Chronograph setup hacks?

[JoeInTucson]

So I like using a chronograph as much as I can. The only downside is the time it takes to setup. My current one is the Caldwell with the bullets under it instead of over it. Works pretty well. But back to the original question. Deploying it is a pain. Lots of tweaking involved in getting the height and the unit square to the muzzle
typically set it up about 6 ft give or take from the muzzle. Just a sweet spot….
So how do you rapidly deploy your chronographs?

 

[Clancy]

I whip the garmin out of my pocket, push 3 buttons and set it down on the bench.

 

[precision1]

Like anything in this world.

Anytime someone ask me a question I say how much money do you want to spend cause otherwise it's all irrelevant.

But no even garmins are affordable for most

But still a serious question? Otherwise just spend time dragging stuff out and missing a few shots . really they all work fine

 

[jds holler]

I've got the basic Caldwell on a tripod. So far I'm with ya, it's a pain to set -- but here's what I've found for me.

I set my target first, then set my rifle on the bags or bipod aimed at the target. Remove my bolt, and then take the chronograph and set it up while looking back at my rifle to line up at the right height and windage. It's a lot easier and quicker with the pre-aimed rifle. jd

 

[JoeInTucson]

Well a new chronograph is on the list…but in the future. Going to use this one till then…….

 

[Straightshooter1]

I've got the basic Caldwell on a tripod. So far I'm with ya, it's a pain to set -- but here's what I've found for me.

I set my target first, then set my rifle on the bags or bipod aimed at the target. Remove my bolt, and then take the chronograph and set it up while looking back at my rifle to line up at the right height and windage. It's a lot easier and quicker with the pre-aimed rifle. jd

this ^^^^

This is is the method I found that worked best when I had an optical chrono. It's made much easier alignment.

 

[WayneShaw]

With gun in bags aimed at target, a simple length of string tied to a scope ring and pull the string long the barrel. Simple to see how to move the chrony into alignment.

 

[dave7mm]

So I like using a chronograph as much as I can. The only downside is the time it takes to setup. My current one is the Caldwell with the bullets under it instead of over it. Works pretty well. But back to the original question. Deploying it is a pain. Lots of tweaking involved in getting the height and the unit square to the muzzle
typically set it up about 6 ft give or take from the muzzle. Just a sweet spot….
So how do you rapidly deploy your chronographs?

Garmin first time out - 24hourcampfire https://share.google/rxfIXrvAYrEKp1VXi
There pictures on the first page that make chrono setups a smap

 

[BHP9]

When I used an optical chrono, one of the easiest things I did was to use 2 binder clips and the required length of para cord to measure the set the distance from the chrono to the muzzle.

When I used a rifle, I set the chrono 14 feet away from the muzzle, as the blast affected the readings.

I now use a Garmin. One minute to set it up. A great investment and my last. They don't get shot nor does muzzle blast affect it.

IO still have the PACT Professional which I really like and three Shooting Chrony's.

 

[charlie b]

You can find really inexpensive Labradars out there now days. I'd snatch one up. I still love my big orange box

Back when I did use the optical ones I setup the rifle in bags on target and then did a dance. Setup up the tripod chrono where it looked right. Sight down the barrel. Move chrono. Sight down barrel. Move chrono. Take a shot. No reading. Move shrono again. Take shot. Hopefully get a reading.

 

[LRPV]

I remember guys setting up their rifle centered on the target and using a laser bore sighter and a piece of cardboard cut to fit chrono window.

 

[Turkeytider]

My Athlon chronograph is my first and quite educational. Have really enjoyed using it. I knew that factory ammo was variable, but I really didn’t realize just much. Not just lot to lot but round to round.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

2 issues with my 30+ yo chrony ,1. setting up when other shooters are on the line 2. Other shooters want to shoot their rifles thru it( don't trust them not to shoot the equipment). Saving up for a Garmin/Athlon will solve both problems

 

[JMayo]

I set up a dummy target, shoot center only. If that load is on then it's on, no need in continuing with it . I was so afraid of shooting it.
I Used a laser bore sighter and a piece of target to center the shot.
My Caldwell g2 requires 12' min if i remember right. I still have it but i got a gramin.

I use a crono during load work up. And to let me know I'm still hand loading correctly a few times during barrel life.
Other than that it's just a toy i play with & i share it with others sometimes !

 

[rlporter507]

like some of you using something to align it works best. I aim the rifle at the target, slip in a laser bore sighter, and i made 2 pieces of plexiglass that velcro to the crono with a cross hair scratched at the proper height. then move the crono so the laser goes through or close to the cross hairs. first shot always registers.
Dont forget to take off the plexiglass!
then i got a garmin, 2 sec and im ready to go.

 

[coldboreshot]

I remember guys setting up their rifle centered on the target and using a laser bore sighter and a piece of cardboard cut to fit chrono window.

Exactly what I did back in the day. Just got tired of the set up. Moved on to Magnetospeed and now settled on Garmin.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

My Athlon chronograph is my first and quite educational. Have really enjoyed using it. I knew that factory ammo was variable, but I really didn’t realize just much. Not just lot to lot but round to round.

We’re going to get you to hand loading yet.

 

[Turkeytider]

We’re going to get you to hand loading yet.

LOL! If I was a few years younger and in better control of my faculties, you just might, KM!

 

[Gary in MD]

My new Athlon is the “stuff”
A couple seconds to set up, aim it down range and shoot. Hasn’t missed a shot yet!

 

[BHP9]

2 issues with my 30+ yo chrony ,1. setting up when other shooters are on the line 2. Other shooters want to shoot their rifles thru it( don't trust them not to shoot the equipment). Saving up for a Garmin/Athlon will solve both problems

If it was a good friend, I would shoot his rifle, all others were told that they are cheap enough to buy there own. You should have heard the complaining and that I was an A-hole. My response with that they were light in the cash department (only more expletive).