Dale Gribble
Can't starve us out; Can't make us run
Charter Member
Supporting Member
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Need to get one....
Any recommendations?
Any recommendations?
Chronograph
- Thread starter Dale Gribble
- Start date
- Replies 11
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nbkky71
Well-Known Member
I've really liked my MagnetoSpeed but I limit it's use to rifles only. I went with the sporter model with the iPhone app as I don't need to store numerous strings of data or the rapid fire capability of the standard model.
I still have my old PACT model with skyscreens though. Comes in handy from time to time.
I still have my old PACT model with skyscreens though. Comes in handy from time to time.
FatboyFlash
Senior Member
https://www.amazon.com/Competition-Electronics-539009-SSI-Pro-Chrono/dp/B000P9WFQI
I use this one and it’s always been accurate. The next model up has some cool features but I’ve never had the need.
I use this one and it’s always been accurate. The next model up has some cool features but I’ve never had the need.
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I have the Caldwell chrono that I really like. I use it with my iPhone. The app on the phone is necessary if you want shot string statistics, like standard deviation and extreme spread. The chrono by itself will only display that last shot velocity. The chrono uses a cable plugged into the headphone port on the phone. They have a newer model that cost more but has the chrono on top and the screens on the bottom, that is supposed to alleviate most of the lighting issues you get with most optical chronos.
The Competition Electronics is a nice unit that will do shot string statistics without a smartphone or computer, but can be connected to either via a cable or bluetooth interface.
One big disadvantage with optical chronos is that they must be in front of the firing line, which may not be an option at some ranges. Also, this means the bullets must pass in close proximity and leaves it vulnerable to being accidentally destroyed by an errant shot. You must always keep in mind that the sight line is above the bullet path. I always shoot from a rest, even with a pistol, so that I am less likely to pull a shot and hit my chrono. Also, if used at an indoor range, overhead fluorescent lighting can cause errors.
The magnetospeed works well for rifles and some handguns, but must be mounted to the gun. This can cause a slight shift in point-of-impact for some rifles. Lighting does not affect it.
My favorite is the Labradar. It uses doppler radar to measure the velocity, and can actually measure the velocity downrange. It can do 223 bullets to about 75 yards, and 45 caliber bullets to well past 100 yards. It stands next to the gun so no chance of hitting it. I have played with one using their app on my iPhone, and find it much easier to use the app than to use the front panel user interface on the unit, at least for me. If I ever get $600 I don't need, I will buy one.
The Competition Electronics is a nice unit that will do shot string statistics without a smartphone or computer, but can be connected to either via a cable or bluetooth interface.
One big disadvantage with optical chronos is that they must be in front of the firing line, which may not be an option at some ranges. Also, this means the bullets must pass in close proximity and leaves it vulnerable to being accidentally destroyed by an errant shot. You must always keep in mind that the sight line is above the bullet path. I always shoot from a rest, even with a pistol, so that I am less likely to pull a shot and hit my chrono. Also, if used at an indoor range, overhead fluorescent lighting can cause errors.
The magnetospeed works well for rifles and some handguns, but must be mounted to the gun. This can cause a slight shift in point-of-impact for some rifles. Lighting does not affect it.
My favorite is the Labradar. It uses doppler radar to measure the velocity, and can actually measure the velocity downrange. It can do 223 bullets to about 75 yards, and 45 caliber bullets to well past 100 yards. It stands next to the gun so no chance of hitting it. I have played with one using their app on my iPhone, and find it much easier to use the app than to use the front panel user interface on the unit, at least for me. If I ever get $600 I don't need, I will buy one.
I grabbed the ProChrono Digital when it went on sale for just shy of $100. It is said to work best on overcast days but it picks up readings just fine in sunlight.
All the readings are in roughly 5 fps increments. I'm going to venture a guess that it is unable to divide time fine enough to distinguish 1 fps. Other than that it works fine. The difference between the Digital and the Pal is that the Digital will store 9 strings of up to 99 shots each. I think the Pal model will only store one string.
While I would love the LabRadar, I can buy a lot of components with the $500 price difference. I might eventually do that anyway. I'm just waiting to shoot up the Digital first.
All the readings are in roughly 5 fps increments. I'm going to venture a guess that it is unable to divide time fine enough to distinguish 1 fps. Other than that it works fine. The difference between the Digital and the Pal is that the Digital will store 9 strings of up to 99 shots each. I think the Pal model will only store one string.
While I would love the LabRadar, I can buy a lot of components with the $500 price difference. I might eventually do that anyway. I'm just waiting to shoot up the Digital first.
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I have the ProChrono DLX which has Bluetooth built in. The App really makes this thing great! It’s super easy to use and I like how everything is stored in the app for me. No need for manual logs, downloading anything later, resetting between shots, it’s just very easy.
I also like that you can tie a picture to each test, I do pics of the grouping when I’m load developing.
I also like that you can tie a picture to each test, I do pics of the grouping when I’m load developing.
The Caldwell app has similar features.
All shot groups can be saved, and listed together with a short summary.
Selecting one of the shot groups pulls up a screen with all the information and statistics on that group.
All shot groups can be saved, and listed together with a short summary.
Selecting one of the shot groups pulls up a screen with all the information and statistics on that group.
OP
Dale Gribble
Can't starve us out; Can't make us run
Charter Member
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Thanks, all!
Went with the ProChrono DLX.
Went with the ProChrono DLX.
does anyone make something like the magnetospeed that attaches to a pistol?
I believe the Magnetospeed has some options for mounting to a pistol, particularly if there is a rail, but some guns it is just not possible to mount it.
