crony test

[capstan]

I bought a crony for a hundred bucks. It was the basic model I guess. I have been wanting to compare my reloads with factory +P 38 specials for along time. I cringed when I bought 3 different brands of factory +P's for like 25$ for $20! But I figured I'd compare their velocitys with my reloads and see what was what. I bougt all 125 grain jacketed bullets +P's. I load 4.6grains of bullseye with 125 grain Hornady HPXTP's and they shoot very well in my later version DS.
I set up the crony and fired but only got "error 1" message which means it never read the bullet passing the first "eye". I was in a shaded area in the woods maybe that was the problem. Also my picnic table bench allowed for about 3 feet from the muzzle to the crony

Anyone else have this problem? What would you suggest the distance from muzzled to ctony for 38 special ? Thanks for any sugestions.

[smkummer]

I believe too close and the powder blast and residue screws it up. Move it farther out and recheck. I believe I am closer to 10 feet but I am too lazy to go read the manual. I always make sure I am shooting at a target so as not to shoot any part of the chrony. Shoot the lower cost ammo until you have it figured out.

[ccw1911]

I agree you may have been to close, you can cut a hole in some carboard, hang it in front of the chrony for a blast shield. Sometimes it's hard to get the light just right, you don't want to be out in the direct sun, a cloudy day is nice.

[firearmsunlimited]

The piezo device in the chronograph reads the bullet's shadow. No shadow = no reading.

Standard distance from muzzle to first screen is 10'. This insures muzzle blast does not interfere with the readings.

Either or both could be your problem.

[capstan]

Thanks All . I will have to put the crono on the end of the picnic table and then get another bench set up behind it (to get at least 10 ft)and make sure i have enough light from above (get it out of the woods). Ill post the results once iget it to work. I cant wait to find out the velocities on these factory "+P's" and compare to my reloads.

[bmcgilvray]

I'm looking forward to a report. I always like to read of real world .38 Special ammunition tests.

I agree that a cloudy days is nice and most reliable. Direct sunlight shining right down in the screen slots kill the readings on my chronograph. It's a waste of time to chronograph the hours around noon on a sunny day.

[capstan]

I'm looking forward to a report. I always like to read of real world .38 Special ammunition tests.

I agree that a cloudy days is nice and most reliable. Direct sunlight shining right down in the screen slots kill the readings on my chronograph. It's a waste of time to chronograph the hours around noon on a sunny day.

Thanks bmc I will try for a overcast day, not scorching hot direct sun.

[pecos bill]

Your Chrony should have come with defusers that allow you to use it in direct sunlight. Mine did and they worked fine. Try a camera tripod under the Chrony used one for years and you can set the distance where you please
Have fun, Pecos

[Frank V]

Capstan, I've used the Chrony for years. It will give good readings in the shade. I get error readings in the bright sunlight especially at noon with the sun directly overhead.
It's also possible the Chrony is reading muzzle blast. I like to be between 10 & 15 feet from mine. Nearer 15 with a rifle. I get good results from mine. Keep playing with it & you'll find out it's quirks. There aren't a lot of quirks. Mine doesn't like direct sunlight even a little bit.
Frank

[capstan]

Capstan, I've used the Chrony for years. It will give good readings in the shade. I get error readings in the bright sunlight especially at noon with the sun directly overhead.
It's also possible the Chrony is reading muzzle blast. I like to be between 10 & 15 feet from mine. Nearer 15 with a rifle. I get good results from mine. Keep playing with it & you'll find out it's quirks. There aren't a lot of quirks. Mine doesn't like direct sunlight even a little bit.
Frank

Yes, I believe now that I was just too close.Hopefully this weekend Ill get to try it again.