Posted: 3/25/2010 10:00:45 AM EDT
| I've just started reloading and am interested in getting a chronograph. I've researched them online, but this is one of those things that I'd like to touch & see before buying. Is there anywhere in town that has them (and hopefully at a reasonable price)? Checked Bass Pro - they don't have them. |
| What are you reloading for? Anyway if you need to just check a couple of loads. I have a Master Chrony that you could shoot thru to see what kind of fps you are running. I am very pleased with my rig I would suggest it. Several shooting buddies and myself used it to develop 308 rounds to hit past 1k. You would be surprised on the drastic changes temp, powder, projectile, etc has on your velocity. |
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At the moment, I'm primarily focused on developing loads for my .223 (AR); 9mm later... I just got my initial loads worked up & plan to check them out tonight after work at the CC range.
I appreciate the offer! I'm sure tonight is too soon to connect, but I'll likely IM you at some point in the future! |
| this is true it is important to observe for pressure signs ie hard extraction, extractor marks, and if you are getting cracks well thats too far. load conservatively then move up. FPS does not equal accuracy. there are certain other issues such as bullet seating, case tension etc. Also since you are loading 223 is this just plinking ammo? Is this for a bolt gun or semi. You probably already know one usually only full length size for semi d/t reliability. Most books are on the low side as far as powder loads but then they dont want anyone blowing up their face. each firearm is unique and may act differently under similar conditions. I have seen recipes that work well in different guns and others that have caused serious jams. Consistency is the key. All reloads you make tell you something....what your doing wrong or what your doing right. |
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I decided to brave the wind and go out to the county range - couldn't resist testing out the first loads I've developed (built a good span of charges across two headstamps, but well below published max). It was a great day - wind was at my back and although I wished I had a chrono to see exactly what was going on, I knew I wasn't pushing my loads hard. Some of my groups turned out great - some not so much. Lots left to learn about reloading, but I've got to say it was cool to shoot off that first batch.
Interestingly, the Clark County range is now renting spotting scopes ($5.00) and that made me ask about chronos.... The lady running the register laughed and said that she'd just learned today what they were and that they have some in for rent (!), but they're not in their system yet. That will be interesting... I wonder how they'll handle the ones that get shot up! |
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Also since you are loading 223 is this just plinking ammo? Is this for a bolt gun or semi. Mostly just for plinking in my AR. I enjoy analyzing the data, so inspecting the brass, comparing it to load notes, keeping a spreadsheet.... this is addicting. I think I've built a solid process for consistency, and will seek to improve on it. I'm full length resizing everything and being picky about working up loads by headstamp. On one hand, it's just an AR (not expecting to achieve super accuracy...), but on the other hand I want to know what I've got, what it will do and how I got there. I'm also going to be reloading 9mm and .357; probably moving into 10mm at some point as well. I'm not getting as much sleep as I was a few weeks ago, but I'm really enjoying it! Rick |