Chronograph Question

[VAPA]

First time chrono user, do I use a target past the unit or just concentrate on getting the bullets thru the unit without hitting anything?
I will be shooting revolvers with a rest.

 

[thadheth]

Having wounded my chronograph once, I now forget about targets. I'm more concerned with keeping a uniform distance from the muzzle and height above the chronograph.

 

[growr]

With your hand guns,just make darn sure that the muzzle is going through the center of the sky screens. I have also learned to have the muzzle the same distance from the screens every time for consistency sake.

When it is a rifle, perhaps you can take the bolt out and visually confirm.

However on a lever gun or semi auto that is not possible, so I tape a laser pointer on the bottom of the barrel and put a cardboard backer behind the sky screens and then confirm.

Also, take note of where the crosshairs in your scope are actually located assuming you are using a scope. This is so that you can repeat this if and when needed.

Others will solve this by purchasing the Magneto Speed Chronograph that attaches to the barrel and looks a lot like a bayonet.

Or if you are really feeling lucky the Lab Radar is fabulous and there is NO problem with accidentally shooting the unit or the screens.

Randy

PS. You did not mention which chronograph you are using...........

 

[H Richard]

I like to have a target, so I keep a consistent bullet path. It may take a little more time to set up initially, but feel I get more consistent results, and check the groups at the same time.

 

[lrrifleman]

VAPA, in many respects, it depends on the type arm and chronograph that you are using.

When I chronograph rifle loads, I now use a MagnetoSpeed chronograph and set a target up as an aiming reference. I try to gather grouping information, but also realize that the MagnetoSpeed hanging off the muzzle will affect the barrel's harmonic vibrations and the resultant groups and group placement.

When I chronograph handgun ammo, I use an RCBS chronograph on a tripod. For pistol ammo, I generally start with a load that groups well, and chronograph it for the sake of determining just velocity. You want to direct full attention to keeping your rounds within the screens.

 

[steveno]

I think that the main reason a chronograph gets shot is the shooter was using a target while using the chronograph and not paying attention. you can always shoot the targets later if you feel the chronograph results are what you are looking for. I have an Oehler 33 so the brains are safe but a couple of times the screens took a beating for not paying attention.

it really doesn't matter what the distance to the first screen as long as it is far enough away so the reading isn't affected by muzzle blast. a 38 special , 45 acp or 22 lr can be pretty close. a 41 mag and similar has be farther away.

 

[bmcgilvray]

I use a target as an aiming reference. I'm using the same Oehler Model 12 chronograph I mail ordered in 1979 and have only grazed a screen on a single occasion with a .22 short fired from my Smith & Wesson Model 17. Wasn't using a target in that instance and "cut things a little too fine."

Lending the chronograph is a good way to get it shot though. I've done that too and had to replace screens because of it.

 

[Funflyer]

I like to use a rest and shoot at a target, across the chrono, whenever I'm testing loads.

 

[trapper9260]

I use a target also while use the chrony . I had shot my chrony 2 times and the 2nd time kill it . But the one I got just send in the one and if it can be fix they do otherwise you pay half of the new one. Here is a video for set up with a bore sight [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t8fgjgrYLA[/ame] I will do it this way now.

 

[DWalt]

I have always set up a target at 50 yards, then I adjust the position of the chronograph unit. Haven't yet hit the chronograph. I usually set the chronograph about 10' to 15' from the muzzle.

 

[rockquarry]

I've had six chronographs in about forty years. If you chronograph a lot, as I do, the only ones worth having are the ones where you can chronograph loads and shoot groups at the same time. Anytime you have any part of the unit in front of you, you will eventually shoot something if you use your unit enough. Avoid chronographs with small windows, like the Chrony, unless you're extremely careful and only chronograph a few rounds occasionally.

With machines like the Oehler and PACT, most parts that can be hit with a bullet are cheap and easy to replace and I always kept spare parts on hand. With a LabRadar you don't have to worry about any of that. However, aside from quick and convenient setup, the LabRadar offers no advantage over the Oehler 35P and the Oehler has the third "proof" channel skyscreen and a printer.

If you're going to do a lot of chronographing, the latter two are heavy-duty machines that you won't outgrow or wish for something better. If the PACT is made the way the old ones were, it'll last, too.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

For handguns I shoot through the middle of the sensor uprights, for rifles I carefully line up the sensors so that when shooting at a target the bullet passes over the center. I like to check accuracy at the same time as the AV with rifle rounds.

 

[dla]

Just remember that the chronograph will "see" your bullet up to about 2 foot above the sensors - so there is no reason to try to shoot low. I usually take a 22lr along to sanity check my Crony setup. No screens on cloudy days.

 

[iouri]

I always used target behind my chronos (yes, plural ), with LabRadar I still use target - provides more consistent trajectory hence better data.

 

[scotthickoryky]

where i use mine i have a tree 100 yards away i aim at,, works perfect for me but a target behind about 10 yards would not hurt a bit to be on the safe side,,,,, i gave mine a hair cut 1 day,,, wasnt happy about it so i became even more careful

 

[Nevada Ed]

Sometimes I just want fps but...........

lots of times I set up for fps and accuracy test.

It takes more time for me to move my "Adjustable" target
to where it is near the center of the screen for my pistol and revolver
shooting but no problem with 100 yard rifle targets.

Just take your time and learn the difference between iron and scope shooting and you unit will live another day.

 

[fredj338]

IT depends on the quality of the screens. If using the Cheap Chrony, I advise putting up a target. I generally test for accuracy while I chorno, so I usually have a target up for my Oehler, but if just checking power factor, 3rds over the center works fine.

 

[fredj338]

Just remember that the chronograph will "see" your bullet up to about 2 foot above the sensors - so there is no reason to try to shoot low. I usually take a 22lr along to sanity check my Crony setup. No screens on cloudy days.

THis is totally screen dependent. I have found the Chrony is not reliable much more than 8" above the screens. Why so many get shot. Higher than that & you get errors.

 

[scotthickoryky]

For handguns I shoot through the middle of the sensor uprights, for rifles I carefully line up the sensors so that when shooting at a target the bullet passes over the center. I like to check accuracy at the same time as the AV with rifle rounds.

same here,,, a rifled scope i put the cross hairs a couple of inches below the defusers that way i know it will be in the middle,,,,,, it scares me every time i pull the trigger expecting a bullet to go through the screen but i am very careful

 

[stu1ritter]

I set up a target NEXT to my chronograph at 15 feet and check my point of impact and then just aim center of the measuring area of the chrono. Just want to make sure I'm shooting into the middle.

Stu