shooting sabots over chronographs
 

Just a quick question guys. How far should I set up my chrony so the sabot doesn't give me a false reading? Is 10' from the muzzle which is the normal for a CF OK for saboted bullet also?
I want to test the velocity of Black MZ vs BH209.

I do 18 to 20 feet.

You'll be sad when you see the comparison over the chronograph, especially the spread between shots.

Some even set them up 25 YARDS down range to make sure the sabot doesnt mess anything up.

Cover the face of the chronograph to keep sabots from destroying it. Many a shooter found that with their first round, they destroyed their new chronograph.

I set mine up 20 yards down range to keep the sabots from giving a false reading, I also place a home made plywood shield in front of it. I learned the hard way, its much cheaper to learn others experience.

Agreed with them , 25yds+ and protect it

I set mine up know more then 3 feet.

OK - I go about 5' so we are in the same ball park!



You can not see it but there is a plastic chrono protector in front of the face and covering the top of the chrono. This cover - safety shield - protects against sabots and hot powder on top of the chrono...

My readings from up close were more erratic I believe the muzzle blast effects them. The standard deviation was much better after I moved my CDE millennium 2 out to 20 yards, I wonder he sensitivity of the chronograph is involved.

Lee, so far with the Chrono's I am using I really have not seen that much deviation at all and the reading seem really consistent from trip to trip. It is really obvious when the chrono misses the bullet and reads the sabot. The fps is down in the 600fps range. This only happens when I do not put the sun screens on or the sun is setting under the screens.

I like my newest chronograph. You can hook it up to your phone and read it on your cell phone screen.

I tried it at 10 feet and 10 yards when I moved to 20 yards I got less variation from shot to shot and a whole point better on standard deviation. I guess every one has to do what works with the equipment they have.

Thanks for all the replies. I was surmising that the sabot would play havoc with a reading. But I'm glad I asked the question because I never thought it would destroy a chronograph too! Once the weather gets nicer and I get over this darn flu I'll have to go try it. Will post results for your info.

Does the company that make your chrono offer a shield.

Something like this

http://www.competitionelectronics.co...debris-shield/

Not sure...I 'll have to check it out. I have an inexpensive Chrony
I'll probably end up just using a piece of 1/4" plywood i have lying around and brace it up in front.

Even if it is inexpensive - it is not fun to break one!