I joined an outdoor shooting range that allows the use of a chrony. I've been handloading for about a year now and want to kick it up a notch. So, what are you guys using that you are happy with? I want to stay pretty basic....no printer, but a wired (or wireless?) remote. Thanks
BTW, I'll be using it strictly for handgun loads.
I use the CHRONY F1 Master with a wired remote display. It was only $75 back then. I has worked well but low light and battery can cause poor performance. I managed to shoot it recently striking the upper portion of the rear sensor, I was able to put it back together and working again. One thing I need to investigate is why I am not getting my other readings when using the function switch...could be the phone cable or a connection issue.
Buy what you can afford to lose if it gets shot! :o
I also have a CHRONY and it has served me well. Despite the fact that I shot it once upon a time.
I have the Caldwell kit, and I like it quite a bit. A friend of mine has the magnetospeed but it's best for rifles. Since it clamps onto the barrel.
One thing you need to decide is are you using this outside. Or inside at a public range. Ranges don't generally let you walk out and set up your stuff. That makes the magnetospeed kind of a nice option.
They do have an option for pistols
I've been using a ProChrono from Competition Electronics.
Picked up my first one back in the 90's off a prize table. It's been shot twice (once by me and once buy a buddy of mine) The first time I sent it back, cost me $35 to have it rebuilt. (1 sky screen and a new housing) When my buddy shot it, it was totaled. They offered a updated replacement for something like $70 IIRC.
Still using it.
Jeff
I am in the same boat as you. Been loading for a year and want to match my loads to my pistol. I bought a Caldwell. It works great and has a chord to plug into my Android phone. It records all my shot groups for printing, export to XLS and immediate daily. Very happy with it.
I've also got Competition Electronics Pro Chrono and a Digital Link - paired with a tablet / phone it's an easy to use setup that just works.
Some screen shots of the app: http://webcity.net/benchrest/digital_link/digital_link.html (http://webcity.net/benchrest/digital_link/digital_link.html)
For current production models, I have the CED Millenium which works pretty well and the Magnetospeed. I like the Magnetospeed better for rifles and revolvers because it doesn't need light to function. I live just outside Fairbanks, Alaska and while chronographs work up here in the summer, the angle of the sun can cause issues, so I prefer to use the Magnetospeed. Won't work with semi-auto handguns but works fine with my revolvers.
Better yet, enter the MyLabRadar chronograph. I will eventually buy one of these as they don't need light to work either. Production is limited right now and they are taking orders for their second production run. I'm gonna wait a little longer to make sure they have worked all the bugs out but preliminary reports you can find online are promising. You set it up on your left or right, aim it at your target and fire away. The radar does the rest. No screens to shoot through or any need to go downrange or beyond the firing line to set up.
Of course, the long time classic chronograph is the Oehler 35. Arguably, the standard by which all other commercial chronographs are judged. I hear it is a hassle to set up too. The web site Accuratereloading.com has a chronograph thread going on right now too in the reloading forum if you want some other opinions.
http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2511043/m/7541022512
Quote from: sep on December 12 2015 10:40:31 AM MSTI live just outside Fairbanks, Alaska and while chronographs work up here in the summer, the angle of the sun can cause issues,
Yep. I'm down in the Pacific NW and that's a frustrating issue here as well.
I just bought an infrared light kit and hope to test it over the Christmas break.
If the light kit proves inconsistent then it's LabRadar.
I have an Oehler that is 10 yrs old or so
Money well spent
I have used it for shotgun and black power as well with no issues
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c176/Travelinman/Reloading%20room/BCD5EB98-B236-4F6C-B5B9-B95C134926CB_zpso9o3x6ok.jpg)
Set up is fast, just 3 quick plugs. I have them color coded
I have really enjoyed my Magneto speed, check it out.
Yup, another Oehler 35 user here. Had it for 20 years.
I've had a chrony for over a decade, it has given me great service in that time. It even survived a .40 round from my buddy.
Quote from: BillinOregon on December 17 2015 01:21:54 PM MST
Yup, another Oehler 35 user here. Had it for 20 years.
At least that long and going strong.
Get one and don't look back.