Chronograph recommendation
- Thread starter firemn260
- Start date
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- Feb 4, 2013
- 28,175
True, accuracy versus repeatability.
BUT, normally, the error is on any given measurement. There is no connection between two measurements.
You are saying that if every round is at exactly 3000 FPS, and it was 1% error, it might read 2970 FPS, for every shot.
That is not how measurement errors are specified.
BUT, normally, the error is on any given measurement. There is no connection between two measurements.
You are saying that if every round is at exactly 3000 FPS, and it was 1% error, it might read 2970 FPS, for every shot.
That is not how measurement errors are specified.
Magnumite
Ultimate Member
I had an original Pact Chrono which did die after lotsa years. I was measuring into single digit MAD with magnum pistol rounds. Can’t get those numbers consistently with “loose” measurements.
A chrono is a tool to use reloading, not just a gee-whiz yardstick. Example: Using the chrono as a tool I have determined oldermagnum brass has been work hardened and allowing bullet creep.
I even used it as a speed measuring device in my automotive class to measure rc speeds in turns..but I digress.
I did replace that original Pact with another Pact. Still a good tool.
A chrono is a tool to use reloading, not just a gee-whiz yardstick. Example: Using the chrono as a tool I have determined oldermagnum brass has been work hardened and allowing bullet creep.
I even used it as a speed measuring device in my automotive class to measure rc speeds in turns..but I digress.
I did replace that original Pact with another Pact. Still a good tool.
Nanook
F-notso-NG-anymore
If the OP or anybody else gets a 'shoot over', make sure you triple check the height of the bore to the box. While obvious using iron sights, a mounted scope can throw folks off. I haven't shot mine yet but I've loaned mine a couple times to folks that shot theirs.
- May 15, 2007
- 24,570
I have been quite daring in the past with my chronograph at the AGC. I've actually set it up in front of my target @ 100 yards, and to the dismay of hopeful onlookers, never put it out of action.
Shooting Chrony used to give you credit in a trade in for a shot Chrony. Don't ask how I know. 
I am right now looking at a Caldwell Chronograph from Bass Pro, about $150. How far down range do these need to be set up?
85MikeTPI
Ultimate Member
I would typically set mine up about 3-5m from the bench. I have a 5m "headphone" cable that I used with the smartphone app for shot recording. I very much like the Caldwell and still use it on occasion. I stepped up to the magnospeed for more precision and ease of use at the public ranges, but the caldwell smartphone setup was the better of the 2..
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Ideally, 12 to 15 feet from the muzzle to avoid muzzle blast interference. For air rifles, I use five feet.
Seabee
Old Timer
Labradar. Pricey but I love the thing. All the data I need is right on my phone. You get what you pay for
IndispensableDestiny
Ultimate Member
I got a Labradar this year to replace my CED. It's great, but the iPhone app stinks. Fortunately, you don't need the app. I like that it provides up to 5 down range velocities out to around 50 yards. It does a good job with my crossbow too. 420 fps with a 490 grain bolt and tip!
sleev-les
Gata Needs His Gat
For you guys with the Labradar, how does it work with others on the firing line? As a radar unit, wouldn't it pick up other shooters, confusing the reading? Just curious because I've had my eye on this for some time, but just haven't pulled the trigger.
Scrounger
Active Member
The unit is positioned off to the side of the muzzle. Once set there is a time limit to fire. It has to be close enough to detect the muzzle blast. Then it has to be aimed fairly close to the intended target. The idea is so the radar doesn’t pick up any other firearms or projectiles.
With that said I haven’t used mine that much. However, it has never picked up any other firearms. The only issue I have had is setting it up correctly, as in aiming it. The last time it was set up on the Frontier Range at Peacemaker. The shooters to my right couldn’t have been more than four feet from the unit and it didn’t have any problems.
With that said I haven’t used mine that much. However, it has never picked up any other firearms. The only issue I have had is setting it up correctly, as in aiming it. The last time it was set up on the Frontier Range at Peacemaker. The shooters to my right couldn’t have been more than four feet from the unit and it didn’t have any problems.
sleev-les
Gata Needs His Gat
Thanks. That's good to know. That was my only lingering question on whether to buy one or not.
I do not own a Labradar.
But it would probably be my next chronograph, so I have made it a point to ask other shooters about how they like their unit.
Everytime I have seen someone using one, I ask this same question. Invariably, I've been told that picking up fire from other folks shooting, has not been an issue.
I have heard a number of times that "aiming" the unit can take a bit of getting used to though. I've seen a piece of straw mounted on one unit, to act as an aid, being used in the same way that one would bore sight a rifle with the bolt removed.
Aiming the LabRadar is indeed probably the hardest part of using it. Various places make a single plane sight for it so you can at least see where you're nominally pointing the thing. You can even get a mount to use a red dot for that purpose (good use for a spare TRS-25!).
One of these is still on my wishlist, but a new reloading press is likely to take precedence depending on bonus.
