Chronograph

I'm wanting to buy a chronograph to help with load development, but I don't have the money for a lab radar or magnetospeed. What is my next best option? If I could stay around $100 that would be great. What are y'all using?

I was recently in the same boat, but after lots of reading I just couldnt bring myself to waste $100 on a cheap chrono that would do nothing but tick me off, so I saved a little more and settled for the magnetospeed sporter and very happy with it.
Trying to quote Jasonco from a different thread not sure if that works or not...

jasonco said:

The Magneto Sporter, has a few functions that aren't well known and for all intent makes it a V3; 1. phone/tablet app which interfaces with a XFR dongle to the display, where you can control the functions way easier than with the unit's button presses. 2) saving shots strings on phone/tablet memory card. 3) Adjusting amplitude modes. 4) increase/decrease sensitivity. Only real issue is when batt voltage gets below 7 volts, carry a extra fresh in your kit.

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I'm using a Beta master Chrony. That said. I am saving my pennies for something better. I am getting pretty good results, but only with a funky shadow box contraption that I only use since I can shoot at home and don't have to set it up every time. The MS can be had for $180.

I bought the Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital Chronograph in 2013 for ~$100, and it is so finicky about sunlight that it just sits in the closet now. Then I bought a MagnetoSpeed V3 last year and haven't looked back.

This is definitely one of those "buy once, cry once" areas.

Keep an eye out in the classifieds ( reloading) here and other well known forums for a nice deal on something you won't be disappointed in and until that happens save up your hard earned monies. But be diligent, good deals are snapped up fast!

The MagnetoSpeed Sporter is only about $180. It works very well. A bit more but you will not regret it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VTZXF8Y/?tag=lrhmag19-20

I have had a Chrony for over twenty years.Never have used the sun shield.I have tested it side by side with some of the best and have very little differance

Magnetospeed sporter is $161 at the optics planet with the SAVE10 coupon

seawolfxix said:

I bought the Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital Chronograph in 2013 for ~$100, and it is so finicky about sunlight that it just sits in the closet now. Then I bought a MagnetoSpeed V3 last year and haven't looked back.

This is definitely one of those "buy once, cry once" areas.

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I was in a pinch and bought the same one when my old Shooting Chrony crapped out. I didn't reload for a number of years for various reasons and when I started again had a time getting it to work reliably in the timbered area I have my 450 yard range set up. I like to tinker and spent more $ than a better unit and lots of time trying to get it to work with light systems and other modifications. Finally fed up with it and ordered a MagnetoSpeed yesterday. High hopes!

using the Oehler 35 here... If I were to get another one I'd have to look at labradar… the cheaper optical are iffy...

If you took all the time you'll spend fiddling around with a cheap optical chrono working at McDonald's, you'd quickly be able to afford a Labradar. Spare yourself the headache. I would rather have no chrono than one of the cheap optical outfits.

If you absolutely insist, don't get a cheap optical system. The popularity of the Labradar means that there are more used systems available that are not the super cheap optical nightmares.

At your price point, the ProChrono is your best option. https://www.competitionelectronics.com/product/prochrono-digital/
I used one for a long time and also picked up the Bluetooth adapter for it which makes this a fantastic optical unit. As with all optical chronos, you do need to be aware of your lighting. When setup correctly, I had very few problems with missed shots.
I just recently made the splurge to a Labradar and at 5X the cost, it is a sweet rig but it's also not without some finicky issues at times as well. Each unit and price point has it's pros and cons. For $100-$150 though, the ProChrono with the Bluetooth adapter is a solid choice.

The Magnetospeed spotter has a great price point. Be careful however because the clamp works on .5 inch to 1 inch diameter barrels with brakes and flash hiders smaller than 2.7 inches long. The Magnetospeed V3 allows .5 to 2 inch diameters barrels and 3 inch brakes.