Finally bought a chronograph

[dannyd]

Right now I am 3,1,1.

Three shot
One just quit working
One works.

 

[.308 Norma]

I would just add this bit of advice. To ensure maximum longevity of your purchase don’t let your buddies shoot through it.

Obviously, I'm not going to let some of my "buddies" on THR shoot through my chronograph.
I'm kind of having a hard time believing how many folks here have shot their chronographs. I've had mine for probably 30 years, and it's never been shot (knock on wood). Yet several of the posts here make it seem like when you buy a chronograph you should buy a spare because sooner or later, one of them is going to take a bullet!

Chronos to me are fun, crank out very useful info and provide a small increase in safety if you’re a reloader.

I don't know how "useful" the information was, but it was indeed "fun" (and interesting) the time I shot my Sheridan "Blue Streak" pellet rifle across my chronograph on the back porch. I started with 3 "pumps," and added one more pump for every shot until I got to 10. I found that each additional pump added a very linear increase (I don't remember what it was) in velocity of the pellet until I got to 9 pumps. At nine pumps the velocity increases started to flatten a bit, so I've decided to just stick with 8 "pumps" for my most powerful "loads." 6 or 7 pumps kills starlings in the current bushes 25 yards from the back door just fine anyway.

 

[Blue68f100]

You can use a bore sighter to check your bullet path if needed. I always set mine up so the scope line of sight is 6-8" over the lowest target I will be shooting at. What I have found if I get too far off center it misses readings before I come close to the sun screen supports.

You can always mount the unit upside down of on it side to shield it from the sun. Just need a good tripod to support the weight.

 

[Necessary_Nutrient]

The Competition Electronics Pro Chrono is a very effective, affordable device. The key to the Pro Chrono with the 4 arms is determining whether it's clear and sunny OR overcast.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1022289790

IF it's clear and sunny you NEED the 2 pieces of plastic mounted on the 4 arms.

IF it's overcast, you should leave those OFF.

IF it's mixed cloudy and cycles between those two conditions, it can be challenging to get consistent results but it's more likely that sunlight will cause it to fail with the plastic pieces not mounted than a partial overcast will cause it to fail when they are mounted. That's my experience. Honestly, if the conditions are consistently clear OR overcast, it should work well. This is all covered in the directions, also pay attention to the suggested distances from the muzzle.

 

[rfwobbly]

It really helps to set up a target to aim at. Then visually insure than if you hit the target you won't be hitting the chrono.

 

[nhcruffler]

I use a recharge USB battery thing ( power pack , that i had,)and bought an adapter cable off Amazon. Now I can leave the chrono on all day and never have to purchase new batteries for it.

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

I use a recharge USB battery thing ( power pack , that i had,)and bought an adapter cable off Amazon. Now I can leave the chrono on all day and never have to purchase new batteries for it.

Excellent idea. I'm off to find adapters...

 

[Larry in wyoming]

I keep thinking of buying one. But it's kinda like a bore scope "do I really want to know?"

 

[lordpaxman]

I keep thinking of buying one. But it's kinda like a bore scope "do I really want to know?"

Ignorance is bliss? If only I knew when I shouldn’t look….
I resisted the urge for quite a while (25 years?) but am glad when I crossed over to the dark side. Although it doesn’t tell you pressure, V is directly related. The stats can give you measure of your process, for me I need to know PF and for long range, V.

 

[Larry in wyoming]

I actually did have to buy a bore scope. I was looking for a dead mouse in the vents in my truck. Most of my rifle bores are fine. I'm not sue about the "chamber" of my muzzle loader. The barrel of my 308 though.... lots of chatter marks the full length. But it still shoots so....but now I know they're there.....