anyone own a chrono?

Re: anyone own a chrono?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: doc76251</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Only if you want to have half a clue of what your ammo are doing.

Just about as useful as a set of dies, but you don't have to reload to use it.

Cheers,

Doc </div></div>
LOL, so true Doc!
 
Re: anyone own a chrono?

I own two of em!

Helps you track a number of things- velocity for various loads, extreame spread, max deviation... All of the various things that tell you how your load work-up is going. Chrono and targets- you can't go wrong!
 
Re: anyone own a chrono?

I just bought a CED M2, I never trusted the Chrony chrony I used to have, this one is fast and easy to setup, the controls are easy to use, and I trust the readings, part of LR load development is seeing what your SD/ES are, small groups at 100 mean nothing if your SD is 50 or more at 1k.
 
Re: anyone own a chrono?

Depends on what you're loading for and why.

If you're loading ammo for a .30-30, or even .270, for deer hunting to 200 yards, no. I don't find mine of much use for handgun ammo either. For competition or long range hunting, yeah.
 
Re: anyone own a chrono?

I highly recommend a chrony for anyone doing any reloading. I know I use mine quite a bit. It's very telling data for the loads you develop -- and essential for developing a data card. It's also pretty handy for everything from .22 load testing to arrows from a bow or crossbow.

Besides ... you can usually pick up a baseline Chrony brand device from Midway USA for under 75 bucks.

Bear
 
Re: anyone own a chrono?

It depends on what you expect out of your handloads.

As posted earlier, if you are going to hunt out to 200 yds or so with a 270 it would be nice, but not necessary.

If you expect optimum performance at extended ranges, a chronograph is a necessity. Reloading manuals and load charts are too generic. You will need to know how your rifle performs with a given load to generate accurate "come-ups".

Paul
 
Re: anyone own a chrono?

Would not be satisfied loading without one. They are invaluable for using ballistic programs and knowing what your load is doing....not just velocity but consistency also.
 
Re: anyone own a chrono?

Easiest question ever posted on SHide.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Yes</span>.

I own 2 -- a PACT and a CED. I've had inconsistent results with my CED (w/o infrared screens) compared to the results when chono'd at natls level matches. Others have had no problems so maybe I got a dud. A few buddies have Oehlers (the gold standard) and Chrony's. My PACT IV measures very well. All good choices.
I can't imagine even if I was only a hunter (vs. comp shooter) not having an idea of my velocities when reloading. Rifle or pistol.
How would you run a dope sheet without your velocity at the DensityAlt that you shoot at?

Anyway, a solid investment.
 
Re: anyone own a chrono?

Hand loading without a chrono is like drag racing without an E.T. All the changes you make might make you feel all warm and fuzzy but you'll never really know if it's doing you a damn bit of good ...or if you've just set a new world record.
 
Re: anyone own a chrono?

I have found a chrono to be very useful if you are interested in what you loads are doing in your gun.

Reloading manuals will give a general velocity for the particular conditions and firearm used. But every gun is different(barrel length, twist), conditions, etc.

IMHO
 
Re: anyone own a chrono?

Imagine if load books did not list a velocity.

That is what your range reports would read like, if you didn't have a chronograph.

The other guys don't want to read your range reports, unless they have velocity data.
 
Re: anyone own a chrono?

I have been shooting for years varmint hunting only and most all my shooting has only been a couple hundred yards. I also have been reloading a long time and never have used a cronograph. I sold most all of my stuff to get into tactical shooting long distance. From reading what is on here it sounds like i should invest in 1. Is having 1 going to help in long range shooting in developing a load. I am going to have to try and find some reading material here because i am very interested in learning more about this.
 
Re: anyone own a chrono?

Would you rather know what you're shooting instead of just guessing about it?

My Oehler is useful when developing loads for a specific rifle, and whenever I have to change ANY component of the load for a specific rifle.

But, if you don't care what you're loading/shooting, you don't need a chronograph.
 
Re: anyone own a chrono?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RJ Hunter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just use a stopwatch.</div></div>

Oh yeah.

LMFAO
 
Re: anyone own a chrono?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: doc76251</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Only if you want to have half a clue of what your ammo are doing.

Just about as useful as a set of dies, but you don't have to reload to use it.

Cheers,

Doc </div></div>

Yes you need one. I use my chrono to get my bullet speed and then I plug that number along with my ballistic coefficient into a ballistic calculator to figure out where to dial my scope at various ranges past 200. I tested it on the range and found the calculator was within 2 clicks on my scope of being dead on. Saves me a lot of ammo. I also use it to make sure my pistol and rifle reloads make power factor for three gun.
Pat
 
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