Zachary -
The first thing you need to decide is how you will use your new chronograph, then select one accordingly.
For example, I use a Shooting Chrony Master F-1, a pretty basic unit except that it has a remote readout that includes an on/off switch (read 'reset' switch). The remote readout/on-off reset is very handy when you don't have the shooting line to yourself.
When chronographing loads, I use a steno notebook. At the top of each page I record the date, temperature, wind conditions, range, cartridge, firearm and basic load data (bullet and powder). I then group shots by powder charge, one line per shot. Immediately after the velocity I will often record the Point of Impact, so that when reviewing my targets later I will know if a 'flyer' was high or low on velocity compared to what it should have been.
Back at home, I enter the velocity data into a spreadsheet, along with powder charge, group size, range, temperature and wind conditions. I then let the spreadsheet calculate Average Velocity, Standard Deviation, and Extreme Spread. (And sometimes Energy at the muzzle, depending on the cartridge.)
As you can see, I have no need for a fancier chronograph since the computer spreadsheet does all the work.
If you are interested, drop me an email and I will send you a copy of the chrono spreadsheet thqt you can use as a template for your own loads.
P.S. If you don't already have ballistic software, go to
www.huntingnut.com and download "Point Blank", an excellent and FREE ballistic program. (Other programs will do more, but the price is awfully hard to beat - I've been using it for several years now and prefer it to some that cost $50-$60.)
