Chronograph

[Jake Leibke]

Looking at picking one up. Don't want to spend a ton. Planning on using it for both archery and rifle speeds. Any recommendations?

 

[NaturalJon]

I've been happy with my Caldwell. Seems very consistent in all lighting. I limped into the chrono game too without wanting to break the bank. So far, so good.

 

[jmden]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/113204/competition-electronics-prochrono-pal-chronograph

I think for the money, this is hard to beat. I've found it accurate enough (If LR is your game, you can get a number from this but in actual field shooting practice, then use the correct MV your app comes up with to match your drops.)

I use this mostly for checking loads on pistols now as moved to the Magneto V2 a while back for rifle. The Magnetos are more precise, I think and works if it's raining (as long as rifle is undercover--don't want to put chronograph out in rain for several obvious reason) and will give more consistent readings in differing light conditions as optical chronographs will ususally show differing MVs in differing light conditions.

But the point of these things is to be close and representative of your MV (always have to adjust the speed an optical chrono shows as it's, say 10'-15' from the muzzle and the bullet has lost some speed by then--don't have to do that with a Magneto). They may not be perfect, but the only time that matters is for adjusting your long range drops as mentioned above.

 

[Laelkhunter]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/113204/competition-electronics-prochrono-pal-chronograph

I think for the money, this is hard to beat. I've found it accurate enough (If LR is your game, you can get a number from this but in actual field shooting practice, then use the correct MV your app comes up with to match your drops.)

I use this mostly for checking loads on pistols now as moved to the Magneto V2 a while back for rifle. The Magnetos are more precise, I think and works if it's raining (as long as rifle is undercover--don't want to put chronograph out in rain for several obvious reason) and will give more consistent readings in differing light conditions as optical chronographs will ususally show differing MVs in differing light conditions.

But the point of these things is to be close and representative of your MV (always have to adjust the speed an optical chrono shows as it's, say 10'-15' from the muzzle and the bullet has lost some speed by then--don't have to do that with a Magneto). They may not be perfect, but the only time that matters is for adjusting your long range drops as mentioned above.

I have this one also. This is my second one, lost the first to Katrina. Excellent and accurate. I got my last one on Ebay for less than what I paid for the first one. Works well for crossbow, pistols, and rifles including my .340 Weatherby.

 

[Blockcaver]

The bottom of the line Chrony I got with Cabela points about 15 or 20 years ago is still going strong. I do disconnect the 9 volt battery between uses as there appears to be a bit of drain if you leave it attached. It is a cheap chronograph but works for me for arrows or bullets.

 

[Jake Leibke]

Thanks for the input. I was looking at cabelas also bit they seem pretty over priced. The one listed above from midway cabelas is selling for $120 I think.....
I was also looking at the bottom of the line chrony one. Thanks.

 

[Mtaylor]

My wife got me an RCBS chronograph for christmas. I liked how the face detached and it would sit on the bench right next to me so if i missed I would not blow up the computer screen. However the reviews I had read were not very good, and it was large and heavy!! Took it back to Sportsmans warehouse and got a Caldwell ($100). What sold me on the caldwell was it has a cable that hooks up to my phone and all i had to do was download an app and it will show/record shot groups for me. I have not used it yet so i don't know how it will work. But it had better reviews than the RCBS.