Thread: Chronograph advice

Originally Posted by cbfb

I am just starting out with reloading and am looking at getting a chronograph.

Having never used one before I am looking for recommendations on what model to get. There are a few options online:

Prochrono DLX
Prochrono Digital
Caldwell Ballistic Precision

There may be others?

I've been reading Nathan Foster's book "The Practical Guide to Reloading" and he suggests an F1 Chrony. They get good reviews but don't seem to be available any more?

I am loading for a suppressed 243 (Tikka T3x) just hunting loads not target shooting so I'm looking for something good enough but not fancier than I need.

There was a thread a couple years ago about this - a lot of people were on about F1s and Magnetospeed ones but they go for a grand, out of my budget really.

Are the cheaper ones I've mentioned good enough for developing a hunting load?

Also some have Bluetooth - is it any good? I run an Android phone, any experience pairing and using the apps?

I know I can probably get away without one but with the cost and availability of components the way it is, I think it would be a good investment to save waste. Also time is a really big factor for me, anything I can do to save a bit of time at the range is worth it. I know there's a forum one but I don't really get to choose when I get a free afternoon so having my own means I can just grab whatever time is available.

I followed the same route that you are on now about 3 years ago. I wasted a lot of components, created a lot of frustration and still could not get definitive answers from what exactly was happening with my hand loads. I eventually sold the optical crony and borrowed a Magnetospeed. They are expensive but you will save in the longer run. If it is outside of your budget, see if you can borrow someone elses.

I 100% agree with @Moutere, if you can find a place to shoot out to say 500-600m, rather use the bullet drop to calculate your velocities.

Optical crony’s work, but you have to be aware of the impact if clouds, direct sunlight, and if your do not properly shoot at the correct height over it - many variables to manage…


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