Chronograph Experiences

[ksbanker]

I am getting serious about reloading, which means I need a chronograph. I've read many reviews online, but wondered what your experiences have been. I'll be reloading 7.62x54r, 7.5x55, .30-06, 7.92x57, 45 ACP. I've already been loading 30-40 Krag with a common recipe but I want more data.

What are some of the models that you hand loaders have had good luck with and would recommend?

Thanks in advance

[Lotema]

I'm using the Magnetospeed v3.0 and have been pretty happy with it. Pro's are that you just mount it like a bayo on the rifle so there is no fussy setup, caring about what the weather looks like etc. Con's are that you just mount it like a bayo, so on some rifles that can get interesting to figure out how exactly you're going to work that out. Works fine on all of my Mosin's so far. Not a good choice for semi auto pistols since you really can't mount it on a 1911. But for most of my rifles (which is what I chrono mostly) it does a great job with a quick and easy setup.

[ksbanker]

Thank you Lotema! That design would be excellent for rifles, and would hopefully prevent it from being shot.

[Lotema]

I haven't blown the thing up yet! I'm pretty happy with it so far. It seems to be pretty consistent with the standard style chronographs from what I've seen.

[websterz]

Traditional style chronographs usually caution against firing from too close a distance as muzzle blast can interfere with a proper reading. Does this chrono somehow compensate for that?

[awalker1829]

I use a Shooting Chrony. They have three basic models and offer add on accessories such as a data printer. The unit is very compact-folds into half its overall length. The housing is stamped steel which is powder coated. I have a Beta model, which has a separate LCD screen and unit controls which connect the the sensors with an eighteen foot cable.

Perhaps the best feature is that the manufacturer will take used units as trade ins for credits for replacements or for upgrades-even if you accidentally shot it. I've gotten good results using my unit. The only thing I've heard from other Chrony owners is that they suggest replacing the metal sky screen rods with wooden dowels-that way, if you accidentally hit the dowel, it shatters rather than possibly damaging the sensors.

[Lotema]

Traditional style chronographs usually caution against firing from too close a distance as muzzle blast can interfere with a proper reading. Does this chrono somehow compensate for that?

Per their web page: "All shooting chronographs currently marketed to the general public use optical sensors. The MagnetoSpeed uses electromagnetic sensors (patent pending) to detect the presence of the bullet. These sensors are immune to muzzle blast, which allows the sensors to be located near the muzzle. As an added benefit, these sensors are immune to common light problems such as fluorescent lights, low sun, bright sun, etc.
Our unique method determines velocity by sensing the difference in time between a slight disturbance in two magnetic fields as the bullet passes by. This is somewhat similar to the way that an electric guitar senses the vibration of its strings to produce amplified tones."

I haven't had any issues with it so far. It's been very consistent for multiple calibers.

[websterz]

Cool!