Chrongraph

[Pitmaster]

I sort of know what a chronograph does. How can one use the information? What options do you look for in one. Good brands and choices.

[MakeMineaP99]

I have a CED M2, yes it is expensive, but next to an Oehler, it's the best chronograph out there.

Using a chrono, allows you see how your loads compare against book loads. Seldom are book loads and your loads the same.

Also, when doing load develop for something like 9mm Major, a lot of times you'll hit a wall with a powder. That is, more powder only increases pressure and does little to give you more velocity (law of deminishing returns).

I'd look for a chrono that does strings, has ES, SD, PF, etc. It's nice being able to press a few buttons and have all that data appear.

I'll bring out my CED M2 when we shoot and let you play with it before you buy.

[gokyo]

double post

[gokyo]

I use my Chronograph to build a load to a specific specification.

I want my 308 bullets traveling at a certain speed becasue my ballistic table assume that the bullet is traveling at 2600 ft/sec.

So I work up a load until it it traveling at 2600 ft/sec. I am then Happy.

I also use it when I am making up a load that matches other loads that I have use.

for instance when I am loading 223. I try to make sure my bullets are travelling about the same speed so I do not ahve to fiddle with my scope adjustments. I just go and shoot.

I use a Chrony Master Chronograph. I strongly recommend that what everone you get that it has a remote display. My only complaint about the Chrony is that i have a hard time remember how to make all the really cool functions work. It remember multiple strings and average and provide standard deviations etc. I pretty much know how to turn it on and I know when it make s mistake. I guess i just need to use it more.

[Shovel66]

I sort of know what a chronograph does. How can one use the information? What options do you look for in one. Good brands and choices.

I once heard that a chronograph is a tool one uses to invite other guests to shoot in the chronograph owners range lane only to pick up the "guests" spent brass. Is this not true? :cheers2:

Shovel

[unclebob]

CED is the only way too go. I have shoot threw my CED and a Oehler at the same time. There was only about 1 to 2 feet per second difference between the two.

[zougou]

Is a chronograph an absolute necessity if you're just getting started reloading?

[unclebob]

No it's not an necessity. It might be if you are trying to make major loads.

[Clark]

I use a chrono for bragging on the internet:
18 gr Blue Dot .223, 35 gr Vmax, 4150 fps

Totally worthless load, but with a chrono, good for bragging.


I should say, totally worthless, becuase the primer falls out half the time.
Don't try this at home.

[creekwalker]

Clark.....I still think you have something going on with the death angel............Other than that we cool man............

cw

[ISUSteve]

I have the Chrony that works well, unless your dad uses it and shoots 3 feet from it. Anyways, another good reason for it is for benchrest shooting. You want all of your loads close to the same velocity, meaning a low standard deviation.

Its not needed at all unless you are really into it. I have one, but I wouldn't say I'm to the point where I need it. I'd save your money unless you're running max/over max loads or serious benchrest.

[fredj338]

Necessary, no, usefull, you bet. You can look at adata all day & guesstimate what this or that load does in your firearm. The only way to KNOW, is to run your loads over a chronograph. The chrono can helpoyou identify loads producing vel. levels you want w/ potentially less pressure (by using slower powders). It also helps when you are working up loads w/o any published data (ie, new powder/bullet combos) or when wildcatting. While they don;t give pressure readings, there is seldom a free lunch & higher vel. often mean higher pressures.