Thoughts on this chronograph?

[Chuparosa (James)]

Got $75 in Cabela’s gift cards and saw this chronograph. Thoughts?

Caldwell® Ballistic Precision Chronograph : Cabela's

Don’t wanna spend too much money on one.

[Tactical_Reviews (Dan)]

I had that one, it works OK. It does have problems with light. Light coming in from the sides will confuse it. The light needs to come down from the top or it’s not going to work right. It also needs to be about 15 feet from you muzzle. Other than that, it works. The one I have now is a Doppler radar and a bit more expensive.

[Robert]

@Chuparosa

Thoughts

Ship it to me

[Tactical_Reviews (Dan)]

One thing I should add, be careful using it. I’ve heard of a few people shooting theirs. So always double check the bullet path before pulling the trigger.

Also, don’t use a cheep old tripod, get something that’s a bit sturdy.

[Chuparosa (James)]

@Tactical_Reviews

One thing I should add, be careful using it. I’ve heard of a few people shooting theirs. So always double check the bullet path before pulling the trigger.

What’s a good distance to be at when shooting pistol and rifle cartridges? I just saw your first post, but is 15ft going to be the best distance? I see people go as far as 7yds.

@Tactical_Reviews

Also, don’t use a cheep old tripod, get something that’s a bit sturdy

Noted!

[SteelPinger (Brad)]

@Chuparosa

Thoughts?

It should work just fine. I likely own the predecessor to that unit. Mine is a Pro Chrono brand that I also purchased from Cabelas.

@Tactical_Reviews

Light coming in from the sides will confuse it

This is true under certain sky conditions, especially bright sunny days. Overcast skies are better. It helps to always use those overhead lampshade things. I also paint the bullet with a Sharpie marker to create better contrast for the sensors.

@Chuparosa

What’s a good distance

8-10 feet has worked fine for me.

[Chuparosa (James)]

Good stuff! Thank you.

[Chuparosa (James)]

@SteelPinger

This is true under certain sky conditions, especially bright sunny days.

Should I build a pseudo mini car port / overhang for it for sunny days?

[SteelPinger (Brad)]

I don’t think that overhead cover is necessary. The Sharpie trick has always worked for me.

[Chuparosa (James)]

Good to know. I’m assuming you use black? We’ve got the whole rainbow of sharpies. Haha.

[Jeff300]

That is the one I have, @SteelPinger told you the tricks to it. It works fine for me.

[rjburk (randall b.)]

Buddy of mine is on his second one, the first one he shot a hole right through the LED screen…55 FMJ, it traveled a couple inches and blew out the side…LOL…the second one is still working fine…

[BrianK]

@Chuparosa

What’s a good distance to be at when shooting pistol and rifle cartridges? I just saw your first post, but is 15ft going to be the best distance? I see people go as far as 7yds.

You’ll know you’re too close if you start to measure the pressure wave from the blast. If you see 5627 fps (as an example) that’s not the bullet. Either shoot through something to stop the pressure wave or back the screens up. I see it more often when experimenting with ultra light sabotted bullets and super fast powder. I might have also seen it with the .17 Rem’. Under fluorescent light the pressure wave can sometimes be seen by eye, so too can the skyscreens but they can see it under clear skies.

I lust after one of those LabRadar units. Next Christmas.

[g.willikers]

Many chronographs seem to have trouble with lighting.
Mine have worked best on a overcast day with no bright sunlight.
A nice evenly gray sky seems to get the best results.

[Chuparosa (James)]

@BrianK

You’ll know you’re too close if you start to measure the pressure wave from the blast. If you see 5627 fps (as an example) that’s not the bullet. Either shoot through something to stop the pressure wave or back the screens up.

Wow hadn’t thought about that. Thanks for the tip!