Do I need a chronograph ?

[bigbear]

Given the expense of components that factor alone justifies the cost of a chronograph. I had a Labradar, purchased after I shot my first chronograph a PACT "screen" version. The old one was bought years ago when I competed (using that term very loosely ) in IPSC shooting. It came paired with a timer. in spite of the bullet wound it still worked but I was tired of spotty results due to changing light conditions. I was gifted a Garmin and sold my Labradar. Regular use of the chronograph is extremely helpful. For instance I found out my sako 75 is 80fps faster than my old Remington 700 with my favourite factory ammo. Maybe the Remington is showing it's age (500+rounds) or the Sako has a faster barrel.
When testing loads it is very helpful to see that that "flier" in your otherwise great group was 70fps slower than the other shots in the group... so the flier reflected my poor reloading skills rather than a reflection on that particular load recipe.

So, if you shoot a fair amount a chronograph is a must. If you plan to do any long range shooting a chrono also is a must.

Cheers, I gotta go do some reloading, looking for an accurate 2950+/- 25fps, accurate 180gr Accubond 300 WinMag load for my new to me Sako 75. (anybody got any good 300 Winmag loads to share?)

 

[ds6561]

Within the last few days I purchased a new Garmin Xero C1Pro chronograph to replace an older Shooting Chrony Beta model as well as a MagnetoSpeed (MS) that was bought 2-3 years ago. I have not had a chance, at this point, to use the Garmin but am definitely looking forward to doing so.

Is it absolutely necessary for reloading? Probably not - unless you are a long distance shooter. In my case a gift certificate from Cabela's was the deciding factor. Being able to get accurate muzzle velocity AND at the same time checking accuracy is appealing, and really was the primary reason for replacing the MagnetoSpeed. There should also be a a smaller 'hassle factor' compared to the MS and, if the Garmin sales pitch is true, there should be fewer missed shot-to-shot 'error' readings compared to the Shooting Chrony. We'll see. Honestly, I'll have to shoot a lot to realize any savings from fewer components used - but it's a guess that I'll use the Garmin chrono more frequently than either the Shooting Chrony or MS.

On the flip side, people have been reloading for decades without using a chronograph and have done just fine.

 

[Nallekarhu]

If and when you decide to get a chrono, the New Garmin Xero C1Pro is a very very small compact unit that is so easy to use a caveman can do it. It is expensive but being able to put the unit next to the weapon on the table or ground is worth the cost. It is reliable and gets updates over the internet.

This is on my "Dear Santa" -list. My Pro Chrono Plus has worked for 25 years or so but it may be time to update.

And to the op, yes everyone needs a chrono.

 

[Bucktote]

This is on my "Dear Santa" -list. My Pro Chrono Plus has worked for 25 years or so but it may be time to update.

And to the op, yes everyone needs a chrono.

Thank you all for the replies!
As it is I just turned 86 on August the 11th . My shooting is from ground blinds at our farm, I am satisfied with the loads I have developed for my existing Sako rifles and I think a Chrono. would be a nice to have but I don't think I need one at this time in my life. Thanks again, B/T

As a weather note, You may have heard about the flooding in GA last week. We live on a barrier Island outside of Savannah & thought it prudent to to go inland to our son's farm. His rain gage showed
15- 1/2 inches in 24 hrs. & many of the roads were under mined or washed out going to our farm from his. Such it was a 1,000 year flood!

 

[icebear]

As a weather note, You may have heard about the flooding in GA last week. We live on a barrier Island outside of Savannah & thought it prudent to to go inland to our son's farm. His rain gage showed
15- 1/2 inches in 24 hrs. & many of the roads were under mined or washed out going to our farm from his. Such it was a 1,000 year flood!

Maybe you should change your screen name to Noah!

Glad everyone came through OK.

 

[Frank Alc]

Thank you all for the replies!
As it is I just turned 86 on August the 11th . Mt shooting is from ground blinds at our farm, I am satisfied with the loads I have developed for my existing Sako rifles and I think a Chrono. would be a nice His rain gage showed
15- 1/2 inches in 24 hrs. & many of the roads were under mined or washed out going to our farm from his. Such it was a 1,000 year flood!

Oh My !
That is all the precipitation that falls in our land for the whole year.
I am glad you are OK.

 

[gunner620]

Bucktote, glad everything worked out with no major issues for you and family. Stay safe. Jim

 

[Bucktote]

Maybe you should change your screen name to Noah!

Glad everyone came through OK.

Now if I could just learn that walk on the water trick !
But on the funny side, there was no problems on the Island where we make our home ? go figure!! B/T

 

[B Diddy]

If and when you decide to get a chrono, the New Garmin Xero C1Pro is a very very small compact unit that is so easy to use a caveman can do it. It is expensive but being able to put the unit next to the weapon on the table or ground is worth the cost. It is reliable and gets updates over the internet.

I have the new Garmin. It’s awesome. Worth every penny.

 

[bloorooster]

Some do…some really don’t…

 

[bigbear]

Chronogrqph to the rescue again. Out shooting yesterday and ran into a local big game outfitter. He was very unhappy with his new 6.5 Creedmoor hunting rifle. His store bought ammo was supposed to be giving him 2700fps. I told him I had bought a box of the same ammo years ago just to get the brass which was hard to come by then. The Hornady ELD-x Hunter ammo is very accurate BUt it is also very slow. It chronos as just a tad above 2500fps Not 2700. I was testing some reloads for my 6.5 Creedmoor and was getting 2725fps with a Sierra 140gr BTSP.No pressure signs and well below max load. I was getting 1/2" 4 shot groups at 100yds, with 3x resized hornady brass.He had several boxes of the factory stuff ($75/box)

 

[Murray Brook]

I have been using a chronograph since the mid 80's when they became affordable . I find then very useful when a load goes out of tune., and when changing lots of powder. Is it necessary, I would say no but nice to have to check things out.

 

[bloorooster]

I started out feeling like as long as I followed the published data and load info,
I was safe to load for groups. No loads I can think of for my rifles were at maximum limits. The groups were of satisfactory performance for my needs with most shooting much better than factory loads. I feel if one can keep themselves in the understandable position of safety and not push the envelope with specific data, it works..

Until one runs into a cartridge that doesn’t have much “hard cover” listed data. Then..the use of a chrono is actually the only thing you can really rely on to determine safe levels of pressure based on speed and known variables within.
I bought my first chronograph for this reason.
Once I saw what real answers were given concerning speed and energy, I can agree that, for the cost, it would be worth it to include in the reloading process.
We live and we learn…

 

[Jazzaferri]

I would think that hand loading with a slightly faster burning powder would minimize the difference between an 18 and 24 inch barrel. I have seen tests by reasonable guys in several calibres that gave about 25 fps per inch difference in favour of the longer barrels. Using same ammo.