronographs.
I have this one after giving up on the Chrony Brand folders. They would not work in the Sunshine here in Fl.

No it does not have a detached unit so if you shoot it, it's toast but it works, read the reviews. It goes on sale for $99.00

ProChrono Digital Chronograph





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Still Running Against the Wind

First Pro Chrono I bought was what I thought was a great purchase till I found out that it would not stand up to a direct hit from a .357 Max with 180 XTP's. They just don't build stuff worth a darn anymore!

Well I don't THINK I'll shoot it, but you never know... Seems to be a good value. Thx. The sun can be pretty intense here in South GA sometimes too.

+ 1 on the ProChrono, I've had one for years.

If you think you won't shoot it... your wrong. eventually it will take a hit.

I would recommend either the PACT Mark IV or the CED-M2. Before I bought a PACT I would check with them to see if the control board uses a crystal clock as my old Mark III apparently doesn't and the accuracy is very dependent on battery voltage. It eats batteries. Mine doesn't have a low battery warning so those are important items to find out first. The CED has all that and it will download the info to your computer which is nice (I think the new PACT will too but can't be sure). You'll be glad you got a remote control unit even if you have to pay a little extra. I just bought a new CED-M2 and am satisfied with it.

"If you think you won't shoot it... your wrong."

So, how do they end up getting shot? Is this something that happens frequently? I haven't even thought of this.

With a scoped rifle you chances are greater than a handgun.

I have had two Chronys and now the Pro Chrono. I use a rest when testing. Have not shot one yet. Sure it's possible if you are not paying attention. It's 10 feet away. I do not use a target when testing, just concentrate on shooting through the V brackets.

No question, having the guts (computer unit) there at the bench is more convenient and safer) If you hit the unit all you damage is the sensors and light diffusers which are cheap to replace.

The CED M2 is a good one also but more money as is the Pact.

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Still Running Against the Wind

I have had a PACT Mark IV for about 6 years now. It's been a good unit, easy to set up and operate. Make sure the battery is fresh for best results, but it seems to work in all kinds of light conditions. I was just using it yesterday to test some ammo in a Ruger Standard Auto, light went from bright sun to moving clouds, to complete cloud cover and back all in short periods of time. Never failed to register once for 70 rounds, and those where shot relatively fast, say about 3 sec between shots.

One of the really good things about it? When you aren't using it as a chrono, you can use it as a timer to check your splits and total times.

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" I said, good DAY! "

OK, I can see how they get shot being 10 ft. away from the muzzle if one is focused on the target with a scoped rifle. I want one to help with development of handgun reloads. I rarely go to a public range so having to wait for cease-fire shouldn't be an issue. I think the ProChrono will probably suit my needs for a first time user. Thanks to all who posted.

There are two groups of people in the world, those that have shot their chrono and those who are going to.
Cracker

My metal PACT skyscreen support was grazed by a 45 slug once, I don't know how but it was. The CED has plastic screen supports where I would rather have the metal. Another time a 223 touched the very tip of the sensor plastic when using a scoped upper and forgetting about the height of the sight. Fortunately it didn't bust to pieces but cut a small half circle.

These things usually happen when something else goes wrong and you miss a signal, so your first reaction is change the angle of the bullet to see if the light shadow has changed.

Or whose buddies take care of shooting it for you........

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Science plus Art

Since you don't have to wait for a time out to check your chrono Wal-mart has an F1 Chrono you can order online and have it shipped to the nearst store for around$70. You can read up on it a Midway's reviews and order from wally world and save yourself about $30. When I ordered mine it was at the store the next day.

If you plan on using your chronograph often, there are a few things that are really helpful. A remote unit that you can set on your shooting bench makes it easy to read your results. If you shoot different loadings or calibers in one session, a printout is great. Also, there are no electronics in the chronograph to ruin if you shoot the unit.

I have an older PACT XP and am very satisfied. When I purchased the unit, I bought an extra set of side pieces and screens. Have only shot one to date. After years of shooting, I still find new neat features like free recoil calculations, trajectory calculation, balistic characteristics.

I shot using a friend's Chrony last month using my 45-70. Backed up 10 feet and the concussion blew the wires and shields right off the machine.

Wait for it to go on Sale.

Another suggestion is to replace the metal sun shield rods with wooden dowels. You have a better chance of hitting those than the unit itself (although still very possible).

If you hit the wooden support rods, they just break. If you hit a metal rod it may snap off the plastic part of the chronograph. Long bamboo kebob sticks or try to find the right size dowel at the home store.

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Still Running Against the Wind

I have been very pleased with my Competition Electronics chronograph. Might work well for you as well.

Randy

With my luck, I'll probably shoot it the first time I use it....

I've had 2 Chronys and liked both of them. They ARE a little particular about sunlight but the newer ones seem to have better "sunscreens".

I had the first one for 20 years --- grinned at people who shot their Chronys. Then, I put a 44 Special right thru the middle of the read-out. I STILL have no idea how I did it. I got the replacement F1 from MidWay for $75.

In the new Guns & Ammo, Craig Boddington is shown using a Chrony --- Ol' Craig wouldn't steer you wrong!

Nah, I shoot over mine blindfolded all the time and haven't hit it yet. Go for it.

If you live anywhere that has SUNLIGHT the Shooting Chronys are problematic. I tried all kinds of taped cardboard, Starship Shields, Cloaking devices on 2 (two) of them and they still gave weird readings. The only time they worked was about Sundown with the Sun all the way behind me. During the middle of the day forget it.

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Still Running Against the Wind

Is it just me that thinks that a chrono outa take at least 1 good hit and keep on tickin? Any way I bought another Pro Chrono, Don't plan on putting it at 100yds and testing my Max or anything else out there again ( it kinda sounded like a good idea at the time). Chrono's are LIKE women, if you can get them to work and they tell you every thing you want to hear , their great

WARNING OLD THREAD

I'm checking on chrono recommendations on the forum.
I'll check over the other old posts and do some more research and start a new thread later

What I'd like to know is WHAT DO YOU TELL YOUR WIFE WHEN YOU SHOOT YOUR CHRONY?
If I was her - I'd ride that pretty hard for awhile

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I'd like to agree with you BUT

Look what a cool hole my 357 SWC made in that sheet metal
Actually said that - shot my chrony through rear sensor housing on my 1st outing , however sensor was intact and now it's back in service