The Accurate Reloading Forums
I need a chronograph... Any suggestions?
I need a chronograph... Any suggestions?
Any suggestions on who makes a good chronograph?
Thanks!
28 May 2004, 18:13
DB BillBuy an Oehler with the "proof channerl" and you won't have any compaints.....as long as you don't shoot it
, it will last a lifetime.
28 May 2004, 18:29
jeffeossoget a chrony 45 dollar refurb.. you'll shoot it, and feel like crap.. and then can get a beter one
not kidding
jeffe
28 May 2004, 18:40
fredj338I've learned if you buy cheap you'll just buy the better product next time. Get an Oehler & be happy from the go.
I've been happy with the chrony. The only problems I've had with mine is when other people shoot it. Before you let anyone shoot over it, tell them, you shoot it you bought it. I've upgraded twice from others mishaps. It's small, reliable, easy to use and easy on the pocket book. I also went to K-mart and got a $5 tripod that fits into my shooting bag to set it up on.
WE have tried them all, and there is nothing that comes even close to an Oehler.
Do yourself a favor, and buy the best.
Quote:
get a chrony 45 dollar refurb.. you'll shoot it, and feel like crap.. and then can get a beter one
not kidding
jeffe
Gee, that's exactly what I did, except I haven't bought the Oehler yet.
The nice thing about the shooting chrony is that it easy to set up, and they do give accurate readings. The only problem I've had is with the sun at an angle, one of those uniquely Alaskan issues of the mid-day sun still being low in the sky during winter shooting sessions.
If you can afford the Oehler off the bat, go that way. It is the only unit I haven't heard anyone complain about. It is also the only unit I'd classify as an industrial measurement device as opposed to a consumer electronic device, which is what all the other units are built as.
Oehler sounds like it must be the one to get. Where's the best place from which to order one? I've checked around and don't see it listed at places like Cabelas and Midway. Should I order it straight from the manufacturer?
29 May 2004, 04:31
GeorgeSBruno Shooters Supply has it for the same price as Oehler does, so just order it direct from the manufacturer.
George
Thanks for the advice! I ordered the Oehler Model 35 with 3 screens.
Quote:
The only problem I've had is with the sun at an angle, one of those uniquely Alaskan issues of the mid-day sun still being low in the sky during winter shooting sessions.
Having never used a chronograph, why would the sunlight matter? 
Does that mean that you can't use a chronograph in the shade?
I've seen that a local importer sells CED Millennium chronographs. Are these any good, or is the Oehler far superior?
Erik D.
Erik: the sun can play tricks on my Chrony. Sometimes it's very finicky and you will learn to put the diffusers in similar lighting conditions, or remove them (on a cloudy day).
It can mean some hands-on before you get it right. I too thought it would be very simple, now I know differently though...
Rikard,
You have to explain this to me with very small teaspoons! I have
no experiance withs chronographs whatsoever! Although I am planning on starting to reload rifle cartriges in the near future and am thus curious!
How does light play a role with the chronographs measuring of speed? Are there lightsensitive detectors or something?
What are diffusers? Sorry for the stupid questions...
Erik D.
29 May 2004, 09:26
GeorgeSAccording to Oehler (paraphrased):
In a chronograph, two photodetectors are spaced at a known distance along a bullet's path exposed to ambient light from the sky.
The diffuser eliminates light reflection from the bullet which can cancel the "shadow" of the bullet and prevent the photodetector from responding to passage of the projectile.
Make sense?
George
Quote:
Quote:
The only problem I've had is with the sun at an angle, one of those uniquely Alaskan issues of the mid-day sun still being low in the sky during winter shooting sessions.
Having never used a chronograph, why would the sunlight matter?
Does that mean that you can't use a chronograph in the shade?
I've seen that a local importer sells CED Millennium chronographs. Are these any good, or is the Oehler far superior?
Erik D.
Erik,
I forgot the international audiance and my Norwegian kinsmen, as it isn't a uniquely Alaskan issue, plays havic with all of us in the far North, don't know if anyone is far enough south to have the issue.
I'm not an expert on how chronos work. I do know what problems I've had. Actually shady days seem to work best. The difuser keeps overhead bright sunlight from directly hitting the light screens. The problem in the winter is on sunny days, the light is coming it at an angle, and the difuser does no good.
George / Paul,
Thanks for explaining!
So have I understood it correctly that it is actually better that the chrono is in the shade and not direct sunlight, where shadows aren't so much a problem?
Erik D.
29 May 2004, 10:43
GeorgeSYes, as long as there is a fair amount of ambient light. In other words, it may not work all that well on a gloomy morning or at dusk.
George
Thanks again George!
Erik D.
Any direct light source can play havoc with the readings.
We found this opaque cover on the screens works very well.
01 June 2004, 06:08
D_ApplegarthJust remember, there are only two kinds of people with chronys. There are those that have shot it
, and those that are going to shoot it
!!!!
Quote:
Buy an Oehler with the "proof channerl" and you won't have any compaints.....as long as you don't shoot it , it will last a lifetime.
YUP!!!!!!!!!!
09 June 2004, 18:35
Matt NormanBuy the good one. I bought a shooting Chrony. It works, much of the time. But I do get some strange readings that simple aren't possible, with plenty of failure readings.
09 June 2004, 19:40
lawndartDr. Ken Oehler rules!
10 June 2004, 00:15
jeffeossoSpring,
wait about 3 weeks, for me to have finished some (statistically insignificant) testing on the chrony, the pact pro, and a couple oehlers.
Since they ALL state .5% (.005) error rate, I would like to do a head to head on this, for VELOCITY, as this should serve the average joe just fine
jeffe
10 June 2004, 08:38
SpringJeffe,
Glad to hear you'll have some comparisons on the various chronograph choices. That said, based upon the many endorsements here for the Oehler, on May 28th I ordered one of theirs. I have been trying it some for the past few days and have already learned some interesting facts. One is that Hornady ammo loses its punch after 10 or so years have passed. I haven't used Hornady in quite a while in my .300 WM, so I shot several old rounds through my new chronograph while I was testing the chrono to see if it would work. I had already shot several rounds of new Winchester Supreme and found consistent results in the 2906-2911 FPS range. But when I started shooting the old Hornady bullets, I had them range from 1880-2440. You should have no doubt those Hornady's won't be in my pocket next fall!
11 June 2004, 02:04
rcastoI have a CED Millenium that I purchased from Dillon. I also got the infrared attachment and can shoot in any light condition, even in the dark.