Range Report: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph

TAROMAN · Sep 30, 2014

My Shooting Chrony had gotten to the point where it (again) gives more errors than results.
Deciding what to do when I spotted the Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph at Cabelas.
As I had a pretty good cash back on my CC, figured why not?
This is interesting in that it doesn't have a ballistic computer, but uses a smartphone app to do the math and store everything.
First run today, testing 45 ACP target loads.
Over 300 fired with NO problems. All the data stored on my phone for analysis.
My phone is an Android, but apparently the Apple phones are supported too.

rwsmith · Sep 30, 2014

That is neat.....

That is neat as a beet and the best thing is that you got all that with no errors! I'm not to the phone app phase yet but I guess it'll come sooner or later.

Nemo288 · Sep 30, 2014

Leaving us luddites in the dust...
I am still transitioning from pencil and paper to using the usb port
on the ProChrono and the SD card in the Magnetospeed.

I tend to do advanced statistics on a calculator (HP 50g) as it's easier to use sitting in my easy chair.
The pencil and paper have not been totally retired as a result.

-----
Nemo

venomballistics · Oct 1, 2014

Nemo288 said:
Leaving us luddites in the dust...
I am still transitioning from pencil and paper to using the usb port
on the ProChrono and the SD card in the Magnetospeed.
I tend to do advanced statistics on a calculator (HP 50g) as it's easier to use sitting in my easy chair.
The pencil and paper have not been totally retired as a result.

-----
Nemo

whats your take on the magnetospeed?
seems to me it would work on similar principals to a guitar pickup, or a distributor trigger.
either way, it should cure all the problems that plague optical systems, while adding the occasional EMI issue.

Bkreutz · Oct 1, 2014

Have you used the Caldwell inside? I don't see any optional indoor sensors offered. It would be great if you didn't have get the extra sensors to get it to work inside.

elpac3 · Oct 1, 2014

Had a chance to do some shooting this past weekend with a Magnetospeed. Worked OK on the long barrels (6" & 6 1/2"), couldn't get it to fit or function with short barrels - 4" or less, will also not work with semiauto's. Barrel needs to be flat and straight otherwise the taper will be a problem (end up hitting the end of the "bayonette") without a lot of shimming.

While the sticks might seem a trip back in time to some, they are a great alignment tool to get you over the screens.

Twoboxer · Oct 1, 2014

venomballistics said:
whats your take on the magnetospeed?
seems to me it would work on similar principals to a guitar pickup, or a distributor trigger.
either way, it should cure all the problems that plague optical systems, while adding the occasional EMI issue.

If you can attach the MagnetoSpeed to the firearm's barrel, it is incredibly easy to set up (<1 min while the range is hot), works indoors/outdoors and in any weather or light condition, is accurate, and has all the statistical, storage, and transfer-to-PC functions you could want. Once the bayonet is properly attached, I have not had a missed or questionable velocity report.

The sole drawback (besides needing a barrel to attach) is that it alters barrel harmonics and will in almost all cases change your POI (easy to prove). However, after hundreds of groups fired with and without the bayonet attached, I've found no compelling evidence it changes group sizes. The amount/direction of POI change also depends on exactly where and how tightly the bayonet is attached.

What this means is the MagnetoSpeed is not a tool I can use during load development where the relative POIs of single shots or groups (OCW, Ladder, etc) is important.

So I make extra rounds during load development to get velocity data.

Despite that "drawback", the MagnetoSpeed is so easy to use at the range that I no longer use my CED M2.

ETA: Waiting anxiously for Labradar to make it's debut

venomballistics · Oct 1, 2014

elpac3 said:
Had a chance to do some shooting this past weekend with a Magnetospeed. Worked OK on the long barrels (6" & 6 1/2"), couldn't get it to fit or function with short barrels - 4" or less, will also not work with semiauto's. Barrel needs to be flat and straight otherwise the taper will be a problem (end up hitting the end of the "bayonette") without a lot of shimming.

While the sticks might seem a trip back in time to some, they are a great alignment tool to get you over the screens.

Define "OK" if you would be so kind.

Seems to me that the design favors longarms and some being a real pain, but the concept of magnetic sensors would mean it would work as well at midnight as it would at high noon.

TAROMAN · Oct 1, 2014

Bkreutz said:
Have you used the Caldwell inside? I don't see any optional indoor sensors offered. It would be great if you didn't have get the extra sensors to get it to work inside.

No need to use mine indoors as our club only has a .22 indoor range.
Caldwell does offer a deluxe version with infrared LED lights and a tripod:

opplanet-caldwell-ballistic-precision-chronograph-premium-kit-721122-main.jpg

chief38 · Oct 2, 2014

I have a Chrony that works well when it works, but is very picky as to the ambient light conditions and therefore would not recommend it. Once you get the perfect light baffles in place all is fine, but if it's too bright or not bright enough it complains.

H Richard · Oct 2, 2014

My Beta Chrony works just fine, except when there is large variations in the outdoor light in the sky. On a normal day, or an constant overcast day I get perfect readings.

Range Report: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph

TAROMAN

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rwsmith

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Nemo288

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venomballistics

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Bkreutz

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elpac3

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Twoboxer

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venomballistics

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TAROMAN

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chief38

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H Richard

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