Chronograph help CED or Pact

[280man]

Let me know which one you are using and how you like it I need to buy one and would like to get it right the first time
Thanks

 

[Dans40X]

Oehler 35P is my only choice for chronographs.
I have a NIB complete spare just in case something goes array with my original.

 

[js223]

Just so you know, the Oehler 35 is no longer available new. You'll have to find a used one for sale if you want one. The only new chronographs Oehler sells are huge dollars, as they are catering to the professional market now. But they will sell some spare parts if you buy a used one.

 

[280man]

are there any current production models from anyone that are any good?

 

[CPorter]

I have two CED Millennium chronos, one a new M2. The older one has worked well for several years. The new is a bit touchier at the moment but still works well. I don't recommend the tripod they sell but a beefer Velbon VG3 or something similar. The sunscreens have a bit of sail area to them so a stout and heavy tripod helps a lot in the wind. A good head on the tripod helps level it out and get it aligned quickly.

 

[js223]

I had recommended to me by an engineer, to use either an Oehler or CED. Have been using ProChrono, but recently bought a used Oehler M33. That is the predecessor to the 35, it uses 2 screens and doesn't have the proof channel. It didn't come with the diffusers, which is why I know Oehler still sells some parts for the discontinued models. I've compared it to the ProChronos and it reads higher than they do. The Oehler has a 4' spacing between skyscreens, while the ProChrono, being an integrated unit, has just 1' spacing. Therefore the Oehler 'should' be more accurate as it is taking a larger sample. Having only used the Oehler twice so far, I am a little concerned about how many errors it's giving. Yesterday I tested it against 2 ProChronos, 24 shots total and it had 4 errors. The ProChrono just missed 1 of those shots. Batteries were almost new and quite strong as checked by meter.

I'll second the value of a sturdy tripod, as I've had the little ProChrono blow over more than once, mounted on a light camera tripod.

 

[alf]

I've had an Oehler 33 since they first came out. Sometimes you need to shield the unit from some guns that seem to have more "concussion" to them, or if you have a shaky bench, which tends to miss a reading and flash error instead.
Also, the further apart the skyscreens the more accurate the readings. Inside the unit is a switch that you set for the screen spacings, which will go up to 10 feet. As soon as I got mine I bought a 10 foot piece of conduit, cut it in thirds, and bought two connectors to make it a more convenient package to haul around. Plus I use the 10 footer to measure from the muzzle to the first screen.

Al

 

[280man]

what about the Pact?

 

[280man]

HELP

 

[CPorter]

280man,

The Pact, Chrony, CED and the PVM-21 will all measure velocity and most get good reports. Some are more accurate, some more repeatable and others combine both to a degree.

What do you want to do with your chronograph? How are you going to use the information? My recommendation is to look at the various models and look at the features they offer. How do you get the data from them so you can use it?

When someone shoots it, how easy is it to get replacement parts and how much do they cost?

I chose the CED because, at the time, it was the only model I found that I could down load the data into a spreadsheet or a load database and it did everything I needed it to do for under $300. If you are starting out with reloading and thinking of competition later it's a good choice in combination with the RSI Shooting Lab. Jim Ristow has been very patient and helpful with me and my questions. He has also provided top notch service via e-mail or phone as OS changes mess things up with the database.


Check here: http://www.shootingsoftware.com/