I am still getting all of my long range gear together. I have yet to get a chronograph. I do have have a Kestrel. I am going to be using factory 6.5 CM for the time being. Am I going to be wasting my time using the factory published MV?
Doping a rifle without a chronograph
- Thread starter ShortShooter1908
- Start date
While a chronograph is hugely helpful, you don't actually need it to get your rifle setup for ranges in the 1000 yard and less.
It does make it hugely easier & does make you have to take way less shots to find out.
People were building dope tables when no electronic devices were available for many years.
But check published velocity against test barrel length, get a pretty good guestimate what it should be about, get a good 100 yard zero then slowly walk out your ballistics & adjust as needed.
You will want to eventually invest in a chronograph or at least borrow one as it make things way easier especially once you do reloading & accuracy tests on various ammunition.
It does make it hugely easier & does make you have to take way less shots to find out.
People were building dope tables when no electronic devices were available for many years.
But check published velocity against test barrel length, get a pretty good guestimate what it should be about, get a good 100 yard zero then slowly walk out your ballistics & adjust as needed.
You will want to eventually invest in a chronograph or at least borrow one as it make things way easier especially once you do reloading & accuracy tests on various ammunition.
Then, every time you shoot a different lot of ammo you're going to have to go through the above again. You can't afford not to buy a chronograph.
I was thinking about getting a case or two of Prime to get me through for a while. Unfortunately, I don't get to shoot all that often so 500 rounds could easily last a year or two. (Work+kids>range time). With that one lot I could have a chronograph but the end of it.
That sounds like a good plan. You could also ask around at your range to see if you could borrow a chronograph. There is also a lot of work you can do close in (inside of 500 yards) where knowing exact MV isn't going to be as critical.
Yes, just write down your drops at varying ranges and temperatures. You can enter the information backwards into JBM and get really close. I do not own a chronograph, I am just a casual shooter and I do not see the need. I shoot to 1000 yards with ease. That is when the wind is not kicking my ass LOL.
Similar threads
