What is your choice???

[DaveH14]

Being new to reloading I've caught the bug. My first loads performed well. BUT..... what chronograph do you use to document speed of your custom loads? I'm not a match shooter, just am interested in a reliable unit that I can accurately record data to customize my loads for my AR. Ease of use and affordable are always good purchase points. FMJ, Spitzer, Hollow point, Clad, V Max Oh the possibilities. lol

 

[barnfrog]

I really like my Magnetospeed Sporter, but am itching to try the used Shooting Chrony F1 I recently picked up. Thinking I'll use the Sporter for rifle and the F1 for handgun.

 

[Chuck R.]

Budget??

I've got an older Oehler 35P that's been a great chronograph. A couple years ago I bought a LabRadar and haven't looked back. The ease of setup makes chronographing loads a lot less painful, which translates into doing it more. It also allows for practicing while getting MVs. Here we're engaging TGTs from 300 to 760 yards while getting MVs.



Which again aids in obtaining multiple data points, for "more better" data over a wider temperature range. The ability to download reports from an SD card really makes record keeping easy. I use MS Excel for my load development and record keeping. I import the data sheets from the LabRadar making them tabs on the load book for that rifle.

 

[ParallelCode]

I have a LabRadar. I have only used it a couple times, but it's nice on a range you don't have to yourself.

 

[EricBu]

The cheapest one on amazon, then buy the stupid extended warranty. Then replace every 2 or 3 months when your buddy shoots it without worry. Or drop coin on a labradar, and never take it anywhere where you might share it.

 

[Mark_Mark]

The cheapest one on amazon, then buy the stupid extended warranty. Then replace every 2 or 3 months when your buddy shoots it without worry. Or drop coin on a labradar, and never take it anywhere where you might share it.

100% agree! Amazon Chono with extensions 2 year warranty, then when you shoot it, return for a new one!

Reason for Return:
Stop working
Design has holes in it
Kept getting the way

 

[kcofohio]

100% agree! Amazon Chono with extensions 2 year warranty, then when you shoot it, return for a new one!

Reason for Return:
Stop working
Design has holes in it
Kept getting the way

Or, no longer lead free.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Or, no longer lead free.

NICE! reason:

Rattling inside

 

[hdbiker]

The first chrono I bought was a SHOOTING CHRONY BETA with remote cable read out. I hated it from the beginning, error messages or no messages at all. I was glad when I hit one of the screen posts with my .243 and destroyed it. now I have the cheap Caldwell and it works much better

 

[Mark_Mark]

The first chrono I bought was a SHOOTING CHRONY BETA with remote cable read out. I hated it from the beginning, error messages or no messages at all. I was glad when I hit one of the screen posts with my .243 and destroyed it. now I have the cheap Caldwell and it works much better

the cheap $80 green Caldwell! love that thing! until I shot it

 

[Hugger-4641]

I did not get the Magneto Speed because I wanted to switch easily between pistol and rifle. I also am not ready to drop the $ for Lab Radar.
I am not limited by range rules, so I use the Caldwell. A lot of ranges will not allow you to place a chronograph downrange. So if that's your situation, a Magneto Speed or Lab Radar might be better choices.

 

[thump_rrr]

I have both, a Chrony Gamma Master with remote display, printer and LED lights for indoor use and a Labradar which is also well worth the price.
Due to some crappy range setups I need both.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Okay, since other folks have chimed in with the same advice, I’ll throw this out there: you’ve got two choices, go cheap and put up with the quirky stuff or, go expensive knowing you’ll never be able to use the device to its full potential. Going with the middle price compromise option will make you miserable. Quirky and over features laden - mostly ones that don’t work right.

 

[marchboom]

Oehler 33. Still working great. But if I were to get a new one it would probably be a LabRadar for it's ease of setup.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Oehler 33. Still working great. But if I were to get a new one it would probably be a LabRadar for it's ease of setup.

if I was him, get together with 2-3 buddies and go halfs of a Lab. You won’t use it everyday

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

if I was him, get together with 2-3 buddies and go halfs of a Lab. You won’t use it everyday

I've tried going in with someone else when purchasing tools or equipment. It doesn't work out.
Whoever has it is the one that doesn't want to use it. Ya gotta go fetch it before you can use it. It breaks, and nobody is responsible.

On the other hand, I have a brother in law who splits a lawn mower with the guy across the street from him. It's worked out fine for 20 years.

I wouldn't do it.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I've tried going in with someone else when purchasing tools or equipment. It doesn't work out.
Whoever has it is the one that doesn't want to use it. Ya gotta go fetch it before you can use it. It breaks, and nobody is responsible.

On the other hand, I have a brother in law who splits a lawn mower with the guy across the street from him. It's worked out fine for 20 years.

I wouldn't do it.

I’m doing it with my brother! should be fine

 

[twarr1]

#1 choice - LabRadar. (I’m hoping it doesn’t become the Glock of chronographs). For a more economical choice, Competition Electronics is hard to beat. They’ll repair it for 1/2 price when you shoot it. Ask me how I know.
The DLX model has built in Bluetooth so you can run it from your phone without the wire.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I’m doing it with my brother! should be fine

Family is one thing. Neighbors is another. Some guy you know is completely different.

 

[lordpaxman]

I upgraded to the LabRadar and hope it lasts forever. Before that I had a ProChrono with Bluetooth, the app made it real easy to get the data from the chrono without reading and writing numbers down. Either will work well for you. Good luck.