Chronograph as target

[treebeard]

I have always been envious of the shooters who post the velocity stats of their hand loads. So I researched
The chronograph costs and before putting down my money I looked up some videos of their use and promptly
Saw a shooter put a round straight thru the electronics.  Is this a common occurrence?  I am sure a 200gr or
350gr bullet thru the box would make an interesting video but kind of expensive.

[ndnchf]

It happens, but not regularly. It's probably a bigger problem with scoped rifles that have the line of sight a couple inches above the bore. Shooters tend to forget that the line of sight is well above the bore sight. I just shoot with iron sights and always put my sights at the top of the area where measurement takes place. If you get distracted jawing with your pard, you are more likely to not pay attention. Just be careful and pay attention to what you are doing and you should have no problems.

[Will Ketchum]

It's more of a problem with scoped guns.  My first chronograph was a Chrony, then I bought a more sophisticated PACT and sold the Chrony.  Then I discovered sometimes the PACT was a pain to set up for just getting some quick data so I bought a used Chrony on line.  It came pre-shot so I didn't have to do that.   the bullet hole didn't touch anything vital.  I have tested both chronographs together and the Chrony is just as accurate as the PACT so that's what I would recommend.  I did make a shield for the 1st one but never did hit it.

Hope this helps some.

Will Ketchum

[Coal Creek Griff]

Being used to iron sights, I almost shot my chronograph when I helped a friend with some handloads for his scoped .243 rifle.  I had the chronograph held on a stand with a bungee cord.  When I was done shooting, I noticed that I had clipped the bungee cord with one of the shots.  There was a black streak on the top of the chronograph where the bullet went, but no actual damage.  It doesn't get much closer than that.  The black mark is there to remind me to be more careful.  

CC Griff

[Snakeeater]

There may be less expensive chronographs available ($75-$99), even used ones for less, but Lyman has released a new chronograph that is being offered by some discounters for as little as $125 that takes out all the guesswork. Some dealers have already sold out of them. In watching Lyman's video demonstration, it's pretty simple to operate, and you can download the data to your computer.

[El Supremo]

Have used several over the years.  Oehler rigs and a Chrony; all skyscreen versions, plus some exotic Oehlers with induction coil sensors for shot charges and huge window/picture frame, acoustic rigs for long range sensing.

A couple things:
Best to get the light kits, even for outside use.  They help prevent many inadequately "sensed" shots.

With our velocity guns and all the smoke and unburned particles, it helps to be about ten feet back WITH A 12"X12" BLAST SHIELD having a four inch diameter hole it it, placed about a foot in front of the start screen.  Align the
bottom of the hole about 3" above the start sensor. The reason for being back at least ten feet is that gasses containing sensible matter often leak past our bullets and have a velocity that causes it to be AHEAD of the bullet for a few feet.  Also, in some units, the shock wave can create a false triggering of the sensor, so the small hole reduces that.  Spark photo's and high speed camera shots clearly show gasses and particulate matter exiting the bore before the bullet and staying ahead of it for a few feet in BP guns. 
NEVER let anyone else fire through your chrono.  NEVER.  YOU DO IT FOR THEM. 
Take time to use a benchrest rig to hold the rifle and carefully orient the PATH of the bullet by BORESIGHTING ON a target down range.

All this may seem to be too elaborate, but I've never had the issues others get frustrated about.  Oh yes, use fresh batteries.  Weak ones create gremlins.

Ideally, we want the extreme spread of high - low velocity to be around 35fps.  This significantly reduces vertical dispersion beyond 50 yards.  Over 35fps can flip or drop the point of impact a lot at 100 yards.

Regards,
El Supremo/Kevin Tinny