Do I need a chronograph?

[Airborneguy]

A friend at the range offerred me a brand new, in the box Caldwell Precision Chronograh package for $100. Looks like they go for about $120 online.

I'm on the fence whether I need one or not. I don't shoot over 100 yards regularly, and have been judging my loads based on groups more than anything else. I've taken deer with no issue using my own loads simply following data from Lyman's 49th and trusting their tests.

Is it worth the money? What will I gain by having one?

 

[kev74]

Need? What does need have to do with anything?

A chronograph will come in handy if you get more into reloading. Plus its cool to have and will work on firearms, arrows, bbs and airsoft, so its fun for the kids too.

 

[Airborneguy]

Need comes in when half your paycheck goes to an ex...

I'n pretty heavy into reloading now, but I tend to keep it simple as I reload to shoot more rather than as a separate hobby itself (so to speak). Like for example my handgun loads are all the cheapest and lightest possible just to train with and have fun. I load handgun with the Lee dippers actually.

So really I need to know if there's any benefit to knowing exactly how fast my rifle loads are moving. Is it necessary when reputable companies are my only source of data?

 

[dsdmmat]

A friend at the range offerred me a brand new, in the box Caldwell Precision Chronograh package for $100. Looks like they go for about $120 online.

I'm on the fence whether I need one or not. I don't shoot over 100 yards regularly, and have been judging my loads based on groups more than anything else. I've taken deer with no issue using my own loads simply following data from Lyman's 49th and trusting their tests.

Is it worth the money? What will I gain by having one?

I have chronos and have been using them a long time. If you don't need to know the velocity of your rounds then I would not worry about it. When you start having to know if your reloads make Major power factor or are trying to duplicate a factory round you will need one. If you come up to my range I will bring mine and you can shoot everything you want over it. That way you can calculate the drop out to 400 yards. The brand I use is Shooting Chrony.

 

[kev74]

Need comes in when half your paycheck goes to an ex...

Not a need then, just a want.

Unless you're loading up near max loads, or trying to calculate power factor, its just another trinket to piss away money on.

 

[Criticalt]

He who dies with the most toys wins.
So.......yes, you do need it.

 

[wizrd]

Just borrow one from a friend at the range -- I sold one to a friend a while back -- now I jst borrow it when I need it - or tell him to bring it to the range.

 

[togmaster]

It sound like I reload with the same purpose as you. For accurate shooting range ammo. Save your change for another gun or more reloading components. A crony is not a necessity.

 

[JamieZ]

Need comes in when half your paycheck goes to an ex...

I'n pretty heavy into reloading now, but I tend to keep it simple as I reload to shoot more rather than as a separate hobby itself (so to speak). Like for example my handgun loads are all the cheapest and lightest possible just to train with and have fun. I load handgun with the Lee dippers actually.

So really I need to know if there's any benefit to knowing exactly how fast my rifle loads are moving. Is it necessary when reputable companies are my only source of data?

Ive been reloading for not to long, maybe 12 years. Ive never felt the need for a chronograph. Accuracy is my main concern. Especially when it comes to hitting little brown varmints at 300+ yds. For shits and giggles I wouldnt mind having one. Never needed it though.

 

[BuellSix8]

Ive been reloading for not to long, maybe 12 years. Ive never felt the need for a chronograph. Accuracy is my main concern. Especially when it comes to hitting little brown varmints at 300+ yds. For shits and giggles I wouldnt mind having one. Never needed it though.

Jamie hits the nail on the head... Depends on goals. Accuracy is def #1 for all of us (I hope). Now, if velocity is key to load development and or ensuring your Bullet of choice is in its wheel house of stabilization and expansion, then yes a chrono is a need (given the good deal on one too). Borrowing one is def an option but I've seen quite a few end up as paperweights; some how they become lead magnets =o).

Chronos are def fun to watch your load development but certainly not necessary if your not trying to push the envelope.... But fun to compare.

 

[minderasr]

If you're reloading, a chrony is certainly nice to have.

 

[GuyMontag]

If you're reloading, a chrony is certainly nice to have.

My thoughts exactly, it's a useful tool I find well worth owning.

You definitely don't "need" one, but need has little to do with most firearms purchases in my experience.

 

[meketrefe]

IMO If you reload is nice to have but not necessary. It is not needed to find the accurate load or a hunting powerful load.
For that purpose it is more important to have a nice powder dispenser system and a nice consistent balance.
If you prepare and load consistently the speeds will be consistent so it is a matter of satisfying your curiosity
about speeds gains or loses based on different charges.
I think it becomes more important when the reloader wants to explore completely new powders and loads where
a baseline might have not been stablished. But even the actual targets can tell you things about your power when
shooting a known load vs. a new load as soon as you use the same bullets. Similar speeds give groups with same
drop at all distances when using the same bullets.
Also some people like to know how temperature changes affect their powders in terms of speed.
I guess it all depends on what you want to achieve.
I use the chrono a lot when I develop a new cat or completely change powders but I don't use it nearly as much
as I used to. Small speed differences make no difference as soon as loading and speeds are consistent within
the same batches. When you change something you are going to re-zero your rifle anyway.
No different than small variations in factory ammo and there is not a thing we can do about changing them nor
we probably want them as some are very consistent and accurate.
If you are on a budget and do not have a nice powder throw or scale then you might wan to put that first on your list. At the other hand seems like a nice deal. also remember most folks are ok with a $90 chrono and no chrono is 100% reliable unless you have a professional one that are 8-12 feet long or a extremely expensive Doppler radar.

 

[Big John]

Do you reload? Do you weigh each individual load? How precise does your weapon need to be? If the answer to either of the first 2 questions is no then NO you don't need a Chronograph.