Crono for reloading

[Mr. Longbeard]

How important is one to have???

[crimedog]

Very. Differences in powder, primers, and case lots can mean 100 fps difference that will throw off your trajectory.

[handloader1]

Its a handoaders best friend. Good luck.

[trailer]

Until I got mine, I used to always thinks what the books had for speeds was correct but now I know better...

[eldeguello]

ORIGINAL: Mr. Longbeard

How important is one to have???

I was reloading my own ammo, and shooting muzzleloaders, for about ten years before a chronograph came out that the average guy could afford. So I bought one, and today, I would suggest that every handloader buy one if he/she can afford it!

When I got my first one, I discovered that the data that was being published in reloading manuals in those days was pretty valid, as my guns of various calibers performed pretty much as the data in the manuals would predict. But that seems to me to no longer be the case, as a lot of today's "maximum loads" are a lot milder than used to be the case for the same cartridges and bullets. In addition, I find that the velocities given for various loads, in some manuals at least, are quite a bit higher in the book than the velocities the stated powder charges actually produce from my rifles in many different calibers!!

So, even though a chronograph is not REQUIRED, it is very nice to have!! I would not be without one today. And good functional ones are quite inexpensive, such as the Shooting Chrony and several others in that price range. Of course, if you want the very best, get an Oehler!

[KareImp]

I'd say it is not needed to reload as well. But if you do have one, your reloading selections and process will be much different, and likely better.

I have one, and don't go to the range without it. It's one thing to get a nice group, and another to get a nice group with a small std dev in velocity.

The only thing I haven't successfully chrono'd is my muzzle loader. Dog gone muzzle blast... I have to get a more solid and stable mount so I can use is with my muzzle loader, or back it up a little.

[Doe Dumper]

Do you guys think the loads are milder because of the lawyer mentality of today? I have already tried the max load for 4831sc in the sierra manual for the 130's and there were absolutely no pressure signs in my 270. The max load in the one I used is about 2-3 grains lower than it is in some of the older manuals. I havent chrono'd it yet but will be loading several and heading out soon.

[Briman]

I've been reloading for about 10 years without one. However, most of my shooting is with less than maximum loads and none of my shooting is over 300 yards. That being said, a cheap Chrony is on my Christmas list.

[Pawildman]

Git 'em, Eldequello----- Couldn't have said it better myself.

[48thguns]

The most important tool for the serious reloader. You don't need a real expensive one as you are looking for trends and averages. Around 100 bucks will get you a decent one. Then get a camera tripod at Wally World and have at it! As I started using the Chrony, what I thought I new and how smart I thought I wasbecame a joke. Turned out I didn't know much and I wasn't very smart. I started reloading back in Denver in 1962. We would just fill up an '06 case with 4831, jam a 180gr Nosler and go Elk hunting. I got my first Chronograph 5 years ago and the end result is wonderful. I am safer, more accurate.....way more accurate, faster and consistent. Second to the Chrony is the OAL gauge. With these tools you can absolutely get out of your rifle 100% of it's capabilities. IMHO if you don't use these tools, you might as well shoot factory junk. Good luck and regards, Rick.