For those of you with experience in Chonograph ownership......
What model(s) would you suggest for a first time chronograph buyer? I intend to get back into handloading, hoping to load and shoot at least 1000 rounds a year.
My budget could be in the $150- $225 range...and that would include any of the printers and remotes that I know are available.
Is there such an animal in that price range?
Recommendations?

I think my chronograph only cost around $100 or so.. It is a Shooting Chrony Alpha Model. It has like a 30 shot memory or something and calculates all of the information for the Extreme Spread, Standard Deviations, Average Velocity, etc. for you. It does not have a printer, however, I got a chronograph record sheet from the local gun shop and modified it slightly to meet my needs. I don't think a printer is really necessary for someone who will only shoot that much a year. It has worked fine for me, and all I have to do is copy down numbers, plus calculate a few more for some other values such as the power factor and ft/lbs of energy. If you like, I could email you a copy of the record that I use.

That would be nice. I'll shoot you an e-mail and you could reply with an attachemtn if you would.
Thanks

I have a Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital chronograph and I feel it is the best buy out there right now in a good chronograph. It has all the functions you could possibly need. All you need to add is a battery and a tripod. Plus, it's on sale til June 30th which makes it even better yet! You can check it out here.

Buy an Oehler thats what many manufactures use. They are the most accurate with 3 sky screens. The model 35 with 3 sky screens($225) is the way to go but you really dont need the printer as it remembers the last 20 shots. Also if you accidently shoot it (trust me it can happen) the replacement parts are available and reasonable. My shooting buddy owns one and absolutely loves it. I am saving up for one now.http://www.oehler-research.com/
Jay

If you want one to play with, get a Shooting Chrony. Thats what I got for now. If you shoot at ranges that are covered, consider the millenium models. They can shoot in darker places. If you want one for life, and would use religously, get an Oehler.

I don't mind my f-1, I got a printer for it, so at my range, I can put it out there under sky or light.

I've had my Pact2 for several years and really like it - but by the time you buy the bar and a the case your very close to the price for the Oehler 35.

I did send it back to have them install the IR data link and I bought the HP wireless printer. The printer makes life much easier and reduces note taking

Thanks gentlemen,
I will do a little research on the spec and prices of the models you've brought to my attention and place an order. My birthdays coming up and the wife is always happy for ideas!

Midway has the F1 chrony on sale for $69.95