Inexpensive Chronograph options

[REN]

wasnt sure where to put this so figured here would be a good start. Anyone have suggestions on a more inexpensive chronograph to use for getting rifle round speeds? LOVE the garmin features but $300-$600 is WAYYY more then what I want to spend lol.

It doesnt have to be fancy with averages etc. Just wanting something that will be pretty accurate so I can get some numbers on the factory loads im shooting, just trying to line up a more exact (or close to) drop rates for longer ranges. I fully understand you get what you pay for etc but surely there is something out there that will work ok for what Im trying to get for under $100.

 

[knightrider]

Competition Electronics ProChrono LTD Chronograph

The Competition Electronics ProChrono LTD Chronograph is the new generation of Competition Electronics' popular ProChrono model based on a time proven...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[nso123]

If you can save up a little more, I have seen Labradar units going for around $200. People are almost giving them away as they move to the Garmin.

 

[MUP]

Have you checked out the Magnetospeed chronographs?

 

[REN]

Have you checked out the Magnetospeed chronographs?

yeah a little over what I can spend.

 

[DaveTN]

Everyone is wanting those new garmins. So I'd put a WTB in the classifieds and see if something in the range you want to pay pops up.

Good luck.

 

[MUP]

$119 at Cabela's

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/caldwell-ballistic-precision-chronograph-with-bluetooth?ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=Cabelas%7CShopping%7CPMax%7CCatchAll%7CGeneral%7CNAud%7CHigh%7CNMT&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA6t-6BhA3EiwAltRFGMfnC2VKbEcc-dWlytiX_vDAT3UdsVckjbXMQKCjwwzC60Tb9NCjChoCePoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Jcalder]

I would save up and get a used Labradar. The magneto isn't bad, but if you use a can or brake it's pretty useless. The Caldwell option is basically what I started out with. It wasn't bad bad but I always felt I never got a consistent reading from sunny days, to cloudy days, how the shade was, etc. the magneto was leaps and bounds ahead of the Caldwell. The garmin is legit.

 

[Omega]

I would save up and get a used Labradar. The magneto isn't bad, but if you use a can or brake it's pretty useless. The Caldwell option is basically what I started out with. It wasn't bad bad but I always felt I never got a consistent reading from sunny days, to cloudy days, how the shade was, etc. the magneto was leaps and bounds ahead of the Caldwell. The garmin is legit.

What is the issue with the can or brake?

 

[Jcalder]

What is the issue with the can or brake?

The way the magneto hooks to the barrel. If you have a brake that's the same size as the barrel it isn't much of an issue. If you have a brake that's quite a bit higher than the barrel you can get the part that reads velocity close enough to read your shots. Same with a can.

 

[Omega]

The way the magneto hooks to the barrel. If you have a brake that's the same size as the barrel it isn't much of an issue. If you have a brake that's quite a bit higher than the barrel you can get the part that reads velocity close enough to read your shots. Same with a can.

Ah, ok. I attach mine to the forearm so can adjust it. I thought it was the blast from either of those (damage).

 

[Jcalder]

Ah, ok. I attach mine to the forearm so can adjust it. I thought it was the blast from either of those (damage).

I think there a mount that attaches to an arca rail, maybe an area 419 or something similar and you can do it that way. I don't use rails on the forearm and wanted the Garmin.

 

[Omega]

I think there a mount that attaches to an arca rail, maybe an area 419 or something similar and you can do it that way. I don't use rails on the forearm and wanted the Garmin.

I have that too, but my rifles are hunting rifles so only the forearm stud is available, I got an adapter to place it on that.

 

[Hammer]

I had a magento and now a Garmin. I would be leery a $100 chronograph would not be accurate or repeatable.
I'm normally not on the bandwagon for the latest greatness gadget, but the Garmin is worth it.
It works as advertised and is easy to use. I've shot countless rounds and it's not missed one yet.

 

[REN]

I had a magento and now a Garmin. I would be leery a $100 chronograph would not be accurate or repeatable.
I'm normally not on the bandwagon for the latest greatness gadget, but the Garmin is worth it.
It works as advertised and is easy to use. I've shot countless rounds and it's not missed one yet.

oh I totally get it. if I was into reloading (would like to some day just dont have the start up funds for it at the moment) I would invest more into it.

All Im trying to accomplish is getting the actual FPS from the 2 rounds I like out of my 6.5PRC so I can get my turret and BDC reticle info exact. Once im done with that I wouldnt be doing much more with it.

 

[Omega]

oh I totally get it. if I was into reloading (would like to some day just dont have the start up funds for it at the moment) I would invest more into it.

All Im trying to accomplish is getting the actual FPS from the 2 rounds I like out of my 6.5PRC so I can get my turret and BDC reticle info exact. Once im done with that I wouldnt be doing much more with it.

In that case, I'd get with someone with a lab radar or Garmin close to you to get those numbers. Buy the guy some lunch and use the rest on ammo.

 

[backyardtndeer]

I have a Caldwell, it is ok, but I would really like to get a garmin.

 

[nso123]

oh I totally get it. if I was into reloading (would like to some day just dont have the start up funds for it at the moment) I would invest more into it.

All Im trying to accomplish is getting the actual FPS from the 2 rounds I like out of my 6.5PRC so I can get my turret and BDC reticle info exact. Once im done with that I wouldnt be doing much more with it.

If this was my goal I would probably get someone to let me use a good one to get the data.

 

[Jcalder]

oh I totally get it. if I was into reloading (would like to some day just dont have the start up funds for it at the moment) I would invest more into it.

All Im trying to accomplish is getting the actual FPS from the 2 rounds I like out of my 6.5PRC so I can get my turret and BDC reticle info exact. Once im done with that I wouldnt be doing much more with it.

Confirming your drop will do all you need. Velocity helps get you in the ballpark but I wouldn't build a turret simply based on the velocity and a ballistic app. I would be more than willing to loan you my garmin, or meet somewhere and shoot and let you use it.

 

[Hammer]

I'm in Murfreesboro
If we can work it out we could meet up and use my Garmin.
Where do you shoot?