Do I need a chronograph?

[Jay Christopherson]

I debated where to post this, but since this is not a question of which chronograph to purchase or a question about how to use a chronograph, I settled on this forum. The question here is: Do I need a chronograph for load development?

I get the usefulness of a chronograph. I'm shooting F-Class, so precision load development is definitely of interest. So far, I have not been using one to develop loads and while my results have been satisfactory (if not world beating), I'm wondering if the use of a chronograph might help me to develop that Nth level of precision loads.

I'm just trying to see what it will tell me that I do not already know. I already know that I am not having pressure issues. I already know that my rifle likes a certain load neck tension and a certain OAL. I know that my load is pretty darn near to a predicted OBT (if you are into optimum barrel time) and I've found a decent sweet spot. There are lots of things that I know about my load from the development I have done without a chronograph.

Really, the only thing I don't know is how fast my load is. I know what Quickload tells me it should be, but that's just a best guess I imagine.

So, I'm just looking for some input on how having a chronograph would help me to develop a better load than what I have now. I happen to have the money available to purchase one, but I am sort of on the fence about needing it.

I should mention that I like toys and I like precision measurements, but if that's all a chronograph will give me, then I am not sure it is worth the expense. If it will help me in some way to be more precise and get more out of my rifle, then it's a worthwhile investment.

 

[cmillard]

absolutely--you should have a chrony. i had a cheap Shooting Chrony (F-1) and hated it. i then went and bought a CED millenium and love it. great investment. not only does it show velocity, but es/sd, and i can print and save all my strings of fire.

 

[NateHaler]

I

I get the usefulness of a chronograph. I'm shooting F-Class, so precision load development is definitely of interest. So far, I have not been using one to develop loads and while my results have been satisfactory (if not world beating), I'm wondering if the use of a chronograph might help me to develop that Nth level of precision loads.

Until you know you have the velocity required to shoot the distance required, you're only guessing. What you want is the most accurate load that has the velocity you need. You can't measure the latter without a chronograph, unless you infer results from the target. (For example, sideways bullet holes are crummy, unless they group small...)

That's my opinion, and worth exactly what it cost you.

 

[TheBlueEyedBear]

I think I have had them all; Shooting Chrony, CED, Oehler, and now the AWESOME PVM-21 sold by NECO
http://www.neconos.com/index.html
I should have listened to that saying, "buy the best and cry once".

But I agree, until you know the SD/ES of your loads, it's kinda like spitting in the wind. In other words, accuracy is NOT a guessing game.

 

[Steve Blair]

TBEB is correct. Quality only hurts once. I dislike ambiguity and value precision highly. The Kurzzeit PVM-21 is the best chronograph that I have used and I have also been through most of them.

I have cited the old QA maxim before here and probably will again; "That which you do not measure does not get fixed."

 

[Jay Christopherson]

Wow, thanks for the replies guys! I guess I'll invest. I'm definitely a buy-once, cry-once type so I'll check out that PVM-21- I had been intending to get a CED, but I'm always on the lookout for good recommendations.

 

[jo191145]

Good Call PM

Once you get one you'll realize exactly what it can do for you.
For long range its a requirement.
Short range you can do without if you feel you must.
I'm just a short range guy but I feel naked without a chrono in front of my gun.

 

[Chuckhunter]

PM Once had a great load worked up for my 7MM-08, then it went South and for the life of me I didn't know what happened. Had the gun in and out fo the stock, changed the scope, checked rings and bases, long story short, dug out the chronograph and found the new powder lot I had purchased was a whole bunch cooler than my previous lot. Kept clicking up until my MV's were back where my old powder lot had me. Could have saved myself a bunch of work if I would have used the chronograph right off the bat. Keep good records to go with your chrono data and you'll be in good shape.

 

[TonyR]

I also have a PVM-21 and am glad I do. It really helps in many ways as others have said. But you asked if you must have one for load development and I believe that the answer is you do not absolutely need one. The round robin load development Jason Baney has described on this site is very effective but does not require any chronograph data. I have used Jason's methods to test powder charges, seating depth, and primers, and while the chrongraph data is interesting, how the strings print on the paper tells you everything you need to know to evaluate a load. There may be other approaches to load development that do require a chronograph but Jason's does not.

http://www.6mmbr.com/laddertest.html

 

[1000yardstare]

Precision shooting is as much a mental game as it is an equipment game. Chronos help to eliminate one element of doubt. The chronod velocity may be the same as your hypothesised velocity but you know for sure and can concentrate on more important variables such as reading the wind.

My first chrono was the first generation PACT in the 1980s, a piece of Texas electronics in the boonies of rural Ontario. Saw it in a gun magazine and mail ordered it. Now am using a mail ordered Pact Pro XP. Would feel naked working up F Class loads without a chrono.

 

[Benjerman08]

I have the cheap chrony alpha. Sometimes I wonder about it. It can show 20-30 fps deviations, but my groups are great at 600/800. It has been cold, does anyone think the cold weather can affect the chronies? When we are talking about the more expensive ones, what are the advantages? More accurate? Thanks.

 

[cliffy]

Yes, a chronograph is essential to developing accurate and potent loads! Guess at velocity? How? It's possible to develop potent loads by guesswork, but why would one attempt to do so with equipment available at modest price? Since one does not NEED the BEST of the BEST expensive chronograph, I use a Alpha Chrony F-1 and find the accuracy essential and proper for my research. Fresh 9v batteries are essential. Cliffy

 

[LHSmith]

PM Once had a great load worked up for my 7MM-08, then it went South and for the life of me I didn't know what happened. Had the gun in and out fo the stock, changed the scope, checked rings and bases, long story short, dug out the chronograph and found the new powder lot I had purchased was a whole bunch cooler than my previous lot. Kept clicking up until my MV's were back where my old powder lot had me. Could have saved myself a bunch of work if I would have used the chronograph right off the bat. Keep good records to go with your chrono data and you'll be in good shape.

Zackly what Chuck said.
It is a fact that Powder Manufacturers are rarely able to replicate the same exact burning rate from lot to lot.

The trick is to choose a chronograph that gives you ACCURATE data from one session to the next. Choose the wrong one and your chasing your tail again....minus $$.