Good Chrono For the Money?

#6
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

I just followed that link. The 35P is $575 plus $20 shipping. But, I'm a proud owner, it's the best, for hobbyists anyway? You can buy more expensive from Oehler if you think you really need it, but the 35P covers a lot of territory. BB
 
#7
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

I have a Shooting Chrony Alpha that has worked fine, it gets the occasional error, especially if the lighting is not right.

I am seriously considering upgrading to the Magneto Speed chronograph. It is about double the cost ($250 vs ~$125) of the Shooting Chrony, but I think it will be worth it to be able to use while working up loads, not having to worry about lighting, or having to line your chrony and target up. The big drawbacks are not being able to use it on pistols and needing an adapter for suppressors.

There is a great write-up in the equipment section here.
 
#8
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

I'm using the Competition Electronics Pro Chono Digital. Granted it's my first chrono, but i've run hundreds or rounds through it so far and have nothing but great things to say about it.

It's pretty intuitive, haven't had any error readings yet (that's right not 1 error in 500 or so rounds chrono'd), and was the best reviewed "Cheap" one.

I can appreciate the step up in value that the oehler represents, but i'd urge you if you are new to the chrono game and just getting your feet wet that you can't go wrong with this guy...

https://www.competitionelectronics.com/i...t&Itemid=79
 
#9
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

I use the Chrony F1 Master Chrono:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/688064/shooting-chrony-f1-master-chronograph

I got it on sale a year ago for $80, I took mine to the range yesterday and only gave me one error, and it turns out the guy who was using it (uncle of mine) was shooting at the wrong target and aiming just outside the chrony, which is why it gave the error. It's right on the money with its readings too.
 
#10
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CajunAR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm using the Competition Electronics Pro Chono Digital. Granted it's my first chrono, but i've run hundreds or rounds through it so far and have nothing but great things to say about it.

It's pretty intuitive, haven't had any error readings yet (that's right not 1 error in 500 or so rounds chrono'd), and was the best reviewed "Cheap" one.

I can appreciate the step up in value that the oehler represents, but i'd urge you if you are new to the chrono game and just getting your feet wet that you can't go wrong with this guy...

https://www.competitionelectronics.com/i...t&Itemid=79</div></div>

This ^^^

I have the USB adapter and store the output for each string on my netbook.
 
#12
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

The chrony master and the ce are the perfect price range. Im going to do my research on the two and pick one. I wont need it for everyday use. Just to grab some data on personal loads for long range calculations. Thank you!
 
#13
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

I have two shooting chrony beta bought a few years appart, with same ammo, rifle, time of shoot, there is an average of 150 fps diff.
I need a better chronograph.
 
#14
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BuzzBoss915</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just followed that link. The 35P is $575 plus $20 shipping. But, I'm a proud owner, it's the best, for hobbyists anyway? You can buy more expensive from Oehler if you think you really need it, but the 35P covers a lot of territory. BB </div></div>

http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/951290/...2-mounting-rail

no?
 
#16
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

The real answer to the question is "one that works for you under the conditions you'll be using it in".

Watched a very disappointed shooter yesterday with his new chronograph. Bought a CED and after much setup fussing around, and 10 rounds with no readings, he finally decided that he overlooked something. Our range has huge overhead baffles that put the chronographs in a big shadow. The only ones that work reliably before noon are those with the Infra Red Sensors.

For those that shoot in the "wide open spaces", just about any of them will do a credible job. If you are forced to shoot in a "light challenged" location, then make sure you go for the I/R option.

I bought a PACT XP Professional with I/R sensors and Printer for under $300. Leave off the printer and the lesser expensive XP with IR Sensors can be right around $200. With the IR sensors it can be used indoors, outdoors, or in total darkness if you wish.

Just make sure that whatever you get, it will work where you will be using it.

Nice thing about the Magnetospeed is that you can use it without having to go forward of the firing line to set up a tripod,etc. Also, light isn't an issue with it at all.
 
#17
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

I got tired of shooting up anything that sits 5-10' out in front of you. The folks from MagnetoSpeed http://www.magnetospeed.com/ are designing one for me to test that will not only fit on a regular barrel, but also on a suppressor. Will be a couple weeks before I get it & am able to test it, but will post results & pics when I do.
 
#18
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

I clicked on that link to Midway and then on the 35P and it's unavailable. (apparently?) The one drawback is linking it to a laptop, all I have are a bunch of paper tapes. BB
 
#19
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Holtz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got tired of shooting up anything that sits 5-10' out in front of you. The folks from MagnetoSpeed http://www.magnetospeed.com/ are designing one for me to test that will not only fit on a regular barrel, but also on a suppressor. Will be a couple weeks before I get it & am able to test it, but will post results & pics when I do. </div></div>

Only downside is for those that test ammo for accuracy at the same time they check speeds. That "bayonet" tends to change barrel harmonics.
 
#20
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Deadshot2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Holtz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got tired of shooting up anything that sits 5-10' out in front of you. The folks from MagnetoSpeed http://www.magnetospeed.com/ are designing one for me to test that will not only fit on a regular barrel, but also on a suppressor. Will be a couple weeks before I get it & am able to test it, but will post results & pics when I do. </div></div>

Only downside is for those that test ammo for accuracy at the same time they check speeds. That "bayonet" tends to change barrel harmonics. </div></div>

it dont change the harmonics at all, it does move the POI 180 degrees from where it is on the rifle, if you put the MS on at the normal 6 position it will shoot high, if you put it at the 12 position it will shoot low same for left or right but it dont change group size's Ive put over 500 rounds over my magneto speed so far testing it and its been dead on and only missed 1 shot count so far.

I have a crony beta master for about 2 years but its really fussy with lighting and gives a lot of errors of late, I still keep it around for testing handgun loads since the magneto speed cant mount on handguns but im probably going to order a CED down the road when I start casting bullets again making up loads for those.
 
#21
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

"<span style="font-style: italic">it dont change the harmonics at all, </span>"

shocked.gif
 
#22
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lethal93ta</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Deadshot2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Holtz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got tired of shooting up anything that sits 5-10' out in front of you. The folks from MagnetoSpeed http://www.magnetospeed.com/ are designing one for me to test that will not only fit on a regular barrel, but also on a suppressor. Will be a couple weeks before I get it & am able to test it, but will post results & pics when I do. </div></div>

Only downside is for those that test ammo for accuracy at the same time they check speeds. That "bayonet" tends to change barrel harmonics. </div></div>

it dont change the harmonics at all, it does move the POI 180 degrees from where it is on the rifle, if you put the MS on at the normal 6 position it will shoot high, if you put it at the 12 position it will shoot low same for left or right but it dont change group size's Ive put over 500 rounds over my magneto speed so far testing it and its been dead on and only missed 1 shot count so far.

I have a crony beta master for about 2 years but its really fussy with lighting and gives a lot of errors of late, I still keep it around for testing handgun loads since the magneto speed cant mount on handguns but im probably going to order a CED down the road when I start casting bullets again making up loads for those. </div></div>

How can you say, in the same sentence, that it doesn't change the barrels harmonics but causes a shift in poi
 
#23
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 707electrician</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lethal93ta</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Deadshot2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Holtz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got tired of shooting up anything that sits 5-10' out in front of you. The folks from MagnetoSpeed http://www.magnetospeed.com/ are designing one for me to test that will not only fit on a regular barrel, but also on a suppressor. Will be a couple weeks before I get it & am able to test it, but will post results & pics when I do. </div></div>

Only downside is for those that test ammo for accuracy at the same time they check speeds. That "bayonet" tends to change barrel harmonics. </div></div>

it dont change the harmonics at all, it does move the POI 180 degrees from where it is on the rifle, if you put the MS on at the normal 6 position it will shoot high, if you put it at the 12 position it will shoot low same for left or right but it dont change group size's Ive put over 500 rounds over my magneto speed so far testing it and its been dead on and only missed 1 shot count so far.

I have a crony beta master for about 2 years but its really fussy with lighting and gives a lot of errors of late, I still keep it around for testing handgun loads since the magneto speed cant mount on handguns but im probably going to order a CED down the road when I start casting bullets again making up loads for those. </div></div>

How can you say, in the same sentence, that it doesn't change the barrels harmonics but causes a shift in poi </div></div>

Because a POI shift can occur and not be related to harmonics.

If the bullet and subsequent high-pressure gasses cause the bullet to deflect off the "bayonet" a POI shift occurs 180degrees from the location of the device, as stated.
 
#24
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CrawDad338</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CajunAR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm using the Competition Electronics Pro Chono Digital. Granted it's my first chrono, but i've run hundreds or rounds through it so far and have nothing but great things to say about it.

It's pretty intuitive, haven't had any error readings yet (that's right not 1 error in 500 or so rounds chrono'd), and was the best reviewed "Cheap" one.

I can appreciate the step up in value that the oehler represents, but i'd urge you if you are new to the chrono game and just getting your feet wet that you can't go wrong with this guy...

https://www.competitionelectronics.com/i...t&Itemid=79</div></div>

This ^^^

I have the USB adapter and store the output for each string on my netbook. </div></div>

This +2. My ProChrono digital is holding up fine. A couple years now and no issues. Agree on the usb adapter and also consider the IR lights. They work great when on an indoor range! Overall I would consider the ProChrono the best value in it's class....
 
#27
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BWild97</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have noticed that the only people that really have any trouble with chronographs are the same people that shoot their chrono's

Seriously though the best Chrono for the money!!

Gama Master
</div></div>

As long as you have good lighting. Doesn't work reliably under overhead "baffles" or near fluorescent lighting. I have one and it's been relegated to "spare" status. Works fine when "gravel pit shooting".
 
#28
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tipper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have used the CED M2 for 3 years with great results, what I also like about it is the software that lets download data to PC, to store & print. Also need a good tripod to setup.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/773378/ced-millennium-2-chronograph-system

The Magneto Speed chronograph looks good for easy setup. </div></div>

I've had my CED for 9-10 years and have loved it.
 
#29
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

I did shoot my rifle with and without the Magneto Speed chronograph attached at 100. I didn't notice any appreciable shift. Could it be because of the muzzle brake, or lack of sufficient distance to make a POI shift measurable?

I did notice the grouping opened up when I didn't secure the bayonet tightly and it was still alighned but could move very easily. On the next 5 round grouping I made sure it was firmly attached and it put 3 in the same hole and 2 fliers that I attribute to poor form.

Overall for load developement it is good, but accuracy testing it just introduces another variable into the mix when I'm trying to minimize variables.
 
#30
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rusty815</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use the Chrony F1 Master Chrono:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/688064/shooting-chrony-f1-master-chronograph

I got it on sale a year ago for $80, I took mine to the range yesterday and only gave me one error, and it turns out the guy who was using it (uncle of mine) was shooting at the wrong target and aiming just outside the chrony, which is why it gave the error. It's right on the money with its readings too. </div></div>

+1 I love mine too.
 
#31
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lakeshooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whats a good accurate chrono for the money? What have you had luck with. Thanks! </div></div>

Well if you could tell us what kind of money youre willing to spend im sure someone can recommend what you may be looking for. As you can see others have posted their results from chrono's costing less than a $100 up to almost $600. Thats a fairly large price range to consider.

Also you must consider like someone mentioned is light sensitivity. If you shoot under shade you might have problems unless you get the IR screens for some models. The magnetospeed doesnt have this issue. Also to consider is the range or where you'll be shooting. If you are out somewhere on your own no range etc. then no worries. But if at the range then nothing beats the magnetospeed for setup and user friendliness.

And since you asked what was a Good Chrono for the Money? Hell maybe everyone who posted here is right as there chrono may be the best for that price range or money. Either way wish you the best of luck in finding what you are looking for.

Ive used most listed here but only have my Oehler's and Magnetospeed's at the moment.

Aloha!
 
#32
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

Shooting Chronys are the best selling chrono, but mostly because they're also the cheapest, and most buyers don't bother looking past the price tag.

They advertise their units are accurate to 99.5% of the indicated velocity. This is a WAG, and not even a <span style="font-style: italic">scientific</span> WAG because timing circuit accuracy changes inversely with velocity. But a 0.5% error at typical 308 velocities (~2600 fps) comes to 13 fps. Good luck with your single digit SDs when your chrono is randomly introducing a double digit error into your calculations.

In truth, under optimal conditions, based on a 2600 fps bullet, actually calculating from the published specs of their timing circuitry (as opposed to WAGing), their circuitry <span style="text-decoration: underline">should be</span> a little more precise than that, closer to a max error of 7.8 fps (if everything works up to spec). But that's still substantially higher than any other consumer chrono on the market.

The CE ProChrono's ($120) circuitry is 33% more precise than a Shooting Chrony's, meaning its max error should be no greater than 5.85 fps @+/-2600 fps (if everything works up to spec).

Among the lower priced chronos, the CE ProChrono has a reputation for the reliability of an anvil. Shooting Chronys have a reputation for the reliability of a French ally.

Since you asked, I had three Shooting Chronys (all broke in a span of two months and were replaced/repaired under warranty) before I smarted up and bought a CED M2. I still keep the fourth SC (a warranty replacement) as a back-up to the CED but I cringe at the thought of having to resort to trusting my load development to it.

The only problem I've ever had with the CED was when a cloudburst drowned it while I was downrange checking a target (operator error, not its fault). I dried it out for a few days in a bag of rice and it's been flawless ever since. Since I added the IR skyscreens, it's only ever thrown an error when I've done something stupid in setting it up, and that's been more than three years now.

The Oehler 35-P ($575), the CED M2 ($199) and the Kurzzeit PVM-08 ($750, formerly called the PVM-21) all have <span style="text-decoration: underline">dramatically</span> more precise timing circuitry, meaning a max error of <1 fps @+/-2600 fps (if everything works up to spec).

I haven't been able to confirm the screen spacing for the new RCBS Ammomaster Chrono ($135), but presuming it's 12" (a pretty standard number for compact chronos), it also should have a max error of <1 fps @+/-2600 fps (if everything works up to spec). And I've not been able to find the circuitry specs for the PACT XP Pro ($240), or the Magnetospeed ($250).

I keep saying "if everything works up to spec" because with optical chronos, and especially without an IR light source, that's a crap shoot. If you started out with a max error of <1 fps, and if your display only reads in whole fps, when -- not if -- when the angle of the sun or your battery condition or the neighborhood cell phone tower screws with your reading, there's still the chance that you could experience a low order error but it would not affect your readout in the least. OTOH, if your timing circuitry's precision won't support a nominal accuracy of <1 fps, ...well, you don't have that bennie.

And I would dispute that the Oehler is "the best there is." The Kurzzeit's timing circuitry is more precise if the 35P's screen spacing is set to 8' or less (Oehler no longer offers a mounting rod longer than 4'), and the Kurzzeit has built-in IR lighting. Oehler doesn't even offer IR. Plus the Kurzzseit is only 14" long and has idiot-proof set-up. What kind of tripod do you pack to set up an 8' chronograph?
 
#33
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

I'd use the same lighting tripods I use with the four foot set up. The trick is in setting up an eight foot pipe. I tried to save a few bucks and make my own 4 footer and I used to think I can measure fairly well? It did not work, at all.

And, this was when they sent the 2 foot pipe in the kit and the 4 ft. was an option. A kind of expensive option, I seem to recall, like maybe $60 bucks?

Anyway, the 35P is good enough for me, I won't lose any sleep knowing there might be something better on the market.
BB
 
#34
Re: Good Chrono For the Money?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fred_C_Dobbs</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> What kind of tripod do you pack to set up an 8' chronograph? </div></div>

You pack two
grin.gif


Some with the "long john" Oehler's have almost as much money in the their HD tripods as they do in the unit itself.

No cheapie Wal-Mart $25 tripods for them.
 
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