Chrono suggestions

[cpufixer]

I have a Pact MKIV timer and am thinking of using it as a chrono. All I would need is some IR screens, but I heard that there are problems with the MKIV as a chrono. Any suggestions on a reliable one? I'll be using it mostly indoor so I need light screens with it.

[jehzsa]

This is what I would buy, http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=244882

As in everything mechanical, I go for cheap(OK...inexpensive), smart and efficient. Three things work to the Chrony Beta's favor. One, it works reliably. Two, it can be upgraded. Three,  for indoor use it can be adapted.

Now, if I had the PACT timer, I probably would sell it and destine the proceeds to buy the Chrony. YMMV.


 

[Bock]

I use the Chrony, and have been very happy with it - much less sensitive to varying light conditions than some others I have had access to in the past.

Also pretty forgiving - I let a fellow shooter at my club shoot his .308 over it to test his loads in a new rifle, and he managed to shoot the screen supports off one side (they are made of thick piano wire) the machine did not seem to mind this in the slightest, and still works reliably.  I made up some new wires, but it seems the machine will even work without the screens on it.

Of course, as with all chronographs, it's difficult to know how accurate it actually is (i.e. how near to the actual velocities it's reading), but I have had no surprising results from it when testing factory ammunition, and it has shown me when my own loads are getting close to or past factory velocity, which is very helpful indeed.

I think all serious reloaders should have access to a chrono of some sort.

[blazer]

I also use the shooting chrony beta master. Works fine all the time.

[Boss Hogg]

Chrony B for me also, rain, snow, its in the 90s now, always works

[papajohn]

I bought the Chrony Beta a year ago, and love it, but if I had it to do over, I'd get the Master.  Having the readout and the controls on your bench is a LOT more convenient than having everything ten or twelve feet away. 

I decided pretty quickly the skyscreens that came with the unit were more trouble than they were worth, so I bought a sheet of clear plexiglas, cut it to the size I wanted, and spray-painted it white on one side.  Then I glued four 40S&W cases to it, and set it up.  Works fine unless you're too close to it, then the muzzle blast blows it off.  A three-pound rock in the middle of it fixes that problem.  On cloudy days I don't use anything, on sunny days I use this setup.