Reloading without chrono

[wraithen]

I will have a house in 2 weeks and with it I will have a reloading setup. I've pretty much already settled on the lyman kit and will also grab up a micometer. I think I have the basics down. Read the ABC's of reloading twice cover to cover. I guess my basic question is without a chono, is there any way to tell when I'm approaching max load or pressure before the brass starts to tell me? I'm not looking for the fastest ammo by any stretch. I just want to figure out exactly where I need to be to fully utilize my .223 After I get that down I will start reloading my own leverevolution. (Stupid hornady had to work so well. Brought my groups down almost in half at 100 yards.)

The range I use appreciates my business but they also are always telling everyone there are people waiting so I'd rather not have to fuss with anything to stay in good graces.

[quadrafire]

The range I use appreciates my business but they also are always telling everyone there are people waiting so I'd rather not have to fuss with anything to stay in good graces.

Not much worse than being rushed when trying to work up a load.

I do not have a crony, but am just working up for accuracy

[thinkingman]

I have reloaded to near-max powder charges and still been 5-7% under published velocities. 
There are others with similar experience.
Pay attention to the brass, bolt lift for signs.
Faster is not always better.

[JohnVH]

I only use the chrony for figuring out ballistics, I reload for accuracy. If your overdoing it, the brass and primers will talk to you. Just use your head.

[Bob33]

The simple answer is "no".  There is really no way to be certain of pressure other than using a pressure gauge.   Velocity is one of the best alternatives, and for that you need a chronograph.

There was a test done a few years ago by a gun magazine on the topic "visible signs of pressure".  They intentionally loaded ammunition hotter and hotter, shot the ammunition, and measured the actual pressures with a pressure gauge.  A couple of the rifle loads measured over 80,000 PSI before there were any "visible signs of pressure" noted such as sticky bolts, etc.

I can't imagine reloading without one.  They're relatively cheap and easy to use.  If you are getting velocities that are much slower than standard, you're giving up performance.  If you are getting velocities that are much faster than standard, you're pushing the pressure envelope.  Without a chronograph, you don't have one of the most fundamental and valuable pieces of data needed to make an assessment of your ammunition.

[MDGrand]

Just dont get a low end F1 Chrony like me.. the dang thing comes in 3 peices for the bridge halos and picks up everyone elses shot including yours at the range. Get a ProChrono from Competition Electronics.

[h20hunter]

I have and use the one from Chrony.......


http://www.shootingchrony.com/

It is simple and easy to use. Just make sure you shoot some test shots prior to set up. They don't work to well after getting shot.

[MDGrand]

Well,

glad to hear you have a Chrony that works and works well.. mine is crap. From what I hear.. its hit or miss with getting a good one. Still hate the 3 peice bridge between the rods. That is crap design.

[h20hunter]

I admit that the "bridge" is kind of flimsy. I may have been lucky...knock on wood.....so far. I only use it on clear and sunny days when I have the range to myself. That may have helped.

[Heredoggydoggy]

I do not have a crony, but am just working up for accuracy
[/quote]

I've been reloading for 40 years and still don't have a Chrony.  Accuracy is the most important thing for me, and the middle of the load table is usually the best.