Chronographs - What are you using?

[Duman]

I'm using a Oehler chrono, with (slightly shot up) sunscreens. It's ok, but was wondering what you guys were using and how you liked them.

I'm also looking at one of these:

http:/mylabradar.com

Thoughts?

[Colorado Osprey]

Always used Chrony... wasn't even aware anyone else made them

[Hoser]

CD with IR screens.

Sunlight angles dont mean a thing to the IR screens.

[jmg8550]

I got to try out a Magnetospeed, pretty nice product, very easy to setup. It does change point of impact a bit though.
I had an RCBS chronograph. Sold it because it was inconsistent and ate batteries. Wouldn't pick up shots from .224 bullets very well either.

[XC700116]

Used to have a CD, it was decent (didn't have the IR screens) but when most of my load testing is up in the Pawnee area, the setup and problems with wind was a no go. So I went to a Magneetospeed V3 and am VERY happy with it. It's been great.

It does slightly change POI, and because of this I shoot a few more rounds during load development, but nothing drastic. I am very pleased with it overall.

[Zombie Steve]

$100 Pro chrono...

In 5-6 years and lots of load development, I think it might have missed a total of half a dozen shots. I had one day with direct sunshine where it gave me freaky numbers, so I had to move it about 5 feet. As a whole, it's been very reliable, and I think excellent for the money.

If I could do it again, I'd get something with a remote. On this particular model, there's a remote, but it costs as much as the chrono itself. If you have private land and you don't have to wait for a firing line to go cold so you can go hit a button, than no biggie.


ETA: worked just dandy as usual today in direct sunlight.

[Zach O]

I use a Crony Beta. It has its days of throwing ridiculous numbers. Other days it works OK. For rifle, it gives me a starting point. Then I can true the numbers while shooting at distance.

[Pike10]

I have a Oehler 35P was using regularly up until middle of last year. I got a Magento V2 early last year and tested it with the Oehler. Shot for shot was exactly 10 fps different, SD and ES's were the same. The Oehler has been relagated to corner in the basement and all I use is the Magento. I don't care that the Magneto effects the POI - its only 5 shots. I zero my rifle from prone - anything I shoot from the bench over the Oehler is wasted too.

[drift_g35]

Chrony Beta here. for $99 its nice. On a side note, how do you all store your chrony and transfer them. I let a buddy use mine and when I got it back the Diffusers were super dirty and Un-cleanable. He said he would buy me replacements if it didnt work anymore (will it?).

[asmo]

Magnetospeed for the win.

I sold my Oehler, my Chrony Beta, and Pro. Once you go Magnetospeed you wont go back.

[ColoWyo]

Get the Magnetospeed. Chrono's are a pain in the ass. Especially if you are at a public range where it's busy. The V3 is on my short list for sure.

[Hoser]

The magnetos are cool. Unless you want to chrono pistol ammo.

The nice thing about the CED is that it is easy to use prone.

[XC700116]

The magnetos are cool. Unless you want to chrono pistol ammo.

The nice thing about the CED is that it is easy to use prone.

This is true, although I've been thinking about trying to come up with some way to adapt it to a bottom rail for pistols that have them, and I'm sure it's got to be on MS's to do list, shouldn't be that hard. But in the reality of the situation most guys that have a need to chrono pistol loads aren't running guns that have rails on them exclusively, so it's probably a thin market.

It really boils down to your needs. I like the ease of use of the MS, but it certainly isn't a be all end all at this point.

[zimagold]

Magnetospeed V3, love it for rifles but still keep my Chrony for pistol loads.

Have found no consistent reason, but some guns it affects groups others it does not.

I normally load a string of increasing charges to check velocity across the load range. Then check the final load after shooting for groups.

[Zombie Steve]

Can you get the magnetospeed to work on an AR with a birdcage, something with a bayonet lug, or something with a big fat brake?

I'm wondering if it can be detrimental to barrel harmonics, how do you use it for testing? You'd have to shoot on two occasions, right? One for accuracy without it mounted, one to get the numbers.

?????

Sorry, I just don't know anything about them. I just still use the pro chrono and do everything at once...

[Alpha2]

Yes, two different outings. One for velocity, only velocity. Then one for smallest groups. It will alter harmonics, no doubt. But then, "chronograph" pretty much describes the intended use. Working up loads to find the optimum harmonic, then finding out what velocity those loads represent, then loading to that velocity.

[Delfuego]

The magnetos are cool. Unless you want to chrono pistol ammo.

This looks pretty cool. They also have a picatinny attachment for AR's now.

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/s851x315/10854844_840467922662322_7479088569893894010_o.png

[asmo]

One thing I forgot to mention about using a ManetoSpeed...

Everyone at the range will stop you 10 times to ask you what the thing on the end of your rifle is.. *sigh*.

[Duman]

One thing I forgot to mention about using a ManetoSpeed...

Everyone at the range will stop you 10 times to ask you what the thing on the end of your rifle is.. *sigh*.

You can always tell them it's a dildo for Hillary........ [Coffee]

[Circuits]

I used to use a Pact MKIV. It died a few years back and I haven't replaced it yet.

[RANGERRON72]

CED M2 but I learned something yesterday when I went to chrono pistol loads at the range covered in snow.......got funky readings and couldn't figure why.......read the manual at the range, it cited glintz from snow so I moved it back to the concrete and it worked like its usual reliable self.......great tool

[Alpha2]

I'll be taking the Magnetospeed out this weekend for the first time. Can't wait.

[Alpha2]

Update...I just got a new to me B92 from DHC today. It will be great if I get time to put the new lever action .357 down and actually do some chrony work on the .308 loads.