"Ask the Rabbi" by R. Mermelstein

I reload and would like to buy a chronograph to to check my reloads against commercial ammo. I won't be developing any loads other than the calibers I now reload. Specifically .308 and 30-06. I am looking at the PACT Model One and PC2. Trying to not spend too much (Like Oehler). For occasional reloading what do you recommend?

Thanks,

Richard Winnen

I use my Pact I chronograph nearly weekly, and it does a wonderful job. The Pact 2 (actually it's an exponent "2", meaning "squared", and it's pronounced "Pact Squared") has printer capability, but I just carry along a legal pad a ball point pen. No need for bells and whistles. Here's a hint for using any chronograph: Place the chronograph itself on the ground on an old rag or towel. Often, vibrations from muzzle blast will give you wild and mysterious readouts, or the shots fired won't register at all. I tried laying a towel and shooting jacket over the chronograph sitting on the bench next to me, but it didn't help. Any inexpensive camera tripod is fine. I got mine years ago at K-Mart for $29.95, and it's still as good as new. If you want printer capability, the Pact I can be factory upgraded, although I don't know the cost. Buy a pair of extra sky screen housings ($10). They are the black plastic boxes that house the cable ends that catch the passing bullet's shadow. The most careful shooters eventually drill them. Good shooting!

Sincerely,

R. Mermelstein