Re: Chronograph Recommendations?
I've owned a shooting chrony beta master (master beta? let's not go there) for about ten years. I've been getting some bizarre readings for several months now; impossible velocities despite keeping the chrony ten to twelve feet from the muzzle. Shot 155gr scenars (.308) yesterday and velocities were right around 2900 to 4600 fps with NO pressure signs. Rounds impacted about 3 MOA above 168 SMKs that were clocked at 2800, 2710, 3300, 3305, 3198 fps. Oh yeah, those numbers are from a rem 700 LTR (20" barrel).
THIS is where it gets really weird: The most consistent numbers I get from a Rem 700 PSS (26" barrel) with a suppressor (168gr SMK over 46 gr Varget) are right around 2800 fps +/- 30 fps SD. Not bad. But when I actually shoot out to 600+ yards, the ballistics match a standard ballisticard for 2600 fps. That 200 fps difference is huge for elevation at those distances. Or should be.
Oh, yeah, I sent the chrony back to the factory for calibration last month. They replaced everything except the sensors. New battery, full sunlight, all the rest. Thing just isn't working right. I might have to take it out to 15 to 20 feet; a friend suggests the unit is registering gases, which may be right. One other thing, the chrony takes a LOT of getting used to with the two-button operation. You really need to keep the little code-book at hand to make any sense out of which buttons to push for what and what error code. It's a pain.
Go figure.
I'd spend the $$ for the CED M2. Matter of fact, I just ordered one from MidwayUSA. If I get the same kinds of numbers, I'm going to keep the CED and sell the shooting chrony. As is. Maybe someone else will have better luck with it or use it for parts.
NB