Author Topic: Chronograph suggestions (Read 1108 times)

adrewiske · « **on:** May 22, 2010, 05:19:44 PM »

Hi All,
I'm looking at getting a chrono to help improve the data input into ballistics programs. Anybody have any suggestions on what they like/prefer or what to stay away from.
Thanks!
Andrew

popsgunner · « **Reply #1 on:** May 22, 2010, 06:01:22 PM »

any of the "chrony" chronographs, I have had my beta crohy for almost 20 years, works inside and out. They run about 90 + bucks

Jeff · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2010, 06:10:51 PM »

I got the CED Millennium II. I can probably get you a better deal on one than the $199.99 Midway sells them for. I don't like the Chrony's much.

Apparently the Oehler 35 is now available (or will be soon). It's the best but probably $400 or more.

adrewiske · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2010, 07:50:21 PM »

Cool thanks for the input, I'm looking to spend maybe $150 max.

Jeff · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2010, 07:54:33 PM »

I can't get an M2 that cheap.

luvmy45 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2010, 08:52:15 PM »

I have a Pact that I picked up on Ebay for $75, has a remote head so I can set it by my shooting position and view the results. It's an older model, but all the parts that you would shoot are still available to buy as parts.

Chrony's are good too, different versions add remote heads, printers, etc...

adrewiske · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2010, 09:16:39 PM »

Of all the ones I've looked at the Chrony's are the only ones I can find with an advertised guaranteed accuracy percentage, 0.5%. Have you guys ever had any problems with inconsistencies in the readings?

popsgunner · « **Reply #7 on:** May 22, 2010, 09:41:08 PM »

never a problem and I have come too close to shooting the chrony several times.

TrooperBrian · « **Reply #8 on:** May 22, 2010, 11:28:25 PM »

I picked up a Chrony F1 Master on MidwayUSA Clearance for $80. Worked great up until a kid dropped a spiked bipod leg on the screen.

Nealio · « **Reply #9 on:** May 23, 2010, 12:37:42 PM »

We also use the Chrony and have great luck with it. Very consistent and accurate.

Nomad · « **Reply #10 on:** May 25, 2010, 07:30:41 AM »

Chrony, Have used it for several years and have nothing but good to say for it......

mjmcmahon · « **Reply #11 on:** May 25, 2010, 12:14:23 PM »

I've also got the Beta Master Chrony...just wish it'd come with the stuff to hook it all up to the PC.

TrooperBrian · « **Reply #12 on:** May 25, 2010, 08:16:36 PM »

Quote from: mjmcmahon on May 25, 2010, 12:14:23 PM

I've also got the Beta Master Chrony...just wish it'd come with the stuff to hook it all up to the PC.

The functions are all built in from the factory, with price points. Either pay for the Chrony version, or a few bucks and Google and you can do the same thing!

RGinIdaho · « **Reply #13 on:** May 25, 2010, 09:14:28 PM »

Oehler 35 here. It was about $230ish when I bought it.

Considering the absence of Oehler these past several years, I'd vote for a Chrony. Keep it cheap and simple and if Oehler gets their part supplier back on line it won't hurt so much to move up.

We've put the Oehler, Chrony and Pact in line over the years and they are all close. Oehler is essentially two chronoes(word?) in one. It checks itself for accuracy...

Jeff · « **Reply #14 on:** May 25, 2010, 11:10:55 PM »

Oehler is doing a special run of the P-35 this summer. No price yet. But I expect it to be expensive. Used P-35's were/are selling for over $500 last time I checked.

RGinIdaho · « **Reply #15 on:** May 26, 2010, 06:19:11 AM »

Quote from: Jeff on May 25, 2010, 11:10:55 PM

Oehler is doing a special run of the P-35 this summer. No price yet. But I expect it to be expensive. Used P-35's were/are selling for over $500 last time I checked.

I saw some go for $750 on ebay about 2 years ago.

birddog1989 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 26, 2010, 09:29:20 AM »

Just ordered an Oehler M-35P. Very excited about it!

Spiff · « **Reply #17 on:** May 26, 2010, 09:52:15 AM »

Quote from: birddog1989 on May 26, 2010, 09:29:20 AM

Just ordered an Oehler M-35P. Very excited about it!

The Oehler is a fine chronograph, but for $600 I think I'll stick with my Chrony. Then again, if I did not already have a chrono.............

birddog1989 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 26, 2010, 10:37:40 AM »

Quote from: Spiff on May 26, 2010, 09:52:15 AM

The Oehler is a fine chronograph, but for $600 I think I'll stick with my Chrony. Then again, if I did not already have a chrono.............

Yeah I hear ya. I'm single and own my truck and house so...screw it!

Spiff · « **Reply #19 on:** May 26, 2010, 10:48:46 AM »

Quote from: birddog1989 on May 26, 2010, 10:37:40 AM

Yeah I hear ya. I'm single and own my truck and house so...screw it!

And also, you have to realize that my reply was dripping with jealousy!!

birddog1989 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 26, 2010, 11:01:22 AM »

Noted

The first thing I want to do is barrow one or two others and compare then to the Oehler.

Spiff · « **Reply #21 on:** May 26, 2010, 12:55:52 PM »

Quote from: birddog1989 on May 26, 2010, 11:01:22 AM

Noted

The first thing I want to do is barrow one or two others and compare then to the Oehler.

RG and I had his Oehler and my Chrony side by side at Parma one day. One device was always a bit faster than the other one, but I can't remember which it was. The difference was not great, maybe around 15 fps or so, IIRQ (which is always suspect). RG might remember the numbers. I remember being very pleased that my Chrony was as close as it was to RG's Oehler.

fj40mojo · « **Reply #22 on:** May 26, 2010, 03:54:56 PM »

Quote from: birddog1989 on May 26, 2010, 09:29:20 AM

Just ordered an Oehler M-35P. Very excited about it!

I thought you already had a chronograph?

Regardless, you are a rat bastard and you know you are going to be transporting that thing to Boise next time you are down so I can chrono my 6.5x55 loads!

birddog1989 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 26, 2010, 09:43:26 PM »

Quote from: fj40mojo on May 26, 2010, 03:54:56 PM

I thought you already had a chronograph? Regardless, you are a rat bastard and you know you are going to be transporting that thing to Boise next time you are down so I can chrono my 6.5x55 loads!

No You need to bring the the whole fam damley up here for a week end or let me know ahead of time and I'll take a couple days off during the week. Then we can go to "my" range and not have to worry about the great unwashed getting in the way.

Besides you like it better up here anyhow.

fj40mojo · « **Reply #24 on:** May 27, 2010, 01:59:47 AM »

Quote from: birddog1989 on May 26, 2010, 09:43:26 PM

No You need to bring the the whole fam damley up here for a week end or let me know ahead of time and I'll take a couple days off during the week. Then we can go to "my" range and not have to worry about the great unwashed getting in the way. Besides you like it better up here anyhow.

I concede. Per norm you are right.

RGinIdaho · « **Reply #25 on:** May 27, 2010, 06:18:28 AM »

Quote from: birddog1989 on May 26, 2010, 09:29:20 AM

Just ordered an Oehler M-35P. Very excited about it!

Make sure you get a 2ft rail to go with it. The 4ft is great but requires 2 tripods to set up. I've only used the 4ft a couple of times. The 2ft gets the job done handily. YMMV

You can make your own 2ft rail by the way. Of course spacing of screens on the rail is critical so you have to be able to dimple the rail accurately.

birddog1989 · « **Reply #26 on:** May 27, 2010, 11:16:08 AM »

Actually I'll be placing the screens about 10-15' apart so I will probably use separate tripods. Oehler says you get less error in the readings shot to shot the further apart your screens are. Sierra recommends a minimum of 10' apart and the first screen 10' from the muzzle. I think that's to keep gasses from the weapon breaking the plain of the sensor and giving a false reading.