Comparison

Caldwell Precision Chronograph vs Ballistic X

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Caldwell Precision Chronograph

This app connects to Caldwell Ballistic Chronographs via serial port or Bluetooth to record and display shot data. It requires specific microphone, camera, and Bluetooth permissions for full functionality on iOS devices.

Highlights
  • Connects via serial port
  • Connects via Bluetooth (Chrono G2)
  • Records shot data
  • Displays shot data
  • Requires microphone access
  • Requires camera access
Features
Read full description

The Ballistic Chronograph app is for use with the Caldwell line of Ballistic Chronographs supporting a 3.5mm line-out serial port. Users running iOS 7 or greater • When prompted “Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph” Would Like to Access the Microphone - select OK. • Please ensure that Settings -> Privacy -> Microphone -> Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronometer is enabled (Access Granted). Running the app with the setting disabled will result in no shots being seen even though the app is showing it as connected. Users running version 1.14 or greater • When prompted “Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph” Would Like to Access the Camera - select OK. • When prompted “Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph” Would Like to Access Photos - select OK. • Please ensure that Settings -> Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronometer -> Camera is enabled (Access Granted). Chrono G2 users running 1.17 or greater To enable Bluetooth in the app. In the Chrono Settings - set Bluetooth enabled. If prompted - Turn on Bluetooth to Allow "Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph" to Connect to Accessories. Select Settings. Turn on Bluetooth. If prompted - Bluetooth is not enabled. Enable Bluetooth to continue. In Settings - Turn on Bluetooth.

About

Ballistic X

This app helps shooters calculate shot groups and zero their rifles with an intuitive interface. It offers features for load development and precise turret adjustments, supporting various units and target types. An optional upgrade unlocks advanced statistical analysis tools.

Highlights
  • Shot group calculation
  • Rifle zero adjustment (ATZ)
  • Load development data
  • MOA/MIL or INCH/CM support
  • Advanced statistical analysis (In-App Purchase)
  • Cross-device sync (optional)
Features
Read full description

Ballistic-X: The Easiest Way to Calculate Shot Groups and Zero Your Rifle! Designed by shooters, for shooters, Ballistic-X offers a simple, intuitive interface allowing users to customize their experience through the Options Menu. Whether you prefer MOA/MIL or INCH/CM, the app works seamlessly with any target, including Steel. Key Features: - Included: Gain access to the core functionality of Ballistic-X with a single purchase. No subscriptions required for full access to essential tools! - Sync settings across multiple devices by signing in (optional, not required to use the app). - Offers useful data and labeling options that aid in Load Development. - The ATZ (Adjustment To Zero) feature helps you precisely adjust your turrets to bring your rifle to zero, saving you rounds and time. ATZ works dynamically at any range and supports all turret options. Simple Workflow: - Take an image of your target (within the app or from your library) - Designate reference size via Settings (default is 1") - Mark two points on the target corresponding to the reference (for grid or steel targets) - Input the distance from the target - Select the caliber used - Mark Point of Aim and Impacts - Add overlay, label, crop, and export/share - Adjust your optic according to ATZ Upgrade to the Advanced Toolkit (In-App Purchase): Unlock additional pro-level features with the Advanced Toolkit: Advanced Overlay Display Options: - Mean Radius - Circular Error Probable (CEP) - Radial Standard Deviation (SD) - Vertical SD - Horizontal SD - Mean Windage - Mean Elevation - Impact Selector - Export to CSV for further data analysis Ballistic-X is a community-driven app, committed to providing the best user experience possible, along with unbeatable customer service. Join the Ballistic-X community today and elevate your shooting precision! Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.ballistic-x.com/privacy.html

Screenshots

Caldwell Precision Chronograph4 screens
Ballistic X4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Caldwell Precision Chronograph at Free against Ballistic X's $7.99. Caldwell Precision Chronograph also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.4). Ballistic X's advantage is rating (3.8 vs 2.2) and review sentiment (56% vs 23%). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Caldwell Precision Chronograph is free to download; Ballistic X costs $7.99 up front. Ballistic X sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per year. Caldwell Precision Chronograph asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Ballistic X holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 2.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 197 and 166 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 23% of Caldwell Precision Chronograph's written reviews are positive against 56% of Ballistic X's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Caldwell Precision Chronograph ships an update monthly, Ballistic X every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
Caldwell Precision Chronograph versus Ballistic X: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCaldwell Precision ChronographBallistic X
PriceFree — better$7.99
Rating2.2 (197 ratings)3.8 (166 ratings) — better
Positive reviews22.9% of reviews56.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings197 — better166
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank—#2 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS11.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB111 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperBattenfeld Technologies IncNomad Innovations, LLC

Customer experience

Caldwell Precision Chronograph

All ratings191 ratings
Positive28.3%
Neutral7.9%
Negative63.9%
Written reviews118 reviews
Positive22.9%
Neutral7.6%
Negative69.5%

Ballistic X

All ratings147 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral6.1%
Negative27.2%
Written reviews130 reviews
Positive56.2%
Neutral8.5%
Negative35.4%

User reviews

Caldwell Precision Chronograph

From 197 App Store ratings

What we love

  • ⭐ Works great
  • ⭐ Chronograph functions well
  • ⭐ Useful features

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
  • 🐛 App crashes or doesn't open
  • 🐛 Connectivity problems with Bluetooth and wired connections
  • 🐛 Data loss after app updates
  • 🐛 Buggy and unreliable performance

Ballistic X

From 166 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Easy to use
  • 👍 Accurate measurements
  • 💡 Useful for load development
  • 🚀 Simple and intuitive workflow
  • 💡 Helpful for zeroing rifles

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes and bugs
  • 💰 Requires subscription for advanced features
  • 🔒 Forced login requirement
  • 🔍 Small overlay text
  • 🔍 Difficult to use without 1-inch reference

Bugs and requests

Caldwell Precision Chronograph

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Doesn't work on iPhone 7 and newer
  • Crashes on iOS 16 update
  • Bluetooth and wired connections not reliable
  • Weather data not working
  • App freezes or closes unexpectedly

Requested features

4 requests
  • Export data to CSV
  • Sync data across devices
  • Improve bullet/load data management
  • Add more weather/environmental data tracking

Ballistic X

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Crashes on launch
  • Photos rotate incorrectly
  • Overlay data not saving properly
  • Compatibility issues with older devices

Requested features

6 requests
  • Automatic impact detection
  • Ability to combine multiple groups on one target
  • More caliber options
  • Customizable overlay colors
  • Ability to rotate and adjust photos before overlay
Show 1 more
  • Statistical analysis of group variation

In-app purchases

None

Caldwell Precision Chronograph

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Ballistic X

Subscriptions1
  • Advanced Toolkit Yearly$9.991 Year

Questions

Is Caldwell Precision Chronograph free?
Caldwell Precision Chronograph is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Ballistic X free?
Ballistic X costs $7.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Caldwell Precision Chronograph or Ballistic X?
Ballistic X is rated higher. Caldwell Precision Chronograph averages 2.2 out of 5 from 197 ratings, while Ballistic X averages 3.8 from 166 ratings.
Do Caldwell Precision Chronograph or Ballistic X have ads?
Neither Caldwell Precision Chronograph nor Ballistic X shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Caldwell Precision Chronograph or Ballistic X?
Caldwell Precision Chronograph ships an update monthly, and Ballistic X every 3 weeks. Most recently, Caldwell Precision Chronograph was updated on October 21, 2026 and Ballistic X on October 29, 2026.

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