StrawHat
Member
You need to match bullet alloy, jacket alloy, bearing length and a few other specifics. Just changing primers can jack pressures up. Same with powder.
Good tip!
Kevin
Is a chronograph necessary?
- Thread starter Model5
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You need to match bullet alloy, jacket alloy, bearing length and a few other specifics. Just changing primers can jack pressures up. Same with powder.
Good tip!
Kevin
HorizontalMike
US Veteran
Lab Radar
Having shot-up two chrono's and repaired several times (2nd one is partially operational), I FINALLY decided to go with a Lab Radar unit. Sure, up front it is more expensive, however, that depends on just how often you strike the steel "V" on your old chrono...
The Lab Radar sits next to the shooter, out of the way of errant bullets...
Having shot-up two chrono's and repaired several times (2nd one is partially operational), I FINALLY decided to go with a Lab Radar unit. Sure, up front it is more expensive, however, that depends on just how often you strike the steel "V" on your old chrono...
The Lab Radar sits next to the shooter, out of the way of errant bullets...
I hit the supports on a friends chrono before I bought mine. I replaced for him, but learned that to prevent shooting your chrono, do not shoot offhand. Always prop on a rest. Since doing that, I have not hit my chrono in 15+ years.
Rosewood
Rosewood
I have two chronographs and use them to develop all my new loads both rifle and pistol (I enjoy the science of ballistic). While I have dozens of reloading books/manuals that I follow, the chronograph confirms that loads performance. Any change to a loads parameters (powder, bullet, primers) gets re-tested with the chronograph to confirm performance.
mmb617
Member
In my case the whole shooting and reloading thing is just a hobby, something I do because I enjoy it. A chronograph isn't something I need, but it's another thing to play around with. One can never have too many toys.
I think that's the boat I'm in. I don't shoot competitively and I'm not working up a 1000 yard load. Just something to do between range trips.
I loaded for 40 years without one.
Then I got into ATA Trap shooting and had to make sure that my Trap loads were "Legal" and within the fps called for in the by-laws, or I would be disqualified from any awards, winnings or handicap placements.
In my rifle loads, knowing the fps of a load is needed to learn bullet drop and wind drift if you shoot in matches.
It also lets you know what powder works best for target and full loads, per the amount of powder used and case volume.
In hand guns, knowing if you are near a low Squib load is nice as well if a powder can reach a standard load or a full load with safe pressures.
Right now I am loading for my J frame 38 Spl. with the Federal 130 HST JHP bullet, that has NO DATA and my chrony is the only thing keeping my loads safe, for me to develop a load that will be like the Factory ammo in fps.
Is it needed..............
if you do target & factory ammo.... No.
for full loads or no data is available............. Yes.
Then I got into ATA Trap shooting and had to make sure that my Trap loads were "Legal" and within the fps called for in the by-laws, or I would be disqualified from any awards, winnings or handicap placements.
In my rifle loads, knowing the fps of a load is needed to learn bullet drop and wind drift if you shoot in matches.
It also lets you know what powder works best for target and full loads, per the amount of powder used and case volume.
In hand guns, knowing if you are near a low Squib load is nice as well if a powder can reach a standard load or a full load with safe pressures.
Right now I am loading for my J frame 38 Spl. with the Federal 130 HST JHP bullet, that has NO DATA and my chrony is the only thing keeping my loads safe, for me to develop a load that will be like the Factory ammo in fps.
Is it needed..............
if you do target & factory ammo.... No.
for full loads or no data is available............. Yes.
I once shot major division in an IPSC competition using same bullets, cases, primers and powder weight that had previously made major PF. Only difference was powder batch number.
When I got to the chrono stage I was just under major PF. I found out that weekend it is no fun shooting .45 minor.
Next day I ordered a chrono. I use it every time I load a batch of competition ammo as well as for load development. One of the best purchases I have ever made.
noylj
Member
Since almost no one owns a chronograph, they are not necessary.
Folks who shoot action pistol sports where there is a minimum power factor need a chronograph to ensure their load meets match requirements.
Accuracy is found on a target, not a chronograph. Ranges I go to won't even allow you to set up a chrony.
Folks who shoot action pistol sports where there is a minimum power factor need a chronograph to ensure their load meets match requirements.
Accuracy is found on a target, not a chronograph. Ranges I go to won't even allow you to set up a chrony.
When developing loads for matches I always chrono a good sampling to see what will make the power factors I need.
I also chrono to see how consistent my loads will be. This, I've found, relates to how well my groups will be.
I've gone through a lot of chronographs over the years. I like the Chrony Beta because I can leave screens down range but have my data and printer on the bench with me.
Some of my chronys only have a display on the unit down range. I'm getting old and can't see the display reliably without binoculars.
I also chrono to see how consistent my loads will be. This, I've found, relates to how well my groups will be.
I've gone through a lot of chronographs over the years. I like the Chrony Beta because I can leave screens down range but have my data and printer on the bench with me.
Some of my chronys only have a display on the unit down range. I'm getting old and can't see the display reliably without binoculars.
I will add one small note;\
A small Extreme spread in fps of 5-10 test loads does not always meen an accurate load, although it can help.
I have had accurate loads that were at or even past 100 fps in a test that were just as accurate as a small ES load.
Just the other day I had a load that had a 200 fps plus ES read out......
but that one was a test for the garbage since it looked like a shotgun pattern.
It is nice to know the fps of a load but what is on the paper is what counts.
A small Extreme spread in fps of 5-10 test loads does not always meen an accurate load, although it can help.
I have had accurate loads that were at or even past 100 fps in a test that were just as accurate as a small ES load.
Just the other day I had a load that had a 200 fps plus ES read out......
but that one was a test for the garbage since it looked like a shotgun pattern.
It is nice to know the fps of a load but what is on the paper is what counts.
I have been reloading for over 50 years and have had a chronograph for 40+ of those years. Like You, with a new handgun bullet I peruse the loading manuals and decide what powder and how much. When I have found the most accurate load I then run a few across the chrony just to see where they are. Almost all are in line with the loading manuals, and those that aren't are lower. I primarily use the chrony for rifle loads and as stated above several times the lowest ED and SD numbers are most often the most accurate. The exception has eluded Me. Velocity is needed for long range calculations, but I make My sight adjustments at the ranges I shoot. The calculations are not always spot on and can be off by several inches or sometimes feet. I do the same with either hunting or target rifles.
38SPL HV
Member
...get yourself a chronograph...you'll be glad you did. They're an eye opener, and really adds to the "fun factor" to reloading.
nbedford
Member
I have a bunch of different manuals, but they do vary some. With a chronograph I know the velocity of my particular loads in different revolvers. And they do vary some. And when I am working up a new load with new bullets the chronograph tells me if they are consistent or not. I ran some new 44 Special loads with my Lee home cast .430" 240 grain bullets sitting on 6.5 grains of Unique, and they were very consistent: 892, 888, 892, 894, and 891 fps. My target at 15 yards shooting from a pistol rest verified that, with of course the standard issue flyer.
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