Thank you all for your thoughts on Chronographs. I will let you know what i get and how i like it. Next question: what do you think of ballistic software, like the sierra programs, and which ones do you prefer? The Sierra looks to be a good product, but not sure if there are others that are better or so on. Thanks for your opinions and the laughs i'm sure i'll get reading some of the posts!

I just started using Quickload. Still figuring it out but a lot of people have excellent reviews of it. So far I like it. But there is alot to it. Tons of data.

I've been using Quickload as a guide for years. One thing about it is that you don't get any notices from Neco on upgrades and the latest version I have installs in German. It was a PITA to install since I don't parlez-vou German (or French).
Another thing is that at least for my .270 WSM I find QL predictions are quite off. I use QL as a guide with other sources.
Bear in Fairbanks

External ballistic programs like Sierra, RCBS, PointBlank (free program) all give you good information about what the bullet will do after it leaves the barrel. Those programs make it easy to see your shot results with graphs and tables. Much easier and interesting than reading through the ballistic tables in the back of a reloading book.

Quickloads and Loading From a Disk (LFAD) are different animals. They’re internal / external ballistic software. As Bear with his 270 WSM pointed out, the internal ballistic predictions can be a little or a lot off (+ or -) depending on the cartridge type. They’re programs that are not for the trusting or faint of hart. They prediction Loads, it’s up to the shooter to prove the loads.

The users of QL and LFAD needs to have enough knowledge and references to be able to throw a BS flag when either one of those programs comes up with bad numbers.

QL and LFAD are good programs for exploring ideas but they are not replacements for reloading books.

IMO Quickloads and LFAD are not for newbes. Reloading books are a better use of newbes money.

I think you’ll find the Sierra program useful and fun.

Thanks for the input. I'm not too interested in a program predicting a load for me. I have several loading books and access to sevral more. I like being able to cross referance all the loads, pressure levels etc., and then go out and see what they doo. I think I will stick with the external ballistics for now.