What's a good chronograph for the money?

[jeff43]

I'm just looking for a good simple one that's not expensive.I got a friend that has a Caldwell that works good. Edited March 31, 2016 by jeff43

[Doubs43]

I have the Shooting Chrony Beta Master that can be found for under $150. It stores shot strings of 10 with min., max, average and std deviation readouts as well as each individual shot. The screen is attached by a cable that allows it to be set on the bench for easy viewing and no danger of being accidentally shot. The screens are high with wide opening support posts to allow bullets to pass through with no chance of hitting them. Everything operates on a long lasting 9v battery.

 

Decide what features you really need and what you can do without. Then look at all the various models that satisfy your requirements. Once you've decided on a make & model, look for rebates, sales etc.

 

Good luck finding what you need.

[cj0e]

I've got a caldwell ballistic precision. It's certainly not the most amazing chrono, but it's light, easy to set up, and can connect to your phone to store data (android and apple, no windows phone support, sorry!)

 

Has been finicky in very overcast and very bright days, but usually works.

 

I've even shot my bow through and registered arrow velocities with success.

 

Best of all, it's cheap. Bought mine for about $50 on sale.

 

(note: the tripod is CRAP. toss it and use a good one. I use a vanguard alta pro 264 for photography. works just fine with the chrono)

[Jamie Jackson]

I have a Competition Electronics Prochrono and love that little sucker.

 

As a matter of fact I used it this morning out at ORSA...overcast, cloudy and shortly before a torrential downpour... worked great.

 

Here's a link to one at Midway, very fair price imho.

 

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/113204/competition-electronics-prochrono-pal-chronograph?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-Shooting+-+Chronographs%2C+Wind+Meters+%26+Timers-_-Competition+Electronics-_-113204&gclid=CKzR1Zj768sCFdgBgQodPdsI6w

[mikegideon]

I have a Competition Electronics Prochrono and love that little sucker.

 

As a matter of fact I used it this morning out at ORSA...overcast, cloudy and shortly before a torrential downpour... worked great.

 

Here's a link to one at Midway, very fair price imho.

 

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/113204/competition-electronics-prochrono-pal-chronograph?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-Shooting+-+Chronographs%2C+Wind+Meters+%26+Timers-_-Competition+Electronics-_-113204&gclid=CKzR1Zj768sCFdgBgQodPdsI6w

 

I have one too. It lies like Obama sometimes, but I always get a reading. Can't beat the price!

[deadeye111]

IMHO there is Oehler, then you have the rest but the Oehler aren't cheap. I have an older Oehler 33 that does a good job but would like to have the Oehler 35p. If I used it more I wouldn't hesitate to buy the 35p.

[battleop]

I'm doing research for a new chronograph.  I can tell you that the RCBS chronograph is the biggest pain in the ass to use.  I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

[mikegideon]

This is the one I rely on. Much better than an optical one...

 

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/628777/magnetospeed-v3-ballistic-chronograph

[Hozzie]

This is the one I rely on. Much better than an optical one...

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/628777/magnetospeed-v3-ballistic-chronograph

This if you can afford it. It's so much nicer to not have to take a tripod and worry bout walking in front of the firing line.

Only downside is it isn't good for pistols. I have a prochrono I keep around for that. Edited April 1, 2016 by Hozzie

[mikegideon]

This if you can afford it. It's so much nicer to not have to take a tripod and worry bout walking in front of the firing line.

Only downside is it isn't good for pistols. I have a prochrono I keep around for that.

 

The magnetic sensors is simply a better way to measure bullet speed too. I like the convenience at the range, but like the accuracy more. I kept my Prochrono for situations where the Magnetospeed doesn't work well.

[cj0e]

I'm just looking for a good simple one that's not expensive.I got a friend that has a Caldwell that works good.

 

I think a lot of these answers depend greatly on what you find expensive. What's your budget?

[crossfire]

This is the one I rely on. Much better than an optical one...

 

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/628777/magnetospeed-v3-ballistic-chronograph

This :up:

[mikegideon]

This :up:

 

Fits into the "Cry once" category.

[jeff43]

I want to spend around $80 to $120 on one.Just one to use every now and then. Really don't want to spend $300 on one.It would be different if I used one several times
a week.

[mikegideon]

I want to spend around $80 to $120 on one.Just one to use every now and then. Really don't want to spend $300 on one.It would be different if I used one several times
a week.

 

That's what I thought :)

[superduty]

I have a Competition Electronics Prochrono and love that little sucker.

As a matter of fact I used it this morning out at ORSA...overcast, cloudy and shortly before a torrential downpour... worked great.

Here's a link to one at Midway, very fair price imho.

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/113204/competition-electronics-prochrono-pal-chronograph?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-Shooting+-+Chronographs%2C+Wind+Meters+%26+Timers-_-Competition+Electronics-_-113204&gclid=CKzR1Zj768sCFdgBgQodPdsI6w

That's what I use too. Try not to shoot it though.

[ReeferMac]

LOL! And to think I was getting into reloading to SAVE money. :wall:

 

- K
 

[Jamie Jackson]

LOL! And to think I was getting into reloading to SAVE money. :wall:

 

- K
 

 

Where in the world did you ever get that idea from??? :dropjaw:

 

No my friend...shoot more! And always have access to ammo...at a much more affordable cost.

 

You'll love it! :cheers: