How many reloaders chronograph

[hard h2o]

Looks good, although it is still in the path of an errant bullet.... That is one other thing about any chrono - you have to get it far enough away from the muzzle that the initial fireball isn't picked up by the skyscreens. And of course, the farther you have to move it away to get good readings, the smaller the margin of error becomes.

I appreciate all the information. It is something lacking in my reloading routine.

Funny, I just looked at chronographs on Cabelas site. They are listed under "Targets & Chronographs". Hopefully when I get one it will not turn into a target.

[OldmanFCSA]

Always buy two.

First one gets shot to put it out of your misery.

[Bearcatrp]

Always buy two.

First one gets shot to put it out of your misery.

Unless you buy a Labradar. that sits next to you so no worry shooting it.

[goalie]

If you don't chrono, you're not "reloading" you're "guessing."

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[dleong]

I'm still using the same Shooting Chrony F-1 that I acquired nearly two decades ago. Bought it for under $100, if memory serves. Apart from having to replace the flimsy stock three-segment skyscreens with more durable single-piece units, the chronograph has been rock-solid reliable. It's the basic unit without the remote readout, but the LCD display is large enough that the numbers are readable even from 10 feet away.

I use it for chronographing new loads and when making component changes to existing ones.

Haven't shot it yet though!

[LarryFlew]

Ditto on the F1 and due to the usual you are going to shoot it scare I bought a back-up years ago that never got used. Now that I said that I fully expect to blow the original away.

[andrewP]

I guess the closest choice in the poll for me is the "only when developing a new load" option. I almost exclusively load 9mm for USPSA. I take the chrono to the range whenever the bullet, powder, or primers changes, and prior to the MN Section match every year in order to re-verify velocity so that I won't have to be worried when they chrono my ammo at the match. Obviously since I'm looking to make a specific velocity, the chrono is crucial for me, but it just seems like good practice to use one when developing loads. As others have said, if you're not using a chrono, you're just guessing.

[Erud]

"Guessing" is good enough for at least 90% of shooting.

[andrewP]

"Guessing" is good enough for at least 90% of shooting.

Personally, I'd much rather know than guess. Maybe that's just because I prefer not to go sub-minor and end up shooting "not for score." Realistically, a basic chronograph is not expensive. A fancy dinner out with my wife sometimes costs more than I spent on my chrono.

[Erud]

"Guessing" is good enough for at least 90% of shooting.

Personally, I'd much rather know than guess. Maybe that's just because I prefer not to go sub-minor and end up shooting "not for score." Realistically, a basic chronograph is not expensive. A fancy dinner out with my wife sometimes costs more than I spent on my chrono.

Yes, please refer to the "90%" part of the post you quoted.

[acs75]

My father never used chronograph. He never had issues finding the perfect load for his application. Most reloader don't need chronograph. Best group Always wins. Fairly simple. Unless you're shooting long range or precision shooting then you don't need it. If you want to learn and find those nodes that get you more consistent poi at long range use one. Get your drops set quicker.
I use sporter magnetospeed. Never need to worry about shooting it. Setup in 2 minutes.
Get em used $130.
Warranty is great.