Shot my Chronograph today...

[GaryL]

... it survived

Decided to get the ProChrono Bluetooth adapter - based on recommendations in this thread:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=807486&highlight=prochrono

Have to admit, it's pretty sweet. A couple things didn't work quite like I expected, but maybe I need to read the instructions?

Anyway, I really can't figure out what happened that I hit it. I was recording some 10mm rounds, through the middle and all on target with a decent pattern at 25 yds, and somehow hit the back left steel post for the screen. Folded it in half about as neat as you please. Literally, bent in half, one leg a little longer than the other, and the 2 legs tight together halfway down then fanned out slightly - like knock kneed. Sucked it out of the screen and unit without a dent or scratch. And sent it more than a few yds down range. By the time I thought to take a picture, I had already straightened it out. Not that it's really straight...
My Mechanical Engineering buddy who was there had a good laugh and made some comments about the physics of velocity and overwhelming force, etc, etc.

So, thanks to the folks who talked me into the bluetooth adapter!

 

[astocks2622]

Yep, i use wood dowels instead so I don't wreck the chrono. Think they're 1/8". You got lucky being unlucky... Often that cracks the chrono case or worse.

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[GaryL]

The wood dowels is a good idea. I probably saw that posted here somewhere along the way, and never gave it any thought. Now it's making a mental dent.

 

[jmorris]

If you chrono on a cloudy day you don't even need the sky screens.

I have a general rule to not chronograph ammunition that won't shoot decent enough groups to miss my chronographs.

 

[cfullgraf]

Yes, wood dowels are a good thing for chronographs with optical sensors. Cheap and easy to replace.

I've shot my chronographs when I got in a hurry. Two have expired from "lead poisoning" and I've clipped two sky screen supports.

There are two types of chronograph users. Those that have shot their chronographs and those that have not shot their chronographs yet.

 

[berettaprofessor]

Did you have a target beyond the chronograph? I use a target to help me aim through the chronograph and prevent "hits"

 

[hdwhit]

astocks2622 wrote:

Yep, i use wood dowels instead so I don't wreck the chrono.

Brilliant idea. Hope you don't mind if we borrow it. Thanks.

 

[9mmepiphany]

My general rule of chronographing ammo is to not try to place shots on target at the same time.

When focusing on a target, you tend to lose track of the "sweet spot" over the screens

 

[arspeukinen]

I shot my chrono twice with unstable lead bullets that did not catch rifling The important parts survived.


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[grover1a]

I shot my chrono once..that's all it took. A 30.06 clear thru it..

 

[jmorris]

Seems like most of the chronograph killers I know think the bullet needs to be close to the sensors. They can pick up the bullet from a foot above the sensors though.

 

[berettaprofessor]

My general rule of chronographing ammo is to not try to place shots on target at the same time.

When focusing on a target, you tend to lose track of the "sweet spot" over the screens

I attach my Chrono to a camera tripod so it can be raised exactly so the "sweet spot" is lined up with the target. That way when I concentrate on the target, I'm getting the readings I need while improving the chance I don't hit the chronograph.

I learned to do that from other "I shot my chronographs" here on THR, actually.

 

[jmorris]

Spend some time setting up targets like this and you'll know how to not hit your chronograph.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6E_c7zkZXc

 

[GaryL]

I attach my Chrono to a camera tripod so it can be raised exactly so the "sweet spot" is lined up with the target. That way when I concentrate on the target, I'm getting the readings I need while improving the chance I don't hit the chronograph.

I do it the same way. It wasn't quite perfectly straight though. The benches are raised up a couple feet from range, so we shoot down towards the berms, so my tripod doesn't get the Chrono quite high enough. I end up having to squat a bit to line up across it to the target. It's not ideal.

I did pick up a better tripod made for mounting stage lighting (it was on sale and cheaper than a lower end camera tripod). But I need to fab up a proper mount for the Chrono to make it work, which hasn't been a priority. At that time I will also make a deflection plate for the front of it, so there's now more motivation to move it up the priority list.

 

[ReloaderFred]

Sorry, but I don't have a good recipe for Chronograph steaks. I have some good ones for elk, though.............

Fred

 

[Dudedog]

When I chrono, all I worry about this shooting above the chrono.
I put mine on a camera tripod to get it just the right height.

Lots of inexpensive camera tripods out there for under $20


As a side note chronos contain small black holes that attract bullets, get the bullet to close and the black hole just sucks it right into the chrono.

Glad yours survived.
PS
I seem to recall someone saying Comp. Elec. will repair them for 1/2 the price of a new one if the worst happens.

OOppss may have been mistaken on the above or it might be 1/2 their High List Price. See Duvel post below.

 

[Duvel]

I seem to recall someone saying Comp. Elec. will repair them for 1/2 the price of a new one if the worst happens.

I tested that

CE will repair or replace for (at the time) $75, just a few dollar less than Amazon's price.

 

[straight-shooter]

Yep, I hit the sky screen post this year. Put a nice U shape in the middle of the post. Luckily no damage to the chrono case. This thread reminds me I need to get some wood dowels.

I also have the Bluetooth and dig it. I setup all my shots on my phone before leaving the house. Before I leave the range I email all the gathered info to my home email and download it when I get home.