Just bought a chronograph

I`ve been using my buddy`s chronograph for a while when he wants to shoot.He has told me,you can take it and use it but I don`t like borrowing peoples stuff.I just ordered me one.Not high priced with all the bells and whistles.Got it from Midway, ChronyF1standard.Any of you guys own one of these?I dont give a crap about anything fancy,just what my speed is.I figure as much as I shoot I need one most all the time anyway.If so what do you think of it?As long as it works I`ll be happy...

Gene

Don't get hung up on running every load across it. Find a good load, then check for the velocity. You can extrapolate how much velocity is gained per grain of powder, by dividing the velocity by the amount of powder in a case. This can give you an idea of how much would need to be added or subtracted to reach a target velocity. Don't get hung up on extreme spreads, either. For grins and giggles, I shot some .22 LR over mine, and the ones with the most extreme spread, were the most accurate by far.

Most important, if you loan it out, or let someone shoot over it, make it very clear, they shoot it, they bought it!

I sort of like to see small standard deviations. Sort of like seeing everything about the same on my EKG. Those big highs and lows are more exciting than I need.

I don't think you will see big group changes at 100 yds with velocity swings of 100fps or so. YOu will see verticle stringing farther out tho, if you have a good rifle. I always figured an unexpected jump in velocity was accompanied with higher pressures as well. If a man operates near the top end of safe pressures in his rifle, he doesn't need the anticipation of a load that spikes upward now and then.

I also value the chrono for it's ability to tell you when added powder charges cease to show higher speeds, or when the expected 40 or 50 fps increase blows up past 100 suddenly.

The advantage of an Oehler is that it has a litle switch plate inside on which a man can set the proper screen spacing. Maybe the others do as well. Anyway, I highly recommend setting the chrono screen spacing switches for a 3 foot spacing, and then setting the screens at 2 feet. Then let your pals shoot their reloads over the thing. There will be lots of chest pounding for a while. Be sure to tell them the sad truth before leaving tho. Lot's of opportunities out there for a man with a little imagination and lots of free time.

max

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Timber,

I've got the Shooting Chrony F1 Master Chronograph and have been using it for about a year.  Really like it for my purposes.  Just be sure to tape the dang diffusers together so they don't fly apart after every shot!  That's my only complaint, stupid plastic clip together stuff makes for a compact package but a pain to set up!

I'm no chronograph expert but the shooting chrony models seem to work for me.  Just have plenty of good light, like we usually have on the range and they work fine.  They might not be +/- 0.0000000 FPS accurate but they're good 'nuff and are reliable for the time I've used it. 

Oh, I would also recommend you have the bench velocity display.  With this thingie, you can check velocity from the bench without the hassle of having to go up and check after each shot to see if the velocity registered.

Should work well for ya!

Hey Klallen...Just tracked my order on Midway and UPS says I will have it January 5th..As soon as I get to use it I will post some of the velocities with that 75 gr AMAX..I`m looking forward to seeing what is going on with that bullet and VARGET and BLC-2.

lol,I bet Kirby watches you real careful when you break out a gun and he breaks out the chrony now..Let ya know on them velocities as soon as I get it.I`ve got a few batches loaded since all this rain has set in,not much else to do but eat deer chili and load a bit..

Gene

GR,yup I knew to keep it away from the muzzle blast.I am going to order the remote for it soon, and maybe the printer so I dont have to write down so much.Do any of you all use those printers? are they a waste of money or actually do help ya out?

If they are a waste of time I`d rather spend that 80 bucks on powder or bullets or a competition seating die  or a good necksizing die with a bushing.Derned reloading is expensive..