I see several Chrono threads here but do not want to hijack them. Most fellas are trying to get advice on which to buy.
I have used a CED M2 and a ProChrono. They have both had their moments. Currently they are reading 100fps difference. I tend to believe the M2, but then it hasn't read for the past two range sessions,albeit borderline overcast conditions).
My first clue was when I was working a load for my .284W. The ProChrono read 2950fps using 162gr AMAX over 53gr of RL17 in a 26" Broughton. A very accurate load. I took it to the range and tried to shoot my Horus Atrag calculated data of 3.6 mils for 600m. I ended up needing 4 mils. No big deal. There are various reasons ballistic programs don't spit out true data. I used a common, tried and trued technique of manipulating my MV in the program to force Atrag to read 4 mils @ 600m. I ended up at 2850fps. I then chrono'd this load in the M2. Guess what? 2850fps.
Okay, no big deal. My three year old $80 chrono sucks. I had that one coming. But since, the M2 has been extremely problematic. Now, the only reason I care what velocity I'm at is to minimalise wind drift past 600m. The gun shoots well at 2850 and the drift is acceptable, so I'll leave it at that and just get on with the business of shooting.
But, this got me to thinking. I'm done with chrono's. If I have regular access to a 600m+ range, I will develop loads by loading to the most accurate load at 100m. Then, I'll shoot it at distance and reverse engineer the velocity by determining required elevation data. This will consequently give me the associated wind drift. When I find a load that combines acceptable accuracy and performance at distance, I'm done. This is what we doing in the end anyway.
Getting wrapped up in Chrono's is an unnecessary speedbump. I've wasted too much time trying to make friends with them. I was about one step from dripping cow blood on chicken bones and sacrificing the neighborhood cat to make peace with the "chrono gods". I suspect this is what many shooters are already doing. Just wondering where you all stand on this?
I have used a CED M2 and a ProChrono. They have both had their moments. Currently they are reading 100fps difference. I tend to believe the M2, but then it hasn't read for the past two range sessions,albeit borderline overcast conditions).
My first clue was when I was working a load for my .284W. The ProChrono read 2950fps using 162gr AMAX over 53gr of RL17 in a 26" Broughton. A very accurate load. I took it to the range and tried to shoot my Horus Atrag calculated data of 3.6 mils for 600m. I ended up needing 4 mils. No big deal. There are various reasons ballistic programs don't spit out true data. I used a common, tried and trued technique of manipulating my MV in the program to force Atrag to read 4 mils @ 600m. I ended up at 2850fps. I then chrono'd this load in the M2. Guess what? 2850fps.
Okay, no big deal. My three year old $80 chrono sucks. I had that one coming. But since, the M2 has been extremely problematic. Now, the only reason I care what velocity I'm at is to minimalise wind drift past 600m. The gun shoots well at 2850 and the drift is acceptable, so I'll leave it at that and just get on with the business of shooting.
But, this got me to thinking. I'm done with chrono's. If I have regular access to a 600m+ range, I will develop loads by loading to the most accurate load at 100m. Then, I'll shoot it at distance and reverse engineer the velocity by determining required elevation data. This will consequently give me the associated wind drift. When I find a load that combines acceptable accuracy and performance at distance, I'm done. This is what we doing in the end anyway.
Getting wrapped up in Chrono's is an unnecessary speedbump. I've wasted too much time trying to make friends with them. I was about one step from dripping cow blood on chicken bones and sacrificing the neighborhood cat to make peace with the "chrono gods". I suspect this is what many shooters are already doing. Just wondering where you all stand on this?
