Yep, the chrono TEAM should have their procedure down pat. Try it out at a monthly WB match to make sure the equipment works, you get velocities that are consistent and agree with other chrono experience, that you understand the light conditions in which the equipment works best (most new ones like full sun on the "screens"). A team is needed, one to record/calculate and one to shoot. You don't let the individual shooters fire over the chrono unless you want the equipment plugged at least once!! A couple boxes of good "calibrated velocity" ammo to check that your chrono is not on the fritz each day would be good. Extra batteries and screens are a necessity. An extra chrono does not hurt (except in the wallet).
The way that seems to work the best is have shooters come by the chrono bay either before first day starts (long lines), or perhaps in posse rotation through the stages (cuts down the waiting). They bring their guns (1911 and rifle) and ten rounds of pistol and ten of rifle. Their guns are shot by the chrono shooter over the equipment with four or five rounds. Be consistent with pointing muzzle of each gun up (or down, but if you decide to do that, realize it will give lower velocities) before each shot. Get the average, record it. Ask shooter for bullet weight, record that. Calculate PF for rifle and for pistol. Any failures can be retested immediately with their spare ammo. Any DQs are informed immediately so they don't shoot rest of match. Keep good records - not just back of a scrap envelope.
Shooting with common "club" guns can be done, but realize that each gun barrel can be quite a bit different in velocity readings. And then realize you would need 4 rifles to cover most calibers in WB (38-40, 44-40, 44 spl or mag and 45 Colt). Better to use the shooter's own rifles and pistols!
The Chrono Team reports to the Match Director only. Not to posse marshals, not to range safety officer. This is the MD's match, and he resolves any problems. Have a kinetic bullet puller ready if it seems that the self-stated weights are not quite right or you have a PF number come in right at the border line where the actual bullet weight could make a difference.
Hang a target or other disposable object out in the back of the bay for the designated shooter to use as a sighting target. It is amazing how easy it is to loose focus while shooting hundreds of rounds over a chrono and end up pulling a trigger while muzzle is pointed at the screen stands or the electronics of the unit! And weight down the stand with a sandbag or two, even if the weather forecast says no wind. There is ALWAYS wind when you drag out a chronograph.
The first time you do this officially, you probably want to test all shooters. Big matches have been sampling some of the "potential winners" and "usual on-the-edge suspects" and a random selection of others for power tests. Maybe they test one or two from each posse.
Sometimes match officials just collect a baggie of ammo with shooter's name on it and bullet weights. Shoot it in club guns, and if a problem pops up, they retest with shooter's match guns.
Good luck, GJ
