The subject spells it out, whats your choice for a chronograph. I've been reloading now for a longer then I care to say but speed was not a big issue like it is in longrange.
Chronograph Choice
- Thread starter majohnson2
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Re: Chronograph Choice
Oehler 35P is my favorite after trying 3 other brands. I have found it to be consistent and reliable.
Oehler 35P is my favorite after trying 3 other brands. I have found it to be consistent and reliable.
Re: Chronograph Choice
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: deisel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Oehler 35P is my favorite after trying 3 other brands. I have found it to be consistent and reliable. </div></div>
Same experiment, same result.
$595 but worth the $$$.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: deisel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Oehler 35P is my favorite after trying 3 other brands. I have found it to be consistent and reliable. </div></div>
Same experiment, same result.
$595 but worth the $$$.
Re: Chronograph Choice
Here's one you might take a look at:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3369558&page=1
Here's one you might take a look at:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3369558&page=1
Re: Chronograph Choice
I'd agree with the others about the Oehler 35 but if you want a darn good chronograph for 1/5th the money I would recommend the Pro Chrono Digital and add the USB Connectivity kit so you can manipulate the unit and sort the data from the bench.
The PCD is so much better than the other low price chronographs that it is simply no contest.
In my tests of the PCD and the O35 neither one missed a shot and the speeds correlated almost perfectly.
I'd agree with the others about the Oehler 35 but if you want a darn good chronograph for 1/5th the money I would recommend the Pro Chrono Digital and add the USB Connectivity kit so you can manipulate the unit and sort the data from the bench.
The PCD is so much better than the other low price chronographs that it is simply no contest.
In my tests of the PCD and the O35 neither one missed a shot and the speeds correlated almost perfectly.
Re: Chronograph Choice
Since I use 'Industrial' chronographs at work and to check ammo for CIP/SAAMI...and I need portable ones at times, I have boght and 'calibrated' quite a few different makes. Also checked a wide variety for the IPSC boys so that the chronograph in use at a competition is accurate. The Oehler 35's on the 6' beds are very very accurate, repeatable and reliable. You don't get 'drift' in the velocity readings with age as you do with the Chrony's. On the shorter 3' base, they are as reliable as ever but there is always a slight difference in accuracy every time you set it up, especially if you are a little sloppy about making sure the sky screens are 'exactly' the same distance appart as the last time (and the time before that etc). Use a tape meassure to check the screen spacing and you will get repeatable, reliable porformance for years. My own one is 15 years old and still as accurate as ever.
CED- Pretty darn good for the price but always over read by about 1/2%.
All of the others I have tried suffer from 'drift'. As they age or memories get full or there are power spikes or dry joints or whatever...the % that they are out by changes. Most sttart off as within 1/2% of 'true' when they are new but after 4-5 years may be 2-3% out- I see this as dangerous and very anoying. Even if my chronograph is 'out by 3%...who cares (except for IPSC loads) provided it is always out by 3%.
Since I use 'Industrial' chronographs at work and to check ammo for CIP/SAAMI...and I need portable ones at times, I have boght and 'calibrated' quite a few different makes. Also checked a wide variety for the IPSC boys so that the chronograph in use at a competition is accurate. The Oehler 35's on the 6' beds are very very accurate, repeatable and reliable. You don't get 'drift' in the velocity readings with age as you do with the Chrony's. On the shorter 3' base, they are as reliable as ever but there is always a slight difference in accuracy every time you set it up, especially if you are a little sloppy about making sure the sky screens are 'exactly' the same distance appart as the last time (and the time before that etc). Use a tape meassure to check the screen spacing and you will get repeatable, reliable porformance for years. My own one is 15 years old and still as accurate as ever.
CED- Pretty darn good for the price but always over read by about 1/2%.
All of the others I have tried suffer from 'drift'. As they age or memories get full or there are power spikes or dry joints or whatever...the % that they are out by changes. Most sttart off as within 1/2% of 'true' when they are new but after 4-5 years may be 2-3% out- I see this as dangerous and very anoying. Even if my chronograph is 'out by 3%...who cares (except for IPSC loads) provided it is always out by 3%.
Re: Chronograph Choice
I have found the chronys that use light like most of them are inconsistent with differing light -that's why I'm going for a MagnetoSpeed Chronograph
I have found the chronys that use light like most of them are inconsistent with differing light -that's why I'm going for a MagnetoSpeed Chronograph
Re: Chronograph Choice
I use the Chrony range and can attest to the variances depending on weather conditions (over cast spits out a different velocity than when sunny).
If you can purchase one that eliminates this variable it would deffinatly be benificial.
On the subject of Chronys if anyone has / knows where to get some replacement rods that can send to Australia at a good rate I'd appreciate it.
I use the Chrony range and can attest to the variances depending on weather conditions (over cast spits out a different velocity than when sunny).
If you can purchase one that eliminates this variable it would deffinatly be benificial.
On the subject of Chronys if anyone has / knows where to get some replacement rods that can send to Australia at a good rate I'd appreciate it.
Re: Chronograph Choice
I just ordered the CED, I hope it's money we'll spent.
Like the OP I've been reloading with out one for quite some time, I figure I better add it to my tool box, especially if i want to start shooting longer ranges.
I just ordered the CED, I hope it's money we'll spent.
Like the OP I've been reloading with out one for quite some time, I figure I better add it to my tool box, especially if i want to start shooting longer ranges.
Re: Chronograph Choice
I like the magnetospeed. I shoot on my own or other private land, but even so I like not having to set it up. At a public range to me it would be the clear choice.
It seems repeatable and accurate to me, but I have not done a statistical analysis of it. It doesn't care what the light/weather/ is doing.
I like the magnetospeed. I shoot on my own or other private land, but even so I like not having to set it up. At a public range to me it would be the clear choice.
It seems repeatable and accurate to me, but I have not done a statistical analysis of it. It doesn't care what the light/weather/ is doing.
Re: Chronograph Choice
Oehler is the nicest but expensive, I have had good luck with the new RCBS. I ran my rifle through the Oehler and the RCBS back to back and the reuslts were VERY close.
Oehler is the nicest but expensive, I have had good luck with the new RCBS. I ran my rifle through the Oehler and the RCBS back to back and the reuslts were VERY close.
Re: Chronograph Choice
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dr Don Heath D.Sc.</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Since I use 'Industrial' chronographs at work and to check ammo for CIP/SAAMI...and I need portable ones at times, I have boght and 'calibrated' quite a few different makes. Also checked a wide variety for the IPSC boys so that the chronograph in use at a competition is accurate. The Oehler 35's on the 6' beds are very very accurate, repeatable and reliable. You don't get 'drift' in the velocity readings with age as you do with the Chrony's. On the shorter 3' base, they are as reliable as ever but there is always a slight difference in accuracy every time you set it up, especially if you are a little sloppy about making sure the sky screens are 'exactly' the same distance appart as the last time (and the time before that etc). Use a tape meassure to check the screen spacing and you will get repeatable, reliable porformance for years. My own one is 15 years old and still as accurate as ever.
CED- Pretty darn good for the price but always over read by about 1/2%.
All of the others I have tried suffer from 'drift'. As they age or memories get full or there are power spikes or dry joints or whatever...the % that they are out by changes. Most sttart off as within 1/2% of 'true' when they are new but after 4-5 years may be 2-3% out- I see this as dangerous and very anoying. Even if my chronograph is 'out by 3%...who cares (except for IPSC loads) provided it is always out by 3%. </div></div>
Doc,
Any experience with the PVM-21 that you care to share?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dr Don Heath D.Sc.</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Since I use 'Industrial' chronographs at work and to check ammo for CIP/SAAMI...and I need portable ones at times, I have boght and 'calibrated' quite a few different makes. Also checked a wide variety for the IPSC boys so that the chronograph in use at a competition is accurate. The Oehler 35's on the 6' beds are very very accurate, repeatable and reliable. You don't get 'drift' in the velocity readings with age as you do with the Chrony's. On the shorter 3' base, they are as reliable as ever but there is always a slight difference in accuracy every time you set it up, especially if you are a little sloppy about making sure the sky screens are 'exactly' the same distance appart as the last time (and the time before that etc). Use a tape meassure to check the screen spacing and you will get repeatable, reliable porformance for years. My own one is 15 years old and still as accurate as ever.
CED- Pretty darn good for the price but always over read by about 1/2%.
All of the others I have tried suffer from 'drift'. As they age or memories get full or there are power spikes or dry joints or whatever...the % that they are out by changes. Most sttart off as within 1/2% of 'true' when they are new but after 4-5 years may be 2-3% out- I see this as dangerous and very anoying. Even if my chronograph is 'out by 3%...who cares (except for IPSC loads) provided it is always out by 3%. </div></div>
Doc,
Any experience with the PVM-21 that you care to share?
Re: Chronograph Choice
If on a budget ..ProChrono is very good, proving significantly better than the shooting chrony. The pro misses way fewer readings and actually shows duplicate on the screen when you shoot the exact same velocity on consecutive shots..whereas others just show velocity and you're unsure if it read or not.
If on a budget ..ProChrono is very good, proving significantly better than the shooting chrony. The pro misses way fewer readings and actually shows duplicate on the screen when you shoot the exact same velocity on consecutive shots..whereas others just show velocity and you're unsure if it read or not.
Re: Chronograph Choice
My ProChrono has served me well and the USB kit is nice. I've been intrested in the MagnetoSpeed unit. No worries about lightining conditions and ease of setup is very nice. If my ProChrono takes a dump or I just feel like spending the money I would probably pick up the MagnetoSpeed
My ProChrono has served me well and the USB kit is nice. I've been intrested in the MagnetoSpeed unit. No worries about lightining conditions and ease of setup is very nice. If my ProChrono takes a dump or I just feel like spending the money I would probably pick up the MagnetoSpeed
Re: Chronograph Choice
Would the Magnetospeed change POI since it hangs on the end of the barrel?
I'm also interested in hearing a report on the PVM-21.
Would the Magnetospeed change POI since it hangs on the end of the barrel?
I'm also interested in hearing a report on the PVM-21.
Re: Chronograph Choice
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Senna11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Would the Magnetospeed change POI since it hangs on the end of the barrel?
I'm also interested in hearing a report on the PVM-21. </div></div>
The simple answer about the MagnetoSpeed changing POI is yes. However, it may not be critical depending on what you're wanting to do, and for some like myself, the ease of use far outweighs the negatives. You can get a lot more specific details on it if you wade through the link I posted above.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Senna11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Would the Magnetospeed change POI since it hangs on the end of the barrel?
I'm also interested in hearing a report on the PVM-21. </div></div>
The simple answer about the MagnetoSpeed changing POI is yes. However, it may not be critical depending on what you're wanting to do, and for some like myself, the ease of use far outweighs the negatives. You can get a lot more specific details on it if you wade through the link I posted above.
Re: Chronograph Choice
I have the plain Chrony set up on a tripod... But I live in Pac. NW so we have a lot of overcast days and it doesn't work all that often. But they came out with a new smaller (IR?) setup that allows it to work most all the time. If you don't live in a fairly sunny place, or plan on using it indoors a lot, take this in consideration.
With the Chrony, you can upgrade them, so that is one good side. I can always take my simple one and make it better. That lighting system will probably be one of the first.
There are some newer expensive ones with that built in and they work in all weather, so depends on where you are and what you'll use it for.
For handloading though, the things are priceless. Even if it does only work 30% of the time right now!
I have the plain Chrony set up on a tripod... But I live in Pac. NW so we have a lot of overcast days and it doesn't work all that often. But they came out with a new smaller (IR?) setup that allows it to work most all the time. If you don't live in a fairly sunny place, or plan on using it indoors a lot, take this in consideration.
With the Chrony, you can upgrade them, so that is one good side. I can always take my simple one and make it better. That lighting system will probably be one of the first.
There are some newer expensive ones with that built in and they work in all weather, so depends on where you are and what you'll use it for.
For handloading though, the things are priceless. Even if it does only work 30% of the time right now!
