If you’re handloading your own ammo, you need to know how it’s going to perform in the real world, not just how it works on a spreadsheet. The best way of doing this is to use a ballistic chronograph. These devices measure the exact speed of your bullet, so you can make better calculations for determining ballistic drop, total kilojoules of energy, and other necessary information.
To help you out, we decided to find the best shooting chronograph available online. In making our selections, we looked for devices that can store information on several cartridges, determine the average speed of several shots, and provide other detailed statistics.
We also looked for a shooters’ chrony that’s easy to use, and has a clear, easy-to-read display. An innovative design is also important to some shooters, so we included a few non-standard options to mix things up.
Ready to find the best chronograph for shooting? Let’s begin!
Best Shooting Chronographs
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1. Competition Electronics 538002
Competition Electronics 538002
Features
- Store 9 shot strings with up to 99 shots each in power down memory
- Review each velocity and shot string data which includes average velocity, standard deviation, and extreme spread.
- Delete an individual shot or entire string with the touch of a button.
- Connect to the data port for remote capability with optional accessories.
- Made in USA with real service and support
The Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital Chronograph is the one of the most affordable models we looked at.
Key Features
- Standard infrared design
- Stores up to 9 groups of 99 shots
- Data for groups includes average velocity, standard deviation, and greatest deviation
- Takes a 9-volt battery (not included)
- Mounts on a standard tripod base
The Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital Chronograph is a traditional infrared chronograph that’s as barebones as they come. No cell phone app, no extra accessories, and no tripod. That said, it’s also very inexpensive, and still measures your bullet velocity with an accuracy greater than 99 percent.
This chrony can be mounted on a tripod if you prefer, or you can set it on a bench to save money. It stores up to 9 groups of 99 shots each in internal memory. For each group, you can track average velocity, standard deviation, and the shot that deviates the most from average.
Be careful using the ProChrono indoors. The infrared sensors aren’t as sensitive as most others, so you’ll get an error in almost any situation short of broad daylight.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Saves and calculates group data
- Can also be used for archery
- Affordable
Cons
- Only works in broad daylight
This chronograph is very easy to use, with most functions available at the push of a button.
2. Caldwell Ballistic Precision
Caldwell Ballistic Precision
$81.25 in stock
3 used from $71.50
Free shipping
Features
- ACCURACY: Each unit is factory calibrated within +/- 0.25%
- EASE OF USE: Measures Meters per Second (MPS) and 5 to 9,999 Feet per Second (FPS)
- VERSATILITY: Ideal for firearms, archery, airgun and paintball rifles
- RELIABLE: Wide sun screens for increase readability in full sun and a large LCD display for easy readabilit
- COMPATIBLE: A lightening to 3.5mm adapter (sold separately) is needed for use with iPhone model 7 and newer
The Caldwell Ballistic Precision is well suited for use with any kind of projectile weapon.
Key Features
- Standard infrared design
- Sends shot data directly to your smartphone
- 5-9,999 FPS reading range
- Takes 9-volt batteries (not included)
- Mounts on a standard tripod base
The Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph is a standard infrared chronograph that’s designed to read bullet velocity across a wide range of speeds, from 5 to 7,000 FPS. This makes it useful for any type of gun, from high-powered hunting rifles to small pistols, to air rifles, to custom paintball guns.
This chronograph is easy to use, with a simple on/off switch on the side of the unit. It connects to your smartphone with a 15-foot audio cable, which sends all shot data to Caldwell’s free smartphone app. There, you can view average velocity, standard deviation, and high and low bullet speeds within a given group.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Includes a free smartphone app
- Works well in most lighting conditions
- Can also be used for archery, paintball, and pellet guns
- Affordable
Cons
- All controls and calculations are performed on your smartphone
This chronograph includes a smartphone app for doing all calculations and saving all of your data.
3. Competition Electronics 539009
Competition Electronics 539009
Features
- Use with M100 Series Stands
- Use additional M102 CamLock Receivers to set up multiple stand locations for one M100 stand
- A must have for any Millennium hang-on tree stand owner
The Competition Electronics is durable enough to work in any realistic shooting temperature.
Key Features
- Standard infrared design
- Works in 33 to 100 degree temperatures
- 22-7,000 FPS reading range
- Takes a 9-volt battery (not included)
- Mounts on a standard tripod base
The Competition Electronics Pro Chrono Pal is a barebones chronograph that’s nonetheless an impressive performer at its low price point. With a detection range of 22 to 7,000 FPS, you’ll be able to read any type of gun, bow, air gun, or paintball gun. It’s very rugged and will provide an accurate reading in temperatures as cold as 33 degrees or as hot as 100 degrees.
That said, this is a budget chrony. It doesn’t perform any calculations or store any records. You’ll have to read your results off the front of the unit and write down the velocity of each shot if you want to keep track of a shot group. It also doesn’t perform well in cloudy weather, but that’s normal for lower-priced infrared chronographs.
Pros
- Works in very cold or very hot temperatures
- Can also be used for archery, paintball, and pellet guns
- Affordable
Cons
- Does not perform any calculations
- Poor low-light performance
This is the most affordable chrono we’ve looked at – an ideal budget option.
4. Caldwell Ballistic
Caldwell Ballistic
$112.19 in stock
4 used from $90.96
Free shipping
Features
- SPECS: Each unit is factory calibrated to within +/- 0.25% accuracy and measures from 5 to 9,999 FPS
- EASE OF USE: Extra wide sun screens for added shading while outdoors, a large LCD display for easy reading, ¼-20 threaded insert for tripod mounting and an included 15ft aux cord for transferring data to a smartphone or tablet
- VERSATILITY: Meters per Second (MPS) or Feet per Second (FPS) reading and is ideal for firearms, archery, airgun and paintball
- COMPATIBLE: App and Aux Data Transfer works with the following: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android 2.1 or newer smart phones and Kindle Fire Tablets. A lightening to 3.5mm adapter (sold separately) is needed for use with iPhone model 7 and newer
- INCLUDES: Chronograph with 2 sunshades, 25′ audio jack cable, carry case, tripod and light kit
The Caldwell Ballistic sends all your data to a free smartphone app.
Key Features
- Standard infrared design
- Sends shot data directly to your smartphone
- 5-9,999 FPS reading range
- Takes 9-volt batteries (not included)
- Includes a tripod, removable sunshades, wired remote, and carrying case
The Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph Premium Kit includes the Precision Chronograph we already reviewed, so it offers all the same features, including versatility, accuracy, and a powerful smartphone app for storing all your data and making calculations.
Like the base unit, it also doesn’t perform any calculations on the unit itself, so you’ll need your smartphone with you.
This kit includes a tripod and carrying case, so you can set the chronograph up and use it immediately. It also comes with removable sunshades, which allows it to be used in almost any lighting conditions. Finally, you’ll receive a wired remote, so you can shut your chrony off without having to call “all clear” at the range.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Includes a free smartphone app
- Requires no extra accessories
- Works well in most lighting conditions
- Can also be used for archery, paintball, and pellet guns
- Affordable
Cons
- All controls and calculations are performed on your smartphone
This chrono is a complete kit, and includes everything you need to get started.
5. MagnetoSpeed Sporter
MagnetoSpeed Sporter
$175.99 in stock
Features
- Use with barrels from ½ inch to 1 inch in diameter
- Accommodates muzzle brakes and flash hiders up to 2.7 inches in length
- Ideal for contoured rifle barrels and long-barreled revolvers
- Specialized Bayonet-style sensor
- Data logging and simple single button display
The MagnetoSpeed Sporter is magnetic, so you can use it in any light conditions.
Key Features
- Barrel-mounted magnetic design
- Mounts on ½” to 1” barrels
- Sends data to your smartphone
- Takes a 9-volt battery (included)
The MagnetoSpeed Sporter Barrel-Mounted Ballistics Chronograph Kit is shaped like a bayonet, and mounts on any round barrel between ½ inch and 1 inch in diameter. The chronometer is magnetic, which means you can use it under any lighting conditions.
However, it won’t work with smaller rounds, like pellets or .22 caliber bullets. The mounting system also requires a round barrel, so it won’t work on most semi-automatic pistols.
This chronograph connects to a small display using a basic aux cable. If you want to save your data and perform calculations, simply connect the cable to your phone instead, and use MagnetoSpeed’s free app to do any work that needs to be done.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Includes a free smartphone app
- Requires no extra accessories
- Does not require you to go downrange for setup
- Works well in any lighting conditions
Cons
- Does not work on semi-automatic pistols, air guns, or rimfire rifles
You can use this bayonet-style chrono without ever having to go downrange.
6. Shooting Chrony Alpha
Features
- CHRONOGRAPHS
The Shooting Chrony Alpha Master is a sturdy, functional device that comes at a reasonable price.
Key Features
- Standard infrared design
- Stores 1 group of 2 to 32 shots
- Data for group includes average velocity, standard deviation, and greatest deviation
- 30-7,000 FPS reading range
- Takes a 9-volt battery (not included)
- Mounts on a standard tripod base
- Compatible with aux cable printers
- Includes a wired remote display
The Shooting Chrony Alpha Master is a rugged, steel-bodied chronograph that’s exceptionally well designed. It looks like it was manufactured in the 80s, but its outward appearance belies a quality design, which reads any type of projectile traveling between 30 and 7,000 FPS.
This chronograph includes a remote display, which displays average velocity, standard deviation, and the greatest deviation for a shot group of up to 32 shots. It also comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, which tells us Shooting Chrony is confident in their product.
Pros
- Rugged design
- Saves and calculates group data
- Works well in most lighting conditions
- Can also be used for archery, paintball, and pellet guns
- Affordable
- 5-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Outdated display and controls
This is an old-school shooting chrony that still gets the job done.
7. Sportsman Supply Inc.
Features
- Includes a demo of chrony Ballistic I software
- Features a timer button
- 500 shot memory
- Includes everything from the Shooting Chrony Gamma Chrony plus more
- Powered by a single 9 volt battery.
The Sportsman Supply Inc. Gamma Master can store data for an impressive 1,000 total shots.
Key Features
- Standard infrared design
- Stores up to 1,000 shots in any number of groups
- Data for group includes average velocity, standard deviation, and greatest deviation
- 30-7,000 FPS reading range
- Takes a 9-volt battery (not included)
- Mounts on a standard tripod base
- Includes an aux cable printer
- Includes a wired LCD display
The Sportsman Supply Inc. Gamma Master is an infrared chronograph that’s well designed enough to work in bright sunlight, cloudy weather, and even indoors. It measures velocities between 30 and 7,000 FPS, allowing you to use it for virtually any type of projectile.
The really attractive thing about this chrony is its ability to store data for up to 1,000 shots, and to create groups of any size. No matter how many types of ammo you’re testing, you’ll be able to track all of your data. The only real downside is the complicated control scheme. You’ll need to read the manual thoroughly to take advantage of all the features.
Pros
- Rugged design
- Saves and calculates group data
- Works well in most lighting conditions
- Can also be used for archery, paintball, and pellet guns
- Prints group data on command
Cons
- Complex controls
- A little pricey
This chronograph includes a printer, allowing you to make a permanent record of your results.
8. Shooting Chrony Beta
Features
- CHRONOGRAPHS
The Shooting Chrony Beta is an updated, upgraded version of the Alpha model we already reviewed.
Key Features
- Standard infrared design
- Stores 6 groups of 2 to 10 shots each
- Data for each group includes average velocity, standard deviation, and greatest deviation
- 30-7,000 FPS reading range
- Takes a 9-volt battery (not included)
- Mounts on a standard tripod base
- Compatible with aux cable printers
- Includes a wired remote display
The Shooting Chrony Beta Chronograph looks as old-school as the original Alpha model, but it features updated software which improves its calculation abilities.
Rather than being limited to a single shot group, it can store information on 6 separate groups, allowing you to easily make direct comparisons between different cartridge loads.
The 18-foot aux cable connects to a remote display by default. However, it’s also compatible with printers, so you can put your results on paper if you so desire.
Pros
- Rugged design
- Saves and calculates group data
- Works well in most lighting conditions
- Can also be used for archery, paintball, and pellet guns
- Affordable
- 5-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Outdated display and controls
This affordable chronograph has a rugged, collapsible design.
9. Competition Electronics ProChrono DLX
Competition Electronics
$129.28 in stock
1 used from $163.92
Free shipping
Features
- Introducing the ProChrono DLX ballistic chronograph with improved accuracy specs and built-in Bluetooth
- Built in full featured operating system with multiple shot string memory and statistics
- Internal and external refinements with updates to the circuitry and enclosure design
- Faster internal shot clock for improved accuracy to plus or minus .5% or better
- 2 year warranty against defects in material and workmanship, and a 1/2 price repair guarantee
The Competition Electronics ProChrono DLX is weather resistant from 33 to 100 degrees.
Key Features
- Standard infrared design
- Works between 33 and 100 degrees
- Sends data to smartphone via aux cable or Bluetooth
- Takes a 9-volt battery (not included)
- Mounts on a standard tripod base
The Competition Electronics ProChrono DLX is an affordable infrared chronograph that has more features than you’ll find on most comparably-priced devices.
Specifically, it comes with a free smartphone app and sends all data to your phone via Bluetooth. From there, you can sort your shots into groups, and perform any analysis you desire. Results can be output as a PDF file for easy printing.
The infrared sensors on this chrony aren’t as powerful as some others. It’s fine for gunpowder firearms, but won’t reliably register air gun pellets.
Pros
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Free smartphone app for calculations
- Affordable
Cons
- Has trouble reading air gun pellets
This chronograph connects to your phone via Bluetooth, no wires required.
10. Competition Electronics Prochrono
Features
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The Competition Electronics ProChrono Bundle is an upgraded version of the ProChrono that includes a polishing cloth.
Key Features
- Standard infrared design
- Stores up to 9 groups of 99 shots
- Data for groups includes average velocity, standard deviation, and greatest deviation
- Works between 32 and 100 degrees
- 21-7,000 FPS reading range
- Takes a 9-volt battery (not included)
- Mounts on a standard tripod base
- Includes a polishing cloth
The Competition Electronics ProChrono Bundle includes a polishing cloth, and a ProChrono chronometer that’s upgraded to increase its FPS range to between 21 and 7,000 FPS. This makes it well suited for almost any type of gun, including pellet guns and paintball guns. It’s also suitable for archery measurements.
The ProChrono in this bundle also features enhanced electronics, similar to the Pro Chrono Pal, which will function perfectly between 32 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. All of this comes at a very reasonable price, but it’s finicky about any lighting short of broad daylight.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Saves and calculates group data
- Works in very cold or very hot temperatures
- Can also be used for archery, paintball, and pellet guns
- Affordable
Cons
- Only works in broad daylight
This chronograph is versatile enough to measure the velocity of almost any projectile.
11. Caldwell G2 Ballistic
Caldwell G2 Ballistic Precision
$178.49 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- SPECS: 18” sensor spacing for maximum accuracy and each unit is factory calibrated to within +/-0.25% accuracy and measures from 5 to 9,999 FPS
- EASE OF USE: Front LED display shows velocity information, the inverted LED light panels make shooting are perfect for shooting indoors and the app displays velocity, logs data, notes, weather conditions and exports via SMS or email
- VERSATILITY: Meters per Second (MPS) or Feet per Second (FPS) reading and is ideal for firearms, archery, airgun and paintball
- CONVENIENT: Features a rechargeable Li-Ion battery, hinged support bars for easy disassembly and storage and a high-quality storage case for easy transport
- COMPATIBLE: Works with the following that have Bluetooth 4.0 or newer: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android 2.1 or newer and Kindle Fire Tablets
The Caldwell G2 with Tripod has built-in lights, so you can use it under virtually any conditions.
Key Features
- Standard infrared design
- Sends shot data to your smartphone via Bluetooth
- 5-9,999 FPS reading range
- Advanced smartphone app
- Takes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Built-in lights
- Wide base allows you to shoot prone
- Includes a tripod
The Caldwell G2 Ballistic Precision Chronograph with Tripod is a complete kit, including a rechargeable battery and a tripod. Not only is it ready to go, right out of the box, but it features a wide base that can sit on the ground without any stand at all. If you prefer to shoot from a prone position, this is an ideal device for you.
The smartphone app is very advanced. Not only does it receive shot data via Bluetooth, but it tracks current weather conditions. So not only can you track your ammo’s performance, you can look for variations based on barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Works for prone or upright shooting
- Works well in any lighting conditions
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Free smartphone app includes up-to-date weather information
- Can also be used for archery, paintball, and pellet guns
Cons
- Flimsy construction
This is an ideal chronograph for prone shooters.
12. Shooting Chrony 7000068
Features
- Gives numbered shot velocities
- Velocity stays on display until you shoot again
- Comes with indoor shooting light fixture for 110 Volt
- Huge shooting area, for indoor & outdoor Use
- Also works with rifles, pistols, etc
The Shooting Chrony is designed specifically for archery.
Key Features
- Basic daylight design
- 30-7,000 FPS reading range
- Takes a 9-volt battery (not included)
- Mounts on a standard tripod base
- Includes lightbulb kit for use in any light conditions
The Shooting Chrony Archery Chronograph is designed to compensate for arrows, which can trip both sensors on a chronograph simultaneously. However, there’s no reason you can’t also use it for your firearm, air gun, or paintball gun. It includes a lightbulb kit and is accurate in any type of lighting.
Pros
- Designed specifically for archery
- Can also be used for firearms, pellet guns, and paintball guns
- Can be used in any lighting conditions
- 5-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Outdated controls and display
This chrony looks like something right out of the 80s, but it performs like a cutting-edge machine.
13. LabRadar Doppler
The LabRadar Doppler is an advanced chronograph that uses Doppler radar instead of infrared light.
Key Features
- Doppler radar design
- Almost unlimited number of groups and shots
- Data for groups includes average velocity, standard deviation, and greatest deviation
- 0-3,900 FPS reading range
- Can measure shot velocity out to 100 yards
- Takes 6 AA batteries (not included)
- Mounts on a standard tripod base
The LabRadar Doppler Chronograph has a design that’s unique on our list, and almost unique in the consumer market. Instead of requiring you to shoot through a frame with infrared sensors, it sits next to your muzzle, and measures your shot’s velocity with Doppler radar.
Not only does this mean you won’t have to go downrange to set it up, but you won’t need a bench rest for your gun. You can also set it to read at different ranges, out to 100 yards.
This chronograph can be used with any type of firearm, pellet gun, paintball gun, or bow. But be prepared for some sticker shock. This kind of advanced radar system doesn’t come cheap.
Pros
- Can be tripod mounted or placed on a shooting bench
- Ideal for long-range use
- Can also be used for archery, paintball, and pellet guns
- Does not require you to go downrange for setup
- No bench rest required
Cons
- Expensive
This chrony is ideal for measuring velocity as far as 100 yards from your muzzle.
14. Competitive Edge Dynamics
The Competitive Edge Dynamics M2 can transfer shot and group data to your PC for permanent storage.
Key Features
- Basic daylight design
- Stores up to 500 groups, or 1,000 total shots
- Data for groups includes average velocity, standard deviation, and greatest deviation
- Wired digital control unit
- Takes a rechargeable battery (USB charger included)
- Mounts on a standard tripod base
- Infrared screens and carrying case available
The Competitive Edge Dynamics M2 Chronograph is a rugged, highly accurate chronograph that uses a rechargeable battery. It’s very reliable, if a little pricey. However, the base model works in direct sunlight only. For low light conditions, you’ll need to buy the infrared screen set, which costs extra.
That said, this is a superb chrony for what it does, and you can save your data on your PC for future reference.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Tough, rugged construction
- Very accurate
- Can transfer data to your PC
Cons
- Pricey
- Base model is only useable in broad daylight
This is an extremely accurate chronograph, designed for picking up tiny differences between loads.
15. RCBS AmmoMaster
The RCBS AmmoMaster is a lightweight chrony that collapses into a shell that looks like a giant rifle cartridge.
Key Features
- Standard infrared design
- 50-7,000 FPS reading range
- Takes a 9-volt battery (not included)
- Mounts on a standard tripod base
The RCBS AmmoMaster Chronograph is an infrared chronograph with a unique, collapsible design. You can carry it around easily, and open it up once you get to the range. It measures velocities between 50 and 7,000 FPS, and is designed to read almost any type of projectile.
The only downside of this lightweight is that it blows over easily, whether in a stiff breeze or due to the shockwave of a high-powered rifle round.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Lightweight, portable, and collapsible
- Can also be used for archery, paintball, and pellet guns
- Cool looking design
Cons
- Easy to knock over
This chronograph has a remote keypad, which connects with a 20-foot cord.
Bottom Line
As you can see, there are plenty of chronograph shooting options available. Whether you’re looking for a traditional, infrared design or a high-end Doppler radar design with a bunch of bells and whistles, there’s something here to meet your needs.
One thing we didn’t mention earlier is the importance of setting your chronograph up properly. You’ll want to have your gun mounted in a bench rest, and ensure that it’s pointed directly through the middle of the chronograph.
This will ensure that even if a shot goes slightly wide or high, it’s not going to wreck a pricey piece of equipment. Use your sights if you’re 100 percent sure they’re properly zeroed in, or use a laser bore sight if you have any doubts whatsoever.
We hope that at least one shooting chronograph review has helped you find the tool you need. Even if you end up going in another direction, we hope you’ve learned something today.
The Review
Best Shooting Chronograph
Check out our review on the best shooting chronograph on the market today.
Review Breakdown
- Competition Electronics 538002
- Caldwell Ballistic Precision
- Competition Electronics 539009
- Caldwell Ballistic Precision Premium Kit
- MagnetoSpeed Sporter
- Shooting Chrony Alpha
- Sportsman Supply Inc.
- Shooting Chrony Beta
- Competition Electronics ProChrono DLX
- Competition Electronics Prochrono Digital
- Caldwell G2 Ballistic Precision
- Shooting Chrony 7000068
- LabRadar Doppler
- Competitive Edge Dynamics
- RCBS AmmoMaster
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