So I ordered a chrongraph! Now What??

[diego-ted]

In my attempt to find a load as good or better than FGMM, I am moving my reloading to the next level “I think”. I have just ordered a chronograph! I know the basics of SD and AV, but that about it. Can anyone recommend some good reading so I can get the most out of this tool? Also, I have read these things do not like inside lighting and outside lighting has to be controlled as well, is this correct.

 

[SSC]

Re: So I ordered a chrongraph! Now What??

Which one did you buy?

 

[volucris]

Re: So I ordered a chrongraph! Now What??

Essentially what I use a chronograph for are two things:
1. Evaluate the consistency of my work.
2. Make ballistics tables for my loads.




When I'm loading what I refer to as match rounds I'm hoping for a standard deviation of the low single digits. I use:
Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital Chronograph

I got it from MidwayUSA on sale a while back. Works rather well.

 

[Fred_C_Dobbs]

Re: So I ordered a chrongraph! Now What??

I highly recommend <span style="color: #3333FF">Fr. Frog's tip for living with a chrono</span>.

And you might want to mark the diffuser supports at some height above the chrono great enough that you'll know as long as your horizontal crosshair is that high, you <span style="text-decoration: underline">can't</span> shoot it. The red stripe is HOB of my tallest rifle-scope combo, plus a fudge factor.

 

[EMorr]

Re: So I ordered a chrongraph! Now What??

I recently purchased a chronograph to help improve my hand loads and reloading process and while I am sure it has and will continue to have an effect on the finished product I think the thing to remember is these machines are not perfect. The bottom line is that without really expensive equipment there is no way to confirm their results with 100% accuracy. Also knowing how many different factors can have an impact on their data and the margin of error makes a difference in how much trust to put in them. I think it safe to say in the hands of the average user who cannot control all of the many factors that may come into play, (Light Source and direction, other objects which may pass through the sensors, bullet passing through the exact point in space on each shot and the exact distance between sensors.) the chronograph is best for comparing several shots in a string together, not the first and last shot of an eight hour range day. As others have said, quite possibly the best use of a chronograph it to help you acquire better consistency in your loading and shooting process.

As far as the lighting issues go I can only speak to the model that I have but I will tell you that it does work indoors if it is sitting close to but not directly underneath an overhead light and the diffusers are not in place. It difficult to estimate its accuracy in this state because I was testing it with a blow gun but it did pick up the darts and most of the shots were very close to each other in speed. From the few times I have played with it outdoors it has worked well in most conditions, the only time it gave me issues was a heavy overcast day with dark clouds and it did not work well at all, with or without the diffusers. When I tried it again later in the day the sun was almost setting and again this resulted in some erratic readings.
All of that said go out and have fun testing out your new toy and I’m sure you will learn tons from it in only a short period of time, I know I did.

 

[zuke]

Re: So I ordered a chrongraph! Now What??

Don't shoot it!

 

[TexIndian]

Re: So I ordered a chrongraph! Now What??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Volucris</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I use:
Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital Chronograph

I got it from MidwayUSA on sale a while back. Works rather well. </div></div>

I recently retired my Chrony and went to the same unit. This model and the companion remote control are on sale right now at Midway. The remote lets you switch strings, check stats, etc without walking out in front of the bench (a real plus at a public range).

I use it for three things. The first has been mentioned above - identifying consistent loads, i.e. consistent velocities which = low SD. Ultimately what I'm looking for is a consistent load that also matches a node in my Audette (OCW) strings.

Secondly, I use it as another way to tell when my pressures are approaching max. If I get a velocity that is about the same as the max velocities shown in various loading manuals, I figure I'm usually getting close to max pressures. This is not always reliable in and of itself due to all the variables (different size chambers, etc) but it is another indicator to consider.

Thirdly it provides the info for customized ballistic tables.