“I thought a chronograph was an expensive watch with several dials and functions,” said Billy as he watched Wade quickly set up his ballistic chronograph for shooting in front of the bench. Wade had gone to the range to evaluate several different loads for his new rifle chambered for 6.5 Creedmoor while Billy was there to check the zero for his .308 and practice on targets at longer distances.
Before going to another shooting bench to set up his shooting equipment, Billy asked “Why do you check the velocity when the reloading manuals or ammo box tell you the speed of your particular cartridge or load?”
“Because the ballistics from the reloading manual or box of ammo probably will not match the ballistics of that ammo fired from your gun,” Wade patiently explained. “When ammo is tested at the factory, it is under controlled conditions and fired from longer rifle barrels than are commonly used for hunting.”
What Is A Chronograph?
A ballistic or chronograph for shooting is an instrument that measures in feet per second (FPS) the speed of bullets leaving the rifle when fired. This measurement is called muzzle velocity.
The chronograph shown in the accompanying images uses traditional Skyscreen technology. The Skyscreens are mounted in front of the firearm on a four-foot rail which is mounted on two folding stands. Their sensors detect the bullet passing over them and the bullet speed is computed with an accuracy of 0.25%.
Why Chronograph?
You use a chronograph because you want the best accuracy and desired velocity from your gun. Uniformity is the key to being accurate. This means your aim point, holding your gun the same every shot, squeezing the trigger the same shot after shot and consistent ammo where each round is exactly alike.
If your ammo is shooting tight groups then you know it is uniform. If you are not getting the type of group you want, then a good place to start is checking the velocity of your rounds making sure their velocity is uniform. Using a chronograph, it is easy to measure the average velocity and that the velocities are uniform.
There is no guarantee that ammo with the most uniform velocities will shoot the size group you want but it is a good place to start. However, once you know the uniformity and average velocity of your tested load, it becomes easier to figure out the best load.
Editor’s Picks – 5 Shooting Chronographs That Won’t Break The Bank
MagnetoSpeed V3 Chronograph – This shooting chronograph features a user-friendly three-button menu system for easy navigation, offering access to various functions. It offers flexibility with two battery options: a 9-volt battery or CR123s, with an easy-access battery compartment for convenient battery swaps. Enhanced shooting modes now include compatibility with air guns, expanding its versatility. Firmware updates can be conveniently downloaded to keep the device up-to-date. Advanced data logging and troubleshooting capabilities provide comprehensive insights and diagnostics. Its more compact and rugged display housing enhances durability in challenging environments. The addition of a rapid mode with rate-of-fire functionality improves performance during rapid-fire situations. A redesigned bayonet and rugged strapping system ensure secure attachment, and dual data connection points offer flexibility and redundancy for data transfer.
ProChrono LTD Ballistic Chronograph – The ProChrono LTD Ballistic Chronograph is a versatile tool for measuring bullet velocity in firearms, shotguns, archery, airguns, and paintball. Designed for outdoor use with included components, it can be used indoors with the optional Indoor Lighting System. Powered by a single 9-volt alkaline battery (not included), it features updated circuitry and enclosure design for enhanced functionality and durability. The built-in operating system offers shot string memory and statistical capabilities, with a sensing system ensuring accuracy within +/- 0.5% or better. Made in the USA, it comes with a two-year warranty and 1/2 price repair guarantee, reflecting over 30 years of experience in chronograph design. With over 20 hours of operation on replaceable alkaline battery power, customers can expect quality accessories and parts at reasonable prices, supported by genuine service.
Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph – The Ballistic Precision Chronograph offers accurate velocity measurements under various shooting conditions, thanks to its high-speed 48 MHz processor and advanced data interface for factory calibration. It achieves superior accuracy (+/- 0.25%) compared to other chronographs. Despite its advanced technology, operation is straightforward, displaying velocity in either feet per second or meters per second on its large LCD screen. Shot string velocity data can be transmitted via the included 15-foot audio jack cable to an iPhone or iPad, where a free downloadable app provides detailed shot information including velocity, load, and environmental conditions. The app automatically calculates key metrics such as Average Velocity, Standard Deviation, Min, Max, and Velocity Spread, allowing for easy storage, retrieval, and export of data via email.
Battenfeld Technologies Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2 – The G2 Chronograph revolutionizes traditional technology by inverting its system, enabling accurate measurements even in adverse light conditions, including indoors. With sensors spaced 18 inches apart for enhanced precision and self-contained LED lights in sunscreens for added illumination, the G2 offers superior accuracy. Its collapsible and compact design allows for quick deployment from a heavy-duty storage case. Achieving higher accuracy through a high-speed 48 MHz processor and advanced data interface, each unit is factory-calibrated, ensuring superior precision (+/- 0.25%) and a measurement range from 5 to 9999 FPS.
MagnetoSpeed Sporter Chronograph – The MagnetoSpeed Sporter chronograph is intended for use with barrels ranging from 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter, with the capacity to accommodate muzzle brakes and flash hiders up to 2.7 inches long. It is particularly well-suited for contoured rifle barrels (sporter barrels) and long-barreled revolvers.
Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph – The essential tool for ballistics calculations is projectile speed, and the Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph provides accurate data with its pocket-sized design. It measures velocities from 100 to 5,000 feet per second, making it ideal for range handloading or hunting arrow construction. Its button-operated interface ensures ease of use, and when paired with the ShotView app, you can track shots and measure deviation conveniently.
Chronograph Tips And Techniques
- SHOOT FROM A STABLE REST – To get accurate results, you should shoot from a shooting bench with a stable rest such as a Lead Sled or at least sand bags.
- SET UP YOUR GUN PROPERLY IN REGARD TO THE SKYSCREENS – Looking through your scope make sure the rifle will be shooting directly over the center of the chronograph. The rifle and chronograph should both be level. Check the owners’ manual for the proper distance to set up the screens from the firearm. This is important because the muzzle blast can skew the results if it reaches the sensors before the shot.
- AIM AT THE SAME SPOT EVERY TIME – By doing so the chronographs’ reading should be more accurate.
- SHOOT MULTIPLE ROUNDS – Shooting strings of 3-5 shots will provide more accurate readings than firing single shots.
- ALLOW THE BARREL TO COOL COMPLETELY BETWEEN SHOTS – Everything else being equal, a cool barrel will deliver the most accurate shot.
- PROPER LIGHTING – Both sensors should receive approximately the same amount of light for best results.
Final Thoughts On Chronographs
Using a ballistic chronograph can be really useful for the competition shooter or hunter in developing or finding the best load for their rifle, plus they are fun to use.
