I'm starting to get in to developing loads for several guns. 22-250, 45 acp, and now 45 colt using high pressure loads. I see you can buy a basic chrony for $100.00, seems quite inexpensive. Do they help that much in developing consistant accurate loads?? My fear is I'll shoot the darn thing by mistake /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/angry-smiley-055.gif
Shooting Chrony?? Are they worth it?
- Thread starter M70
- Start date
xcrider
New member
I have one and find it very useful in load development. I was going for velocity and accuracy. Here is a link with a lot of opinions! Chrony thread
And when you shoot it web page
You can try this method for load deveopment also Optimal Charge weight page
And something called the ladder test Ladder Test link
And when you shoot it web page
You can try this method for load deveopment also Optimal Charge weight page
And something called the ladder test Ladder Test link
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They work just fine. The basic F1 Chrony should not cost you $100....shop around they go for $70-80 often. Sometimes even less. I think if you are working up loads, planning on shooting at anything past 300 yds. or just curious about terminal ballistics they are a must have.
Two kinds of people own chronographs
those who have shot theirs
those who will
At least with a Chrony the damage is cheap to fix.
Two kinds of people own chronographs
those who have shot theirs
those who will
At least with a Chrony the damage is cheap to fix.
I think it's pretty crucial for hunting or shooting long range. 100-150fps off of what you "Think" you're getting out of the barrel makes a pretty big difference down range. It's a pretty big eye opener also. I have found that with certain powders my max velocity was below the max powder charge. I take that back, I was gaining velocity with more powder but only by a very small amount. Guessing it wasn't completely burning in the length of barrel I have. (243 tikka)
They are wonderful even tho they ruined my faith in factory balistics, the 7mm Mag and Weatherbys.
My 7mm Weatheby never did match the real balistics of my 7mm Rem mag. and the 7mm Rem. Mag. was shooting 300fps slower than the reload manuals said. reload manual said 3100fps chrono said 2800.hmmmmmmmmmmm
if you are ready for real and not baloney web site talk, chronos are great.
Carl
My 7mm Weatheby never did match the real balistics of my 7mm Rem mag. and the 7mm Rem. Mag. was shooting 300fps slower than the reload manuals said. reload manual said 3100fps chrono said 2800.hmmmmmmmmmmm
if you are ready for real and not baloney web site talk, chronos are great.
Carl
wrongtarget
New member
I've had an F-1 Master for a couple years now, great chrony, the master comes with the remote display which is a nice feature, they can be had on Ebay for less than $100 shipped.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Chrony-F1-Master-Chronograph-NEW-IN-BOX_W0QQitemZ180136353593QQcmdZViewItem
http://shootingchrony.com/
http://cgi.ebay.com/Chrony-F1-Master-Chronograph-NEW-IN-BOX_W0QQitemZ180136353593QQcmdZViewItem
http://shootingchrony.com/
answer is YES!!!
it will help you with you loads.
man law states that when you shoot it you must post pics,of it all blown up.then pics of you buying a new one WITH A BIG SMILE.
my buddy is on his third.he blew up 2 i blew up 1.he just laughs about it.
in our defense we dont just do muzzle velocity tests,we set em up down range sometimes.
sorry no man law pics for me,i dont carry a camera too often.
it will help you with you loads.
man law states that when you shoot it you must post pics,of it all blown up.then pics of you buying a new one WITH A BIG SMILE.
my buddy is on his third.he blew up 2 i blew up 1.he just laughs about it.
in our defense we dont just do muzzle velocity tests,we set em up down range sometimes.
sorry no man law pics for me,i dont carry a camera too often.
Yes and no, You no longer will be able to lie to your self about the speed you cartridge gets. What I've done with a new rifle is buy 3 boxes of factory ammo in the weight I would like to shoot. Shoot a couple of each throught the Chrony this gives me my benchmark speed. This way I think I know if I'm approching factory pressures. Personally I've seen more rifles and bows sold because of them than anything else, it can be depressing if you think your getting 3000 fps and it says 2600. I really don't use mine to much anymore as I no longer am to interested in how fast a bullet goes (this way I can't be dissapointed) but I'll still break it out now and then "just to see". I've shot it twice---the next time might be on purpose. Denny
Arizonahunter
New member
I bought the F-1 Chrony this spring and I figured it would get used about 3 or 4 times-wrong! Maybe used it 20 times. Sometimes you will be surprised at what a particular load is doing in your rifle.
If you check out Lock Stock and Barrel (www.lockstock.com)I believe they have the best prices on these-mine was like $68.00. They have real friendly, knowledgable people and quick service.
Oh, the F-1 puts the digital read out on the table with you, so you can't shoot it. So far I've never shot mine, neither has my friend shot his and he's used Chronys for 15 years.
If you check out Lock Stock and Barrel (www.lockstock.com)I believe they have the best prices on these-mine was like $68.00. They have real friendly, knowledgable people and quick service.
Oh, the F-1 puts the digital read out on the table with you, so you can't shoot it. So far I've never shot mine, neither has my friend shot his and he's used Chronys for 15 years.
IDBob
New member
Here's the one I use. I bought it a Cabela's for a hundred bucks and it's one of the best load development tools I've had. This is a reading from a factory Remington 300 Ultra-mag shooting 180 grain bullets.
I broke this one. Had a gas check separate from a cast 44 mag bullet and hit the screen. I sent it back to the factory and they fixed it for free and didn't even charge me shipping costs.
Check out the backtalk (Product reviews with each product)section on Midway on the Chrony's, it's a pretty good insight into which chrono works well and which don't.
I broke this one. Had a gas check separate from a cast 44 mag bullet and hit the screen. I sent it back to the factory and they fixed it for free and didn't even charge me shipping costs.
Check out the backtalk (Product reviews with each product)section on Midway on the Chrony's, it's a pretty good insight into which chrono works well and which don't.
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wrongtarget
New member
Quote:
Oh, the F-1 puts the digital read out on the table with you, so you can't shoot it.
The F-1 Master has a remote display, the F-1 doesn't, but you can still shoot the chrony itself!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif
MASTER CHRONY MODELS have the same features as their respective SHOOTING CHRONY MODELS plus: Remote Control with close-up read-out and 18 ft cord.
http://shootingchrony.com/products_SCMMCM.htm
Oh, the F-1 puts the digital read out on the table with you, so you can't shoot it.
The F-1 Master has a remote display, the F-1 doesn't, but you can still shoot the chrony itself!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif
MASTER CHRONY MODELS have the same features as their respective SHOOTING CHRONY MODELS plus: Remote Control with close-up read-out and 18 ft cord.
http://shootingchrony.com/products_SCMMCM.htm
Curt Barrett
Active member
Quote:
Here's the one I use. I bought it a Cabela's for a hundred bucks and it's one of the best load development tools I've had. This is a reading from a factory Remington 300 Ultra-mag shooting 180 grain bullets.
I broke this one. Had a gas check separate from a cast 44 mag bullet and hit the screen. I sent it back to the factory and they fixed it for free and didn't even charge me shipping costs.
Check out the backtalk (Product reviews with each product)section on Midway on the Chrony's, it's a pretty good insight into which chrono works well and which don't.
I got the same one Bob has and really like it. They are definitely worth it.
Here's the one I use. I bought it a Cabela's for a hundred bucks and it's one of the best load development tools I've had. This is a reading from a factory Remington 300 Ultra-mag shooting 180 grain bullets.
I broke this one. Had a gas check separate from a cast 44 mag bullet and hit the screen. I sent it back to the factory and they fixed it for free and didn't even charge me shipping costs.
Check out the backtalk (Product reviews with each product)section on Midway on the Chrony's, it's a pretty good insight into which chrono works well and which don't.
I got the same one Bob has and really like it. They are definitely worth it.
NM Leon
New member
The next time I have a spare $2600 I'll get one of these (really).
http://www.oehler-research.com/model43.html
They have one invaluable use that no one has pointed out. If you are interested in accuracy one of the most important factors is how much difference you are getting in velocities with the same load. Less variation in velocity (lower SD), will give you better accuracy.
There are other ways to be able to infer SD (ladder test etc), but a chroney gives you a direct measurement.
Good tool.
http://www.oehler-research.com/model43.html
They have one invaluable use that no one has pointed out. If you are interested in accuracy one of the most important factors is how much difference you are getting in velocities with the same load. Less variation in velocity (lower SD), will give you better accuracy.
There are other ways to be able to infer SD (ladder test etc), but a chroney gives you a direct measurement.
Good tool.
varmentwacker
New member
yes they are.they are has important has the power.they will tell you a lot.
AceHandler
New member
Quote:
yes they are.they are has important has the power.they will tell you a lot.
Yeah ? What he said /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif
yes they are.they are has important has the power.they will tell you a lot.
Yeah ? What he said /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif
Handgunr
New member
I bought my Beta Master (not the other way around...lol) back around the early to mid 90's, and it's shown me on several guns, where they weren't shooting anywhere near book velocities, as previously mentioned.
Although I've never shot mine, or had anything hit it, I can see where that can happen pretty easily.
Through wear & tear, and regular use, mine is getting kind of tattered, and I recently looked into sending it back for reconditioning.
For what it costs to have that done, the company offers an "upgrade" to the next model up the ladder.
For $30, and my Beta Master, I can upgrade to the "Gamma" model. Far cheaper than having my old one reconditioned, for sure.
Anyway, the Shooting Chrony has been a great inexpensive chronograph for me, and has worked flawlessly over the years.......and I've used mine ALOT.....well worth the money.
Take care,
Bob
Although I've never shot mine, or had anything hit it, I can see where that can happen pretty easily.
Through wear & tear, and regular use, mine is getting kind of tattered, and I recently looked into sending it back for reconditioning.
For what it costs to have that done, the company offers an "upgrade" to the next model up the ladder.
For $30, and my Beta Master, I can upgrade to the "Gamma" model. Far cheaper than having my old one reconditioned, for sure.
Anyway, the Shooting Chrony has been a great inexpensive chronograph for me, and has worked flawlessly over the years.......and I've used mine ALOT.....well worth the money.
Take care,
Bob
Yup.....Chrony is definitely worth the time and money. I used to have a benchmark load for my 22-250 but never chrony'd the load so I had to take as fact what the book said. It was an accurate load that also killed efficiently. Over the years powders changed and now the same load causes high pressure in both of my 22-250's. I've been trying to duplicate the benchmark load so a chrony is critical. Velocity is an important factor for center fire 22's and lighter cartridges. Killing power comes from shock as well as penetration.
I try to get the highest velocity I can get as well as the best accuracy. A chrony makes this possible. Not always, especially with the 22-250, but most times you have to load down to get the best accuracy. With a chrony you can see where you stand.
I try to get the highest velocity I can get as well as the best accuracy. A chrony makes this possible. Not always, especially with the 22-250, but most times you have to load down to get the best accuracy. With a chrony you can see where you stand.
Mark_in_MO
New member
I have one I think it is the F-1. I cannot remember when the last time I had it out. I used mine mainly to test the vel of air rifes and bows
I found that for load development "paper" will tell you everything you need to know. Loads either work or they dont, I do not need a chrony to tell me why they did not work.
Yup I shot one too, Not very exciting being it was with a .22 air rife at 800fps but it did ruin it.
I found that for load development "paper" will tell you everything you need to know. Loads either work or they dont, I do not need a chrony to tell me why they did not work.
Yup I shot one too, Not very exciting being it was with a .22 air rife at 800fps but it did ruin it.
Linefinder
New member
One bit of advice, since your post mentions "high pressure" loads.
If you're serious about "developing" loads, occasionally trying recipes with bullets or powders that aren't listed in any published manuals, get the chrono. Spend some time getting used to using it.
Then, a $150 investment in QuickLoad (an internal ballistics software program) will pay huge dividends. With the proper use of this program you can safely experiment with different loads tailored specifically to your rifle.
Word of caution, though. QuickLoad, by itself, is pretty much useless....you have to verify it's predictions and your results with the use of a chrono.
As it turns out, none of my favorite loads (varmint and elk) nowadays are listed in any of the published manuals.
Mike
If you're serious about "developing" loads, occasionally trying recipes with bullets or powders that aren't listed in any published manuals, get the chrono. Spend some time getting used to using it.
Then, a $150 investment in QuickLoad (an internal ballistics software program) will pay huge dividends. With the proper use of this program you can safely experiment with different loads tailored specifically to your rifle.
Word of caution, though. QuickLoad, by itself, is pretty much useless....you have to verify it's predictions and your results with the use of a chrono.
As it turns out, none of my favorite loads (varmint and elk) nowadays are listed in any of the published manuals.
Mike