Time for a new chrono...

[tobnpr]

My Alpha Master seems to have given up the ghost...bunch of errors/missed shots (erroneous readings, some very low, sometimes 5,000+fps).

I'm looking at the Magnetospeed- solid reviews, even if it affects groupings easy enough to do the OCW or ladder, then chrono after the top loads are selected for ES, SD, etc.

I'm not clear on the mounting- seems to be pretty particular. The V3 is just over $300, seems basically the same but has a lot more spacers, which I'm assuming is what makes it compatible with barrels larger than 1"- which is where they say the "sporter" is limited.

The "Sporter" is $117- so the diff is nearly 3x or $200... for those that own either model, why couldn't one machine spacers as needed to larger diameter or different contour barrels to make the sporter model work with any type barrel, suppressor, brake, etc?

$200 is a big diff...

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Id get a labradar even if you have to save up a bit. I have both plus some shooting chronys. I havent used the magnetospeed since the labradar came out and wont ever again unless my labradar breaks.

 

[tobnpr]

What's the advantage of the Labradar?
I considered it, but have read that it will sometimes pick up nearby shooters (pretty much guaranteed to have shooters on either side a few feet away where we shoot), and not-infrequent failure to read. I get that it provides velocity over distance, but for me, that's not enough to justify the price tag.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

It does not pick up other shooters and has never missed a shot for me after aiming right. I had way more issues with the magnetospeed. It missed shots, worked loose, had crazy readings, cobbled together rigs on the barrel, etc. you get a arkco machine base for labradar and it doesnt get any better

 

[tobnpr]

Thanks, appreciate the feedback.

 

[Raythemanroe]

I have had the bata Chrono, Labradar is night and day better.. it works


Ray

 

[284winner]

How about muzzle brakes ? Can you use them with the labradar ?

 

[Raythemanroe]

Yes, lighting all that doesn't matter.. Get the setup correct and position it properly it will work every time.


Ray

 

[284winner]

Yes, lighting all that doesn't matter.. Get the setup correct and position it properly it will work every time.


Ray

I looked at the manual and I thought it said it will not function properly with muzzle brakes. Then this past weekend had another guy tell me that they do not recommend muzzle brakes when shooting due to how close the barrel is to the unit. Maybe it's a caution in case readings are not consistent.

 

[Delfuego]

Don't waste your money on the Magnetospeed Sporter, get the V3 it's much, much better.

 

[PatMiles]

I have to agree with Dusty and Ray, when the Labradar is aimed correctly, which is easy to do, it will pick up every shot. I had trouble with mine until I learned to aim it correctly and positioned it correctly next to the muzzle. I also had trouble with a muzzle brake until I started positioning it next to the muzzle just ahead of the brake so gases exiting the forward most brake gill would not blow the MS around. No problems since I started doing my part.
Yes, I have owned a Magneto Speed which was a good chrono but somewhat of a PIA to set up and would affect point of impact.

 

[lancexxx]

I’ve got a lab radar, the way to go

 

[powderbrake]

I have a Chrony, a Magnetospeed and a Labradar. I highly recommend the Labradar. I have it set up on a tripod because my muzzle extends past the front of the bench. I use the 6" setting and place the muzzle about 2" from the Labradar. It has never picked up a shot from an adjacent bench.

They all work but the Labradar can be set up and running quicker than a Chrony, and generally quicker than a Magnetospeed. Also It can be done while the line is hot. Get the Labradar app on your smartphone, the interface is much better than the buttons on the Labradar, and it's free.

I have a travel tripod similar to this one on amazon, and works great.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KLLW046/?tag=accuratescom-20

The Magnetospeed shifted my point of impact, so I bought the Labradar for load development.

 

[newbieshooter]

I looked at the manual and I thought it said it will not function properly with muzzle brakes. Then this past weekend had another guy tell me that they do not recommend muzzle brakes when shooting due to how close the barrel is to the unit. Maybe it's a caution in case readings are not consistent.

Manual doesn't really address the different muzzle brakes.

 

[Bill K]

Id get a labradar even if you have to save up a bit. I have both plus some shooting chronys. I havent used the magnetospeed since the labradar came out and wont ever again unless my labradar breaks.

Dusty: Labradar says it will not track small calibers as far, yet I have read some posts where they say it will not track .17 cal, have you found that so ?

 

[ShaunBrady]

If the Labradar is positioned in muzzle blast, it'll eventually knock the connector loose from the screen and it'll have to go back to Labradar to be fixed. Been there, done that. They're really good about fixing it.

That is prevented by mounting the unit ahead of the muzzle rather than behind. With brakes that blast straight out, tucking the Labradar near the bipod works, but alignment is tricky because the barrel creates a shadow for the radar.

The flat plate mount they sell really is at it's best on a bench with rifles without muzzle brakes. For shooting large braked magnums on natural terrain, the best system I've used is a horizontal boom tripod mounting the Labradar above the barrel and ahead of the muzzle. I didn't dream that up, I saw a picture on the internet. A horizontal boom tripod can be picked up on Amazon for $75-$150. I use a shooting bag to counterweight the Labradar and make the tripod more stable.

For pistols, or suppressed rifles, switching it to "Doppler" triggering will pick up every shot. It uses more power in that mode, but that's really a non issue with external batteries. Trying to run it with regular batteries is a non starter.

Controlling it from the App with a phone or tablet is a great convenience and makes positioning the unit out of arms reach feasible.

I have a V3 as well and used it a lot before I had confidence in the Labradar. The big difference between the two for me is I'm far more likely to set up the Labradar and record every shot in a box of ammo. I tended to use the V3 for just testing. I tested with the V3 more than I did with my optical chronos though.

It all adds up. If you reload, you should be able to make a Sporter pay for itself pretty quickly in components saved during load development. After that, you pay for increasing levels of convenience and utility.

 

[284winner]

Manual doesn't really address the different muzzle brakes.
View attachment 1112400

Manual doesn't really address the different muzzle brakes.
View attachment 1112400

Sorry thought I read that it said something about muzzle brakes. Seemed like they weren't recommended close to the unit vs without one. Could have read it wrong. That's why I'm asking. Considering buying one and was told they don't work with brakes. If that's the case, I'll keep my current unit.

 

[Raythemanroe]

I looked at the manual and I thought it said it will not function properly with muzzle brakes. Then this past weekend had another guy tell me that they do not recommend muzzle brakes when shooting due to how close the barrel is to the unit. Maybe it's a caution in case readings are not consistent.

I and many others run muzzle brake, just put it a couple inches behind the brake.. no biggy

Ray

 

[284winner]

I and many others run muzzle brake, just put it a couple inches behind the brake.. no biggy

Ray

That's great info. Thanks

 

[INTJ]

I sold my Oehler 35 after figuring out my Lab Radar. The biggest deal is aiming it correctly and having the location correct for brake vs small caliber. I have t had it drop a shit in a while, and I don’t have to shut down the firing line to set it up.