Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Best Chronograph Readings

What are the best conditions for getting accurate chronograph readings? Sunny, cloudy, or doesn't make a difference? Also, does having your chronograph perfectly level make a difference? I've always just eyeballed it.

Depends on the style of chrono you are using. A chrono with light sensors is normally upset with direct sunlight. A cloudy overcast day is perfect for those type as it provides good ambient light.

The Magneto Speed chrono, for instance, uses magnetic induction sensors and is not affected by anything except spacing.

Getting them level is a good idea but not ultimately critical. I have used both types in the rain with no adverse effects.

I have a Caldwell chronograph. I am not 100% sold on it, but thats another story.

The BEST results I have had with it were in complete shade, no direct sunlight at all under a shade canopy.

Some light-screen chronographs are far less sensitive to cloud and sun than others.

When I use my Oehler 35P (which is a fabulous chronograph) on sunny days, I have to seriously watch the overhanging tree branches at the rifle range.

Overcast and away from the trees works best for my 35P.

Steve

I never worry about my Oehler 35. The only times it wouldn't read are when I didn't plug in the leads correctly. There's start, mid, and stop. Done it a couple of times.

This topic made me aware of my insufficient data collecting. I learned to document everything, not just load and velocities. It has become apparent to me when same powder and primer lots, bullets, seating depth... then seeing velocities vary more than expected from outing to outing, there is a reason. Temp/ sunny / cloudy / wind / humidity...... By them selves might be trivial, but when the sum equals more than the parts, you realize you dropped the ball. The devil is in the details. I'm not an A student, so me learns more slower than I want to admit to.

I just broke down and ordered the magnetospeed sporter model, which is significantly less expensive than their flagship model, because I'm tired of light conditions giving me fits with my pro chrono. All and all it was a good chrono but I hope the magnetospeed will give me accurate readings and I don't have to wait for the right conditions to have "chrono days"

at 180 bucks, if this thing works as claimed, I don't know why anybody would mess with any skyscreen chrono other than an oehler

I'm still holding out for the Labradar.

Here's some data I collected today with a Sporter and Oehler.

Just got mine this week.

Brownells has them is stock.

Now, if it would just quit raining...

DF