Help with Chronographing my 52 caliber Bench Gun | Ask the Experts

Questions and answers from the NMLRA Facebook Group

“Does anyone have experience using a chronograph with muzzleloaders. I concerned with the unburned powder flash, patching and the smoke's impact on equipment and actuate readings. I have heavy and light bench guns, both .52 calibers that I was thinking about testing But would hate to cause damage to the equipment.s.”

-Chris West

Here are some of the most informative comments from the post.

Tom McEWen said, “I have a tripod mounted and a bayonet style. I have used the tripod style (Caldwell) with no issues. I will not use the bayonet style with a Muzzleloader (again)”

Robert Wetzler - “shooters used to use one put cardboard in front of screen”

Carl Hill Chronograph my 4 bore with a 1500gr. Ball, worked but i’d suggest moving it at least 15 yards away from the muzzle

Terry Sensenig - “I put a small piece of wood over the digital readout to minimize the shockwave. Other than that I feel like I get consistent readings with muzzleloaders. Prior to shooting muzzleloaders I will shoot a pistol through just to make sure the equipment is reading correctly”

Rick Weber- “I ruined a chrono with a felt wad. At 1500fps the conical traveled thru the wire way, but the wad hit face of the display- maybe 25’ away. Bought a LabRadar a few years ago, no problems.”

Ed Radzinski “I use a chrony, don't use skyscreens. Just put a piece of plexiglass over it. Works great.”


If you’d like to join in on the conversation, head on over to our NMLRA Facebook Group! The group is open to anyone who is interested in Muzzleloaders and living history as long as they follow the rules.

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