I want to buy a chronograph but don't know which one to buy. I want one that allows me to read the f.p.s. at my shooting bench, not on the chronograph itself. A printer is not important since I can download the info in my computer and print it out . I want something that is reliable and easy to use. Price is NOT a factor so please suggest what you think is the best chronograph. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I think the very best chronograph is the Oehler 35P. I very much like the proof channel feature, but it does require one extra sky screen.

The downside is that the 35P does not have a port from which one can download directly into an appropriate application. I fat finger the data from the printout into Excel, which isn't all that inconvenient unless maybe one were doing a LOT of chronographing.

I have a Pact which has a ballistic computer in it that exceeds my needs, but I love it anyway.
I like your attitude on price too...

Which Pact model do you have??

I have the PACT Profession Chonograph, and like I said above it is more than ideal for my needs. They have a website, I think it's www.pact.com

I have used the Pact professional, Chrony and own a Oehler 35P. The pact has to return to the maker fairly often for repair, it belongs to a shooting buddy. It stays inside the shooting room so not exposed to the elements. It is boxed up as I write this for another trip back. My original chrony was finally shot to death and took me out of my misery. I have had the Oehler for over 10 years, no problems. Would buy another without a second thought. It has seen a lot of use has been exposed to rain, cold, heat etc. Don't know if they have a computer hook-up or not.Rick.

I'v got the PACT Pro also and it does everything and more than I need. The printer is handy,I'v got printouts hanging all over the wall above my load bench for reference. Its nice being able to do "what ifs". It is somewhat light sensitive but scotch tape over the photo cells help.I'v been meaning to try experimenting with colored saran wrap but haven't got around to it yet. I wish it had AC/DC adapters. It'd be nice to be able to plug it into a cig lighter or hook directly to a 12 volt battery.
Jeff

I think highly of the PACT Pro myself and routinely subject one to SE's doom and gloom.

It has constantly amazed me...................

I think you want a CED Millenium Cronograph. Read about it here:

CED Millenium

You will be happy with the this one. Only reason to get the Oehler is is you want a second, proof channel.......but you will not need it.

I agree with Hogwild, and I`m very happy with my CED ! Ed <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I had a 15 year old Pact combination shot timer and chrono which they claimed did not need the diffuser screens. It was very frustrating to use at different times of the day. When it finally died I was happy. I am now a satisfied Oehler 35 owner. It has not failed to register a shot since I got it about 5 months ago, in all outdoor lighting conditions. I would haved liked the printer, but I can add that later. The Oehler is very easy to use, and I like the fact that the machine automatically starts when the skyscreen plugs are plugged in and it stops when they are removed. With the Pact I used to get to the range then find out that it had been left turned on and the battery was dead. I don't know if other companies now use the Oehler method for "on/off," but that is an advantage to me.

I agree with the guys that said CED Millenium. I have one and it works great. The sound feature is pretty cool, but with my ear muffs on, I can't quite understand what it is saying. With electronic earmuffs, I guess the sound feature would be useable.

CED Millenium with the IR screens.

I bought the CED Millenium with the IR screens. Now I'm waiting for delivery.
Thanks

I just ordered a CED also, but they're on back order till July.

I bought mine from Brownell it was in stock.
I beleave they are now out of stock.

You'll love it. I wish I had the IR screens for mine. (I noticed that Graf & Sons now has them in their catalog.)

I have had chronographs for a long time. The 1987 Pact 1 that I had gave wider velocity spreads so I bought new screens from Pact along with their 2' holder and then the velocities were too low. I called and got a stiff arm. I picked up the phone and called CED and got Jim who was very interested in everything to do with shooting. I was ready to order a CED when a used Oehler 35P came my way. The Oehler is outstanding but I am overrun with curly little tapes with data on them. It seems I just can't keep up with writing it all down. I am sure someone else could.

I am not sure if the computer recording ablity of the CED would help me but I am now in the Oehler boat. The data I get is 100% believable. It's a right answer.

I gave the Pact away. My friend sent it to Pact and they told him that they replaced the clock as it was wrong. When I called Pact they told me that the clock would be right on if it was running. I think the person I got on the phone at Pact was not having a good day.

Competition Electronics has a good one in my opinion.
The sky screeens sit up tall and wide.
Easy to read from the bench.
It will even measure a rock thrown throught it.
The neatest thing to me is the "DUPL" that will flash on the screen every now and then.

http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/852429

As you can see there are lots of good reasons I chose this one. Main thing is it works.
A chrony is a must if you relaod.
I went 2 years reloading before buying one.
All those targets are fine and well but they are missing the velocity and without that you can only guess as to where your bullet will be at 200 yards.

I also use a free download called "pointblank"
http://www.huntingnut.com/pointblank.html

regards,
Perry

Reconditioned Shooting Chrony direct from the factory for $49.95. I've never had trouble reading the velocity at 15ft, but you could use binocs. Haven't had a problem in the last four years. Until stolen had an Oehler Mdl 10. Was good equipment too.

Sooner or later you are going to shoot the chronograph.
Chrony will take it in trade for another rebuilt for around
$20 or so. A note pad makes a nice read only memory.
Good luck!

"Sooner or later you are going to shoot the chronograph."

Setup suggestion to prevent this dilema:

1. Setup in bags, rifle aligned perfectly with target, if not done already, sight rifle in for distance.
2. Remove bolt from rifle.
3. Set up chronograph by sighting over sensors until you see light centered through the bore: Just as you would in bore sighting but from the other end.
4. Adjust chrony/tripod until eye aligned path is 2-3 inches over sensors and centered between uprights.
5. Enjoy consistent readings and long chronograph life.

This is my daily setup. I get home with just enough time to set up and fire a few strings while the wind is calm and before it gets dark. I found that if the bullet path is too high over the sensors at dusk it would sometimes miss the readings.

This gets my bench setup time down to a couple of minutes rather than running back and forth from rifle to chrony and guessing where the bullet path is.

Shummy

Ah yes; If the bullet path is too high over the sensor...
On evening I was comoensating for this effect by shooting low into the chrony. No need to complete this story.
They took it back on trade inspite of the mess made by a 45ACP.
Good luck!

How is the Shooting Chrony Beta? I am looking for a Chronograph too and have seen this one, but noone has said much about it.

Another question while we are on this topic. What is the optimum distence to place the chrony?

Another one for the CED Millenium. Very easy to use & you can dump to Excel file after the session. Very Handy.

For the $$ better than Oehler IMHO.

Regards
JohnT

Drake,
I have a Beta. It will hold 6 strings, does SD, ES, AV, and fits in your glove box. I recall the ES, AV and individual readings of shots and write them on the side of the shot plotted target. Accurate? All I can say is I develop loads, and when finished enter the AV number into Exbal (ballistic program)and will be on paper at 1K. Additionally if the ES numbers it gives are small, I get short groups, if they are large, I get long tall groups. It works well for my application.

On the distance, I do not know what the optimum is. I set mine 10 feet from the muzzle....But I lay a sandbag on the bracket between the legs of the camera tripod. I shoot magnums.

Good Luck