Caldwell makes great gear for shooters and reloaders, and the company has gone all out with its Ballistic Precision chronograph. This unit will measure everything from 5 fps up to 9,999 fps (or close to 7,000 miles per hour) within 0.25-percent accuracy. You can also plug the unit into your smartphone and download a free “Ballistic Chronometer” app that documents and records your results along with the range’s atmospheric conditions for later review. (http://www.btibrands.com; 573-445-9200)
MagnetoSpeed offers the only barrel- mounted ballistic chronograph, which makes this unit incredibly lightweight and compact. Unlike other chronographs that use light sensors to measure velocity, the MagnetoSpeed uses electromagnetic sensors for extremely accurate readings. These sensors are completely resistant to muzzle blast and are not reliant on ambient lighting conditions. Although designed specifically for rifle use with barrels between 0.5 and 1 inches in diameter, the unit will also fit on long-barreled revolvers. (http://www.magnetospeed.com; 512-284-8161)
The new CED M2 chronograph is an advanced version of the Competitive Edge Dynamics’ original CED Millennium chronograph. Improvements include a wider range of speeds from 50 to 7,000 fps as well as expanded memory, which now stores over 1,000 shots. This new unit can also store 500 strings of between one and 500 shots. The improved digital chip design allows the unit to work in a wider variety of light conditions, and the USB interface allows the unit to be connected to a computer for use with the CED Data Collector software. The lightweight and compact design makes it easy to store, transport and set up, and the built-in calculator adds versatility on the range. Plus, the voice chip technology tells you the results without having to see them. (http://www.cedhk.com; 888-628-3233)
PACT makes a lot of competition electronics for serious shooters, and the company’s chronographs are no exception. The Model 1 XP chronograph is an affordable unit that includes the same advanced electronics as the company’s more advanced units, such as the MKVI Skyscreen System for extremely accurate results. The electronic computer is operated remotely from the screens so that in case a shot hits the screens, they can be repaired very easily and at a low cost rather than having to replace the entire unit. A complete lifetime warranty is also included. (http://www.pact.com; 800-722-8462)
PACT’s top-of-the-line unit is the Professional XP. This unit sets up quickly and offers the most accurate screens available, and the internal computer includes a bullet library that provides ballistic coefficients for all bullet manufacturers. This truly advanced system also includes a ballistic calculator that will correct for bullet drop, windage and temperature to help you achieve a perfect zero at various distances as well as a lot more. The unit will connect to a computer for further analysis of load performance, and it has a built-in printer that can be used for record keeping. (http://www.pact.com; 800-722-8462)
The ProChrono Digital from Competition Electronics is lightweight and extremely easy to set up. The screen is easy to navigate and provides all of the most relevant data for your shot strings, including the velocity of each shot and the average of the string as well as the high and low velocities and the standard deviation. You can store up to nine strings of 99 shots each, and these stay stored in the memory when the unit is powered down. It works very well outdoors, and Competition Electronics offers a light kit for indoor use. The data port makes connecting the unit to an external remote easy. (http://www.competitionelectronics.com; 815-874-8001)
The RCBS AmmoMaster chronograph looks like one huge and super-cool cartridge fit for a cannon, but instead the insides contain the screens and computer you need for a high-quality precision machine. It will measure the velocity of everything from arrows and paintballs to the highest-velocity ammunition—everything from 50 to 7,000 fps. I like that the keypad with all the data detaches with a 20-foot cord so you can keep it close at hand while shooting and not accidentally shoot it, either. (http://www.rcbs.com; 800-379-1732)
The Alpha Shooting Chrony Red offers a great deal of versatility with an internal 9-volt battery. The standard jack allows the user to connect to a remote-control unit or printer for easy record keeping, and it can track from two to 32 shots in a single string. Shooting Chrony also offers a separate LED light kit that attaches to the sensor screens at the top and allows the user to get accurate velocity measurements in all lighting conditions, which is normally very difficult when shooting indoors or on overcast days.
The Beta Master Shooting Chrony Blue is a more advanced version of the Alpha with additional features, including an extended 60-shot memory divided into six-string groups. Your data is stored even when the unit is powered down, and the data can only be erased by the user. The user can also set the size of each string of shots. The LED light kit is also available for this chronograph unit, and the shot memory can be upgraded to 1,000. (http://www.shootingchrony.com; 800-385-3161)
A chronograph is designed to measure the velocity of your bullets by using electronic sensors. You simply make sure that your shot crosses over the sight lines of these sensors, and you’ll get a readout of your velocity. No matter what type of reloading you are interested in doing, checking your loads using a chronograph is important at least for the sake of safety and consistency. For the volume reloader, spot-checking a few rounds every so often is a good idea and adds an extra level of safety. For the precision reloader, you cannot get by without a chronograph to test and fine-tune your loads. The following is a roundup of some of the top models available on the market today.
