Anybody got any suggestions, I don't know anything about them.
Good cheap chronograph
- Thread starter ddixie884
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Erich
Member
I suggest running a search! 
(This comes up a lot.)
I bought a Shooting Chrony Beta Master, and I've recommended it to my friends based on its fine performance. It's about $120. You'll need an inexpensive tripod (Wal-Mart has them for under $20 as well), and always keep an extra 9V battery around to keep Murphy at bay.
I had one of the original Shooting Chrony models when they first came out in the '80s, and it did yeoman service until it got shot. The upgraded features over the past 20 years are handy.
(This comes up a lot.)I bought a Shooting Chrony Beta Master, and I've recommended it to my friends based on its fine performance. It's about $120. You'll need an inexpensive tripod (Wal-Mart has them for under $20 as well), and always keep an extra 9V battery around to keep Murphy at bay.
I had one of the original Shooting Chrony models when they first came out in the '80s, and it did yeoman service until it got shot. The upgraded features over the past 20 years are handy.
I just bought this one: Based on price, warranty and customer reviews. There are plenty of other more expensive, high tech ones out there but i just want to know how fast a reload is going.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=306796
Got a really nice tripod at the pawn shop and all set.
Works for me.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=306796
Got a really nice tripod at the pawn shop and all set.
Works for me.
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
???????????????????????????????
If everyone did that Erich NO-ONE'S post count would get to over 7,000!
Shooting Chrony makes the least expensive. They are a "staple" for the average reloader.
I have a Beta too.
They are a lot cheaper when you don't shoot them too! (Son #2 shot mine!)
I suggest running a search!
If everyone did that Erich NO-ONE'S post count would get to over 7,000!
Shooting Chrony makes the least expensive. They are a "staple" for the average reloader.
I have a Beta too.
They are a lot cheaper when you don't shoot them too! (Son #2 shot mine!)
OP
Smith crazy, does the Beta read out, directly in FPS like a speedometer, or a Radar Gun, or do you have to convert it?
All the common ones are easy to use.
The Chrony is the cheapest to buy unless you shoot it; then the ones with the sensors separate from the chrono (like PACT) start saving you money.
With a plastic drum and some concrete, you can build a skyscreen setup that is rugged and bullet resistant.....not as portable, however.
The Chrony is the cheapest to buy unless you shoot it; then the ones with the sensors separate from the chrono (like PACT) start saving you money.
With a plastic drum and some concrete, you can build a skyscreen setup that is rugged and bullet resistant.....not as portable, however.
Erich
Member
Dixie, the Beta reads out in FPS or MPS, your choice. The "master" chrony series lets you sit at the bench and control and read the display on a remote that's at the bench.
And if you shoot the Chrony, they let you replace it for cheaper than retail.
And if you shoot the Chrony, they let you replace it for cheaper than retail.
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
Glad to answer!
Dixie,
The Beta is configurable, as others have noted, in either FPS or MPS. It also has a memory section that allows you to store 6 strings of 10 shots. If done correctly, you can parse the information at home. It stores all 10 shots, High, Low, Avg, ES and SD as a group.
Pretty handy if you forget to take the log book with you (as I have done many times! )
You can also get adapters to upload the information to your laptop. Haven't done that yet!
Lots of other things are available too. Check out their website: http://www.shootingchrony.com/products_SCMMCM.htm
Hope this helps!
Dixie,
The Beta is configurable, as others have noted, in either FPS or MPS. It also has a memory section that allows you to store 6 strings of 10 shots. If done correctly, you can parse the information at home. It stores all 10 shots, High, Low, Avg, ES and SD as a group.
Pretty handy if you forget to take the log book with you (as I have done many times!
)You can also get adapters to upload the information to your laptop. Haven't done that yet!
Lots of other things are available too. Check out their website: http://www.shootingchrony.com/products_SCMMCM.htm
Hope this helps!
MrPhil
Member
This I gotta see. Pics please.
I use a PACT MkIV. It is a combo chronograph and shot timer. Cost $200 a few years ago. Mostly designed as a timer. I've been using it more in chrony mode. One of the neat things about it is the ability to set your own sensor spacing. The more the sensors are separated, the better the data. I use the PACT bracket, 24 inch spacing.
If you can, set yours up in a shaded area that's open to the sky. (I set up in a canyon.) Really improves performance. I've been able to do away with the sky screens. Also, set up a target. That really reduces your chance of blasting you chrony.
I gave my Chrony to a good buddy for a bd present years ago. I then bought a PACT MC2 which I have used for 10 yrs or so. All I care about is the velocity of new loads, although it gives you lots of data like mean, median, variance, etc. I use my own data and calculate the others. I think any basic unit on the market will do a good job.
I once went to a seminar where we did some shooting and chronographed our loads. I watched some poor guy shoot off one of the sky-screen legs and got a real (temporary) kick out of it. Then, at a later date, I did the same thing. What goes around comes around.
Sonny
I once went to a seminar where we did some shooting and chronographed our loads. I watched some poor guy shoot off one of the sky-screen legs and got a real (temporary) kick out of it. Then, at a later date, I did the same thing. What goes around comes around.
Sonny
Grayfox
US Veteran
I've been using a Pact Model 1 for more years than I can remember. Extremely happy with it.
OP
I really appreciate the input, thanks guys.
chessail 77
US Veteran
If a chrongraph watch will work I can get them for $80. plus 6.80 shipping ...these have a Citizen OS 10/20 movement. John
kalei
Member
Shooting Chroney
I bought the Shooting Chroney Alpha Master from Midway for $120 and the Chroney indoor shooting light for $34. Great units, don't use them much anymore since I have my specific loads for 8 calibers all worked out.
kalei
I bought the Shooting Chroney Alpha Master from Midway for $120 and the Chroney indoor shooting light for $34. Great units, don't use them much anymore since I have my specific loads for 8 calibers all worked out.
kalei
mstuhr
Member
Horse of a different color
Howdy DDIXIE,
In the mean time if you have the range ,I get close by the trajectory data in the Hornady book. It will tell you how much difference there will be between a 100 and 200 yard zero for a given Cal./bullet wt. at various velocities.
You can zero at 100 and shoot at a 200 yard target and measure the difference. Look it up in the tarjectory charts and it will tell you roughly what your FPS are for a given cal./bullet wt. It's not exact but works better than you might think.
Good luck
Mike
Howdy DDIXIE,
In the mean time if you have the range ,I get close by the trajectory data in the Hornady book. It will tell you how much difference there will be between a 100 and 200 yard zero for a given Cal./bullet wt. at various velocities.
You can zero at 100 and shoot at a 200 yard target and measure the difference. Look it up in the tarjectory charts and it will tell you roughly what your FPS are for a given cal./bullet wt. It's not exact but works better than you might think.
Good luck
Mike
Chrony gives you a very good trade in allowance on "slightly used" chrony's. I barely nicked my old one with a 44 mag 240 gr. load. I now have the Beta master with the remote read out and it is very handy.
Sargeyork
Member
Chrony Protection
I was always going to figure out a way of protecting it with some kind of clear plastic type material that would allow light thru but deflect or absorb an errant bullet, lexan or polycarbonate come to mind like an old motorcycle windscreen or something like that. Maybe some type of wood with holes cut for the sensors just big enough and wood sheet or panel higher than the sensor level to intercept bullets.
I was always going to figure out a way of protecting it with some kind of clear plastic type material that would allow light thru but deflect or absorb an errant bullet, lexan or polycarbonate come to mind like an old motorcycle windscreen or something like that. Maybe some type of wood with holes cut for the sensors just big enough and wood sheet or panel higher than the sensor level to intercept bullets.
OP
Just wanted to post that I ordered a "Chrony Beta Master" from Midway. Haven't used it yet but am sure it is what I needed. I just wanted to say THANX to all who offered to share their experience, to help me make the best selection.
Hook686
US Veteran
If you want cheap and just the fps of your shot, the Shooting Chrony F-1 is tough to beat. The Master version has the control/readout separate from the sensor unit with a 1t foot cord. Very useful feature to have the readout at the shooting bench. The F-1 displays the last shot. The Alpha will save ten shots, average them, show high low srtandard deviation and extreme spread. If you need the statistics the Alpha Master is nice. If all you want is the fps of the last shot then the F-1 Master works. I got one off midwayusa.com on sale for $79. The $99 Alpha Master sits at home, while the F-1 Master goes to the range with me.
borntoraisehogs
US Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2003
- Messages
- 430
- Reaction score
- 43
Smith Crazy
I would like the next one to have kevlar or rubber legs . That direct hit to the screen leg is about the only shot your friends never shut up about .
I would like the next one to have kevlar or rubber legs . That direct hit to the screen leg is about the only shot your friends never shut up about .
Pro Chrono Pal, about 99.00. My Alpha Master Chrony is useless for
handgun rounds.
handgun rounds.
ExplorerOne
Member
I have an OLD Chrony, love it. Nothing fancy but works. Had a bud shoot my first one, was replaced at a reasonable cost.
Model 15-4ever
Member
I learned the hard way: if your friend wants to "try out" some of his loads through YOUR Shooting Chrony, YOU do the shooting. He destroyed mine with his first shot. But I made him buy me a new one, and he got the shot one. 
fredj338
Member
Having used several diff brands, I can tell you, cheap & good do not come in the same sentence when it comes to chronographs. They all work about the same, the diff is the quality of the screens The screens are what give the measurements & the cheaper units, like Chrony, have the cheapest screens.
I have done back to back to back shooting sessions w/ an Oehler (best by far), Chrony & CED. Lining them up & shooting through all three. They all register within 8-10fps of each other. The big diff is how many shots get errors. The Oehler none, not one missed shot, even though it was the last to see the bullet. The CED missed less than 5%, the Chrony easily 45-50% misses shots, even though it was the first set of screens. Switchin it to the middle didn't help.
The problem is the Chrony screens are the smallest of the three & the most finicky about shot placement (why so many get shot). The shot MUST BE no more than 8" above the screens & pretty much dead center. ANy deviation, too high or as little as 1" wide, missed shot.
My recommendation, pony up & buy the CED. It's not an Oehler but pretty damn good. It's maybe $30 more than the most expensive Chrony, but the screens on all the Chrony models are the same, crap.
I have done back to back to back shooting sessions w/ an Oehler (best by far), Chrony & CED. Lining them up & shooting through all three. They all register within 8-10fps of each other. The big diff is how many shots get errors. The Oehler none, not one missed shot, even though it was the last to see the bullet. The CED missed less than 5%, the Chrony easily 45-50% misses shots, even though it was the first set of screens. Switchin it to the middle didn't help.
The problem is the Chrony screens are the smallest of the three & the most finicky about shot placement (why so many get shot). The shot MUST BE no more than 8" above the screens & pretty much dead center. ANy deviation, too high or as little as 1" wide, missed shot.
My recommendation, pony up & buy the CED. It's not an Oehler but pretty damn good. It's maybe $30 more than the most expensive Chrony, but the screens on all the Chrony models are the same, crap.
fredj338 I have, like you , set my Chrony up in tandem with my cheap
Competition Electronics Pro Chrono Pal and seen many more error
messages from the Chrony. Also seen many readings from it that were
simply not realistic.
Competition Electronics Pro Chrono Pal and seen many more error
messages from the Chrony. Also seen many readings from it that were
simply not realistic.
OP
Tried my Chrony today. This is going to take a while.
firearmsunlimited
Member
Take a look at Ohler's company history and their 35P.
