Using a chrono at extended ranges?

[DPRoberts]

The layout of my home range that makes it a pain to use a chrono while shooting at the 100 yard target stands. There's a steep drop-off in front of the benches (about 8ft below the bench to target eye line). Is it possible/practical to set up my chrono at 100 yards in front of the target?

JBM allows me to correct my ballistic tables for a 100 yard chrono reading so I think it will still give me usable data.

 

[wallace11bravo]

Re: Using a chrono at extended ranges?

I've done it before when I was playing around with verifying BCs. Just be wery wery careful, and having a remote readout(wireless or a long cord) makes it a million times easier. Mine only has a 12ft cord, so I used my spotting scope to read the display. It worked well enough and I managed not to destroy any equipment in the process.

I'm not sure what you're shootin, but I recommend having your POA just a tad below center of the chrony "window", assuming your POA/POI are the same at 100.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Using a chrono at extended ranges?

I guess it comes down to the size of the groups you KNOW you can hold.

If I could ALWAYS shoot the groups I USUALLY can, my chrono would be safe out to 500 yards...

That said, no reason not to shoot through at distance, except convenience.

 

[Bloody_Tailgate]

Re: Using a chrono at extended ranges?

If you shoot on a cloudy day you can get by without using screens. That really shrinks the accidental target.

 

[DPRoberts]

Re: Using a chrono at extended ranges?

I appreciate the inpout guys. I'm not terribly worried about shooting the chrono. I'm much more likely to clip it while developing pistol loads than when I'm behind the long gun.

cheers

 

[armorpl8chikn]

Re: Using a chrono at extended ranges?

If you have extended ranges to shoot you have something much more accurate than any chrongraph. Shoot at 300,600, and 1000 and plug in the numbers to your balistic program and you will get an accurate velocity.

 

[DPRoberts]

Re: Using a chrono at extended ranges?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armorpl8chikn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you have extended ranges to shoot you have something much more accurate than any chrongraph. Shoot at 300,600, and 1000 and plug in the numbers to your balistic program and you will get an accurate velocity. </div></div>

I was planning on utilizing it to get more feedback while shooting groups during load development rather than just for ballistic data. Good point though.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Using a chrono at extended ranges?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armorpl8chikn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you have extended ranges to shoot you have something much more accurate than any chrongraph. Shoot at 300,600, and 1000 and plug in the numbers to your balistic program and you will get an accurate velocity. </div></div>

This is true, however, Field Firing Solutions highly recommends shooting thru a chrono at range to help develop their BC and trajectory. My partner and I are just starting on this.

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: Using a chrono at extended ranges?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DPRoberts</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Is it possible/practical to set up my chrono at 100 yards in front of the target?

JBM allows me to correct my ballistic tables for a 100 yard chrono reading so I think it will still give me usable data. </div></div>

Yes, I do it all the time at 100y and have found it to be every bit as accurate. I have to much tree cover to do it any closer and get dependable readings. The only draw back that I have found is when I am working up a load, I dont want to chance it. So I wait until I have the load nearly down and ruled out anything with POI strays.

 

[Kinsman]

Re: Using a chrono at extended ranges?

I've done it at a hundred yards, using a 3x4x8 inch aluminum block to protect the chronograph. I never hit the block, but why take chances?

 

[jlow]

Re: Using a chrono at extended ranges?

I am sure there are good reasons to do it, but to me it’s a chancy proposition since even if you are a good shot i.e. no problem with tight groups, you have to be able to get that chrono lined up between the bore and the target which can be difficult unless you put your chrono all the way up there next to the target. You can’t use a laser bore sighter and you have to watch out for splatter depending on your backstop. Also, when you do this, you can really only shoot at one single target which is unfortunate and a bit limiting IMHO.

 

[Clark]

Re: Using a chrono at extended ranges?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DPRoberts</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> ..I'm much more likely to clip it while developing pistol loads than when I'm behind the long gun.

</div></div>
It is like the difference between driving drunk and driving sober.
I averaged about 10 shots free hand with a handgun before I hit my first 3 chronos.
I now practice from a rest, get a group, and convince myself I am good enough with a THAT handgun, before I shoot over the chrono.

 

[Jeffvn]

Re: Using a chrono at extended ranges?

I've done it many times at 100 yards, no shield (never shot the chronograph... yet). If you point the monitor to the firing point you can see the readout through your rifle scope. Lets just say you better be confident in your shooting and in your firearm and load.

I've also done it at 400 meters using my 1/2" AR500 shield (custom made for that purpose). Can't see the monitor directly from that distance - as its behind the shield - but my remote camera set up has fixed that. Pretty sweet target and chronograph shield. I'll get a picture up as soon as I get off my butt and go the garage.

The only time I shot my chronograph (Yes, I've done it 2X so far) it was at 12 feet go figure.

Jeffvn