Chrono's

[croue]

I think I'm going to go ahead and get a chronograph to help with my load development.

I like the Caldwell kit that connects to the iphone, but wonder about reliability based on mixed reviews.
For a bit more money, The Shooting Chrony systems with the printers also look good.

Any personal experiences/preferences to share?
With the Caldwell, I can get the light kit vs. significant extra bucks with the shooting chrony. Is the light kit useful/worth it if I will always use this outdoors, generally sunny days, but sometimes fogged in early in the morning (My local range is LAGR above Saratoga in NorCal)

Any firsthand experience apprectiated.

Thanks,

croue

[bsumoba]

Take a look at this. Don't have to worry about lighting issues, less likely to "shoot" it out, no setup down range, and it gives you muzzle velocity.

Magneto Sporter

http://www.magnetospeed.com/collections/frontpage/products/magnetospeed-sporter

[Yreka]

What are you going to be shooting ? (Rifle only, SA handguns, revolvers, etc)

I started with a Chrony Beta Master thinking I would want to take data on EVERYTHING I reloaded for.. I used it this way intially, but ended up finding that the SA pistol data wasn't really worthwhile for load development.. Im not loading to the very ragged edge, just looking for an accurate load on calibers with TONS of published data ranges already available.

http://www.shootingchrony.com/products_scmmcm.htm

Now I only really measure my rifle rounds, and have been borrowing a friends magnetospeed V3. This made me not even want to take the Chrony model out anymore.. No issues about lighting, too bright too dark. No issues with alignment and getting the tripod high enough to shoot through it and hit a target. (this can be a BIT%& at a managed range. Significantly fewer missed readings, can be used indoors in a pinch, etc.

But still $400 was a bit steep for me to re-invest in a new chronograph, especially when I could borrow it and have the *occasionally* trusty ol Chrony on standbay.

Then Magnetospeed released the Sporter last week at $189.. Its basically the same tech and concept as the more expensive V3 but at a price I can more easily justify investing in.. I grabbed one + the Ipod interface for a bit over $200 but I haven't actually got a chance to try it out yet.

http://www.magnetospeed.com/

[stilly]

I think I'm going to go ahead and get a chronograph to help with my load development.

I like the Caldwell kit that connects to the iphone, but wonder about reliability based on mixed reviews.
For a bit more money, The Shooting Chrony systems with the printers also look good.

Any personal experiences/preferences to share?
With the Caldwell, I can get the light kit vs. significant extra bucks with the shooting chrony. Is the light kit useful/worth it if I will always use this outdoors, generally sunny days, but sometimes fogged in early in the morning (My local range is LAGR above Saratoga in NorCal)

Any firsthand experience apprectiated.

Thanks,

croue

I am oldschool and hate apple, SO with that, I would choose mylabradar if it is out yet. Nope, FALL of 2014 finally if it ever pops up...

http://www.mylabradar.com/

The next best bet would be a Magnetospeed. I prefer to stay away from chronographs that depend on light. I am tired of those.

[croue]

Stilly - I hear the Labradar will be released in 'two weeks'. ;-)
The cheaper magnetospeed looks like a very viable option.
I would like to measure all my loads, just for curiosity. But the rifle loads are the most important to me.

I wonder if I could rig up a stand that would make the magnetospeed work with a pistol as well. Any reason that couldn't be done?

C

[bsumoba]

I wonder if I could rig up a stand that would make the magnetospeed work with a pistol as well. Any reason that couldn't be done?

C

probably not. you need the bullet to pass through a small area that it pretty close to the bayonet device.

[Yreka]

Magnetospeed does make a rail-ed pistol adapter for the more expensive V3

http://www.magnetospeed.com/collections/magnetospeed-accessories/products/v3-rail-adapter

Trying to get my buddy that owns the V3 to get one so I can check it out.. Not sure what it would take to make it work on the sporter

[croue]

Now I wish I had the tactical versions of my pistols. But I never wanted things like lasers or lights on my pistols. Never envisioned it being useful for this type of use. Don't know why it wouldn't work on the sporter unless the bayonets are significantly different in size/shape at their mounting point.

[croue]

Anyone have experience with the lighting kits on the 'shadow' chrono's? Does bringing your own light source eliminate most of the error issues people report with these types?

C

[Fordtrucks]

I've had super good luck with my digi-chrono. 100$ and ur locked.

[PatC415]

This is what I have. Works fine outside. For $103 and free shipping, it suits my needs.
I DID NOT buy the light kit. You will only need one if you use it indoors, or in the shade.

http://www.amazon.com/Shooting-Chrony-Alpha-Master-Chronograph/dp/B001BR6RSU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1429392344&sr=8-3&keywords=bullet+chronograph

[rsrocket1]

Anyone have experience with the lighting kits on the 'shadow' chrono's? Does bringing your own light source eliminate most of the error issues people report with these types?

C

It does not. The lighting kits are only useful if there is not enough light above the sensors to make the "shadow" of the bullet make a difference. If there is strong side lighting, like near sunset, the sensors will still have a problem. The sensors simply look for a dip in light intensity, correlate it with the dip in the other sensor and make a velocity measurement based on the time difference. If it can't see the dip or if there are other factors such as muzzle blast, the measurement is affected.

I have a Chrony Beta Master and it works fine for my needs (validating my load development). I've found that I don't need six 10 shot strings because for reliability sake, I write each of my shots down on a notepad and enter them into an excel spreadsheet that calculates all the statistics anyway. But I got it on sale for <$100 so I couldn't get a Chrony for much less. The user interface is very cryptic as it tries to do everything with 2 buttons and an 8 segment LCD display but it works.

[Fordtrucks]

http://www.amazon.com/Competition-Electronics-ProChrono-Digital-Chronograph/dp/B0028MTBJ4

[Divernhunter]

I like my Oehler unit. It seems to work fine when the other guys with other brands are having troubles. I also like the separate sky screens. One bad shot will not destroy the whole unit.

[jtake]

Love my magnetospeed. Easy to set up and access the data.