Chronograph distance from muzzle

[aramarine6]

I'm wondering what is the optimal distance for chronograph to be from the muzzle in order to get the most accurate readings without damaging the unit from muzzle blast? And will a muzzle brake change the distance at which you place the unit? I only ask this because my only experience using a chronograph is with a buddy of mine and when shooting rifles he sets up unit about 20 feet away. Is this neccessary? I feel that is to far to get an accurate reading on MV. What do you guys think?

 

[Broz]

I'm wondering what is the optimal distance for chronograph to be from the muzzle in order to get the most accurate readings without damaging the unit from muzzle blast? And will a muzzle brake change the distance at which you place the unit? I only ask this because my only experience using a chronograph is with a buddy of mine and when shooting rifles he sets up unit about 20 feet away. Is this neccessary? I feel that is to far to get an accurate reading on MV. What do you guys think?

I have found that anything less than 18' and you could get erratic readings from a magnum muzzle blast. The velocity drop from muzzle to 18' is only a few FPS. The advantages of 18' far out weigh the disadvantages.

Jeff

 

[cowboy]

I have found that anything less than 18' and you could get erratic readings from a magnum muzzle blast. The velocity drop from muzzle to 18' is only a few FPS. The advantages of 18' far out weigh the disadvantages.

Jeff

Agree with Jeff. I set up at 20 ft, actually use a tape measure from muzzle of rifle to stay consistant. On small rifles I go 15 ft.

 

[aramarine6]

Well, I guess that settles that.

 

[kcebcj]

I'm wondering what is the optimal distance for chronograph to be from the muzzle in order to get the most accurate readings without damaging the unit from muzzle blast? And will a muzzle brake change the distance at which you place the unit? I only ask this because my only experience using a chronograph is with a buddy of mine and when shooting rifles he sets up unit about 20 feet away. Is this neccessary? I feel that is to far to get an accurate reading on MV. What do you guys think?

I have a permanent mount at 16 feet. I wanted the wiring to reach the bench so I could reach the readout while shooting. The chrono is mounted on a base that is set in concrete and is very solid. My son uses it with a 300 Win Mag and has never had a issue. If I was to use it on a tripod I would move it out to 20 feet. If you do a Google search you can compute the estimated velocity at the muzzle using the recorded velocity and the distance to the chrono.