[325wsm]

Whats the best way to protect a chronograph while shooting a muzzleloader over it? I have a pro chrono, and at what distance would you set it up from the end of the barrel?

 

[Loggy]

I have a box(pic below) I bought from a member(Grouse) on the Modern Muzzleloader Board. Not sure if he's still on site but remember he lived in Western PA. It has a clear plexi-glass top & works great in protecting my Chrony from the harsh effects of black powder & substitutes. Prolly be fairly easy to make one. I set Chrony 10'-12' from end of bbl.

 

[wildcat18]

The shooting chrony brand sold a plastic cover that snapped over the chronograph to be used during loose powder firings. Maybe pro chrono sells something similar. The box does look like a good idea.

 

[jeffppc]

Buy a Lab Radar

 

[Loggy]

Here’s the box I have. Could give you a reference in case interested.

https://www.chuckhawks.com/muzzleblaster_chrono_box.htm

 

[Steeltrap]

I have some "leftover" treated plywood that is likely enough to build one of those. I (or you) can pick up a piece of Lexan at the home depot for under $10 for the top.

Great idea!!

 

[blackpowder]

I set mine at 12-15 feet out and it has had hundreds of rounds shot through it without any problems. once in awhile I will get a strange number out of it, but I think that is the smoke or patch or a combination of the two. I think it has only seen one or two smokeless guns shot through it.

 

[325wsm]

Thank you for all the replies, The box looks pretty simple and I have every thing but the LEXAN. I will get that at home depot next week.

 

[Loggy]

Pic below of 325WSM's homemade chrono box. Looks great 325wsm!!!!

 

[Loggy]

I set mine at 12-15 feet out and it has had hundreds of rounds shot through it without any problems. once in awhile I will get a strange number out of it, but I think that is the smoke or patch or a combination of the two. I think it has only seen one or two smokeless guns shot through it.

You really need to start shooting more & up that shooting to the 4 digit range.... then you will be onboard as to the needs of chrony protection from the harsh effects of black powder. I thought the same thing when I was first starting out and ruined a few Chronys.

 

[blackpowder]

so, what might those "harsh effects" from BP be? 4 digit range? no need to run that many through it. new gun, settle on the load and done. I don.t run every shot I fire through a chrony, no need. to each his own.

 

[Loggy]

so, what might those "harsh effects" from BP be? 4 digit range? no need to run that many through it. new gun, settle on the load and done. I don.t run every shot I fire through a chrony, no need. to each his own.

Over a several year period tuning in multiple bp/substitute powder guns with various load combinations the shot numbers quickly add up to the point of damaging a chrony. For the occasional shooter.....likely no adverse impact. A chrony box is cheap protection.

 

[blackpowder]

seriously, what is getting damaged? patches hitting? sabots? residue on the plastic? help me understand.



I see it now, the slots on top, plus overall the seal in the front probably won't keep the smoke/residue out after ALOT of shooting:wink2:

 

[Loggy]

Yes "seriously"....just to help you "understand". Yes, a typical chrony does have electronic PHOTO sensors/components. Of course, what does Chrony know anyways!! lol

Ck out Chrony Owners Manual Section E:


. RIFLES: Be aware that the bullet line of travel will be as much as two inches BELOW the line of sight on scope-sighted rifles. Adjust upward in order NOT to hit the Chrony. If a bullet hits the Chrony, the Chrony will be destroyed, and will endanger you and others because of bullet ricochet and flying parts of the Chrony. Mark the Wire Rods with tape four inches above the Chrony unit for open-sighted rifles, and six inches for scope-mounted rifles.


Fig.4. Protective Shields

C. HANDGUNS: When shooting sub-sonic ammo, the muzzle blast will get to the Chrony before the bullet, which may cause erratic numbers. Increase distance from Chrony.
D. SHOTGUNS: because flying wads may go in any direction, protect the face of the Chrony by taping a thick piece of clear acrylic over the front of the unit. The acrylic must not extend above the face. Shooting Chrony Inc. offers such protection (see Accessories List). NOTE: When shooting without Diffusers one may substitute soda straws or wooden dowels for the Wire Rods. Hitting the Wire Rods with a bullet could break the Sensor Housings, whereas straws and dowels provide a safer sighting guide
E. MUZZLE LOADERS AND OTHER BLACK POWDER FIREARMS: In addition to protecting the face of the Chrony from wads and patches, you may cover the slots (eyes) of the photo sensors with strong and clear tape or Protective Shields (Fig.4) to prevent powder residue from entering these slots. Glass or clear plastic taped over these slots may also be used.
F. ARCHERY: Bow to Chrony distance should be at least an Arrow’s length. Blunt-tipped or flat-tipped arrows give more Accurate velocity measurements.

Fig 4 Shield

http://www.shootingchrony.com/images/shield.gif

 

[325wsm]

Well now that my chrono box is finished I am moving on to securing my tripod to the ground. A few yrs ago I set it up about 10' from my bench, the muzzle blast from my .300 win mag sent the tripod and chronograph over onto the ground, knocked the top cover loose on the chronograph. Everything was fine but I set it up a bit farther down range for the rest of the session.