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bellavite1
06-10-2012, 15:33
Hello guys.

I finally purchased a cronograph.
I now have access to a 500 yds range so I want to get some decent trajectory computation.

My 308 is a DPMS SASS, 18.5" barrel, flash hider.
Load is 42.5 Varget pushing a Speer match 168 gr HPBT.
Very accurate at 100 yds (about 1/2 MOA 4 rnds group, + a flyier...[Bang]).

I have set my cronograph (CHRONY F1) at about 14 feet, and I am getting readings all over the place, from a 2490 to an unrealistic 3059 (!).

I know my charges are NOT that off from one another, even with a powder measure, tipycally I get a + - 0.2 gr variable, not enought to give a velocity sread pf almost 600 fps.

Averaging 19 shots it comes up to 2853.5.
However, the drop seems to match a 2315 fps trajectory (or somewher around there...).
All of this is obtained through the Shooter Android app.

So I came to the conclusion that my 308 readings are not at all accurate, since the Lyman manual shows, with a 3 gr HIGHER charge and a 5.5" LONGER barrel, a velocity 100 fps LOWER than the one I averaged from my rifle


The readings I get from my 338 LM, however, are spot on: 2725 fps, which translate in the correct adjustment when shooting the rifle at various distances, so my ballistic app is doing a decent job and so is the crony.

So, the 308 readings do not match the real world trajectory, the 338 LM readings do.
Readings for both were taken at 14 ft, on the same morning. so what gives?

Could it be that, with the 308 lacking a muzzle brake which redirects the gasses away from the cronograph, like the one on my 338LM, what I am measuring on the 308 are actually the gases rather than the bullet?

Even 14 ft away from the muzzle???

How far shoul I set this cronograph from the muzzle in order to get an accurate reading?

I hope this was not too confusing...

HELP![Help]

spleify
06-10-2012, 18:10
I have found that the ENTIRE unit needs to be in complete and unobstructed sunlight, or the ENTIRE unit needs to be in shade. I've found it easier to build some type of shelter or lean to. I was getting 3000+fps out of my 1911 .45 ACP before I figured this out

Hope this helps.

anomad
06-10-2012, 18:55
We all long for that perfect day when you get up, have a coffee, head to an empty range with clear morning skies for perfect shooting over the chrony.

And, you're not a man till you've shot one.

Danimal
06-10-2012, 18:59
Your load sounds about right, I have almost the same thing using 168 grain a-max and I run it a little faster. I bet that the 2400 fps readings that you are getting are close to the actual velocities.

I have to say that you have to be very particular about getting the chronograph optical sensors lined up exactly parallel to your bullet trajectory. I have the Beta master Chrono and if I am the slightest bit out of alignment or if it is shaded, partially shaded, has a little too much wind, or if for whatever reason God wants to see me get really pissed off it will be all over the place and display errors.

I do seem to get more accurate readings if I am a little bit further back than 14 ft. I am usually 10 - 15 feet back for pistols and 20ft for rifles. I don't really have a reason, but I picked those distances out of a range of distances in my manual and have had good luck with them most of the time.

ray1970
06-10-2012, 19:14
Does your chrono have the "sky screens"?

bellavite1
06-10-2012, 19:53
Yup, clear day, screend etc.
Allignment was not perfect, did not know it matters.
I'll also try to move it back to 20 ft.
I'll let u know...

spleify
06-10-2012, 20:03
And, you're not a man till you've shot one.

Wel,....I guess I am a man then...... [LOL]

Hoser
06-10-2012, 20:07
Build a box to put it in so the sunlight is always the same or pony up the $$$ for a CED with IR screens.

jerrymrc
06-10-2012, 20:13
Wel,....I guess I am a man then...... [LOL]

Have to say I have never shot my 35P. [Beer]

spleify
06-10-2012, 20:15
Yeah, thank goodness I only shot one of the uprights and not the unit it self

Danimal
06-10-2012, 20:46
Yeah, thank goodness I only shot one of the uprights and not the unit it self

I got close enough to one of the uprights to flex it and the little plastic diffuser popped apart. I was so sure that I shot it that I looked at it three times just to make sure.

spleify
06-10-2012, 22:16
Now I replaced all of them with the same size wooden dowels from Home Depot for a couple of bucks and I dont have to be worried if I do make a mistake again.