Why would I use a Labradar??

[Chiquita]

I was reading the instruction booklet and if I understand it correctly many factors such as temperature and humidity will affect the performance of the unit. So if I shoot at 80 degrees with 30% humidity my velocity will be different if the environment changes.

in this case why would I use the LR vs the Magneetospeed that is not affected by environmental changes. Please don't get into the POI change subject.

Thanks for yoru replies.

 

[Dave M.]

I was reading the instruction booklet and if I understand it correctly many factors such as temperature and humidity will affect the performance of the unit. So if I shoot at 80 degrees with 30% humidity my velocity will be different if the environment changes.

in this case why would I use the LR vs the Magneetospeed that is not affected by environmental changes. Please don't get into the POI change subject.

Thanks for yoru replies.

I have shot my pet 6 dasher over the lab radar literally 100’s of rounds and every time the only variation I see is the expected MV difference based on temperature. I shoot RL-15 so it’s not the most temp stable powder, but it sure shoots good and damn is it consistent. I just looked at some data pages and found 5 separate occasions over the last two years when I fired groups at the same range and in temps between 60-74F, the average velocity spread of the 5 groups (4 were 25 shot groups and the last was over 40 shots) was a grand total of 19fps which I believe is right in line with the expected change in velocity per degree F. Therefore, I’d say the labradar held fairly stable over those groups. YMMV.
Dave

 

[Chiquita]

I have shot my pet 6 dasher over the lab radar literally 100’s of rounds and every time the only variation I see is the expected MV difference based on temperature. I shoot RL-15 so it’s not the most temp stable powder, but it sure shoots good and damn is it consistent. I just looked at some data pages and found 5 separate occasions over the last two years when I fired groups at the same range and in temps between 60-74F, the average velocity spread of the 5 groups (4 were 25 shot groups and the last was over 40 shots) was a grand total of 19fps which I believe is right in line with the expected change in velocity per degree F. Therefore, I’d say the labradar held fairly stable over those groups. YMMV.
Dave

I do expect the load to change MV due to temperature change. But does LR measure differently according to temperature? At least that is what it says in their instructions.

Also, if the range is a bit hilly compared to flat range, the measurements from LR may vary.

Has anyone experienced different MV on different ranges?

 

[Dave M.]

I do expect the load to change MV due to temperature change. But does LR measure differently according to temperature? At least that is what it says in their instructions.

Also, if the range is a bit hilly compared to flat range, the measurements from LR may vary.

Has anyone experienced different MV on different ranges?

No. What I’m saying is the only variation I’ve seen is attributable only to powder mv vs. temp. I’ve shot the same load at so many different range and had the avg velocity has always been 3071fps +/- 6-8fps (depending on outside temp). Personally, I love my labradar. I know some people have issues with it, but as far as I’m concerned it’s the best offering with the features I desire until something else comes along to bump it off it’s throne.
Dave

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Are we reading a bit too much into MV? I use some device to establish a benchmark MV for loading purposes and rarely go there again. The sighters on target provide all necessary data after that. I like to keep things simple...

 

[whatsupdoc]

POST the statement in the manual you are referring to then we can have a discussion.

 

[Sandstorm]

No issues with mine other than bad cell phone connection from time to time.
But you dont really need that anyway.

 

[Big_Daddy]

I have been using a LabRadar since they first appeared on the scene.
I have used it is many varying conditions and have NEVER noticed any fluctuating readings based on conditions.

 

[Dave M.]

Are we reading a bit too much into MV? I use some device to establish a benchmark MV for loading purposes and rarely go there again. The sighters on target provide all necessary data after that. I like to keep things simple...

Whenever I practice I shoot at least some rounds over my labradar. It just gives me additional confidence in my reloading skills and data points for my graph of muzzle velocity vs temperature.
Dave

 

[Dave M.]

No issues with mine other than bad cell phone connection from time to time.
But you dont really need that anyway.

Lol. I hate the app. I don’t even use it. I just hand write the velocities in my notebook after each shoot.

 

[Chiquita]

POST the statement in the manual you are referring to then we can have a discussion.

Read the instructions, I think it was towards the end.

 

[Big_Daddy]

Lol. I hate the app. I don’t even use it. I just hand write the velocities in my notebook after each shoot.

Damn I must be lucky.
Used mine 3 times this week with no "app issues"
I use an Android tablet to run the app, if that matters to anyone.

 

[INTJ]

We use the Lab Radar because:

1. No shutting down the range to set up sky screens

2. No issues with the amount of light messing with readings

3. Nothing hanging on the barrel that will affect POI and may affect group size

4. It has velocity validation by giving several velocity readings, which is similar to the Oehler 35 except the Oehler 35 only measures velocity twice

5. It is a compact unit that is easy to transport

We don't use the Labradar because:

1. We don't take the time to learn how to use it
2. It's one of the more expensive chronos
3. They are hard to find for sale right now

 

[memilanuk]

Copied and pasted from the online PDF of the user manual, since the OP couldn't be bothered:

Due to microwaves signals nature, range performance of the LabRadar can differ depending on the environmental conditions:

• Temperature;
• Humidity;
• Particles in the air;
• Signal reflection on the ground, trees, wall and any other surface in the line of fire.
• Frequency channel used for transmission;
• Electrical Interference in the area;
• Etc.

In addition, the projectile’s characteristics will also affect the range performance of the LabRadar, such as:

• Projectile’s diameter;
• Projectile’s tail design;
• Projectile’s shape;
• Projectile’s position while travelling in the air;
• Subparticles (ie. Sabot, wads);
• Etc

Pretty sure you're reading *way* too much into that. It's generic a$$ covering; just go use the dang thing.

Just like any other instrument or measuring device, there is a certain amount of inherent uncertainty to the readings - if it reads '3000 fps' for a given shot, it could be 2999 or 3001. Maybe more; maybe less. Now you know why.

If that's enough to put you off your game, get rid of the chrono along with everything else on your loading bench and in your gun safe, and go take up knitting.

 

[Ray123]

I use magneto speed, made in USA and have no desire to purchase the expensive Labradar, made in Canada.
But make your own choices and read reviews, negative and positive to see if that helps you make a decision.
The Labradar is limited to 3900 fps...totally unusable for 204 Ruger, 17 Remington, or even my dasher with 58 gr bullets, all going over 4000 fps with the 17 Rem up to 4900 fps ...I would not know the speed of these cartridges with the Labradar. ...a big downside for varmint shooters.
And no problem for Magneto Speed.

The Labradar has an operating tempratue range that might be outside of the temperature of your winter or summer shooting depending on where you live. 110 degrees F is top range that many shooters have at there normal summer ranges, like Arizona....so the unit is temperature sensitive according to the manufacturer.

Labradar has a 1 year warranty...

Magneto Speed suits me better, easy to attach to all my rifles 17 to 50BMG, pistols not so much ... I use the old Pact chronograph for pistols ...but not to concerned about pistols just confirm a velocity once is good ...if they function never check them again...it's a close range blaster.
Magneto Speed you can put it in your pocket and walk around shooting it with the bayonet attached and record all the shots.
Saw David Tubb in competition shooting the Magneto Speed on his 2 mile rifle, checking the velocity of each shot.
He also sells an adjustable attachment so it doesn't attach to your barrel changing the harmonics...then he proceeded to put all 5 including first shot hit on target at 1950 yds, with his rifle of course. So there's that...
Anything touching the barrel can affect bullet impact...but Tubb has a solution...or make your own.
Magneto Speed is simple, light, durable, easy to carry, easy to use, & transport, just throw it in the truck. No sighting in the radar unit, microphone, not finiky. Just put the bayonet 1/4" parallel to the bore and shoot. Works in all conditions and all lighting, rain or snowing. It's ready when you are.
Price is a huge concern...my choice will be Magneto Speed, until something better comes along in that price range.
Do the research and buy what you like...

 

[Ray123]

Copied and pasted from the online PDF of the user manual, since the OP couldn't be bothered:



Pretty sure you're reading *way* too much into that. It's generic a$$ covering; just go use the dang thing.

Just like any other instrument or measuring device, there is a certain amount of inherent uncertainty to the readings - if it reads '3000 fps' for a given shot, it could be 2999 or 3001. Maybe more; maybe less. Now you know why.

If that's enough to put you off your game, get rid of the chrono along with everything else on your loading bench and in your gun safe, and go take up knitting.

Yeah, but that is a very large number of variables .
Magneto Speed doesn't have those atmosphere /temperature variables in performance plus LR velocity max is a mere 3900 fps, useless for many varmint shooters running 4000 to 4900 fps...
204 Ruger, 17 Rem, 220 Swift, 224 WSSM, and a host others searching for high velocities.
You can adore it but it seems limited for the high entry price...balky, plus all the gagets to make it perform better. Magneto Speed everything ya need in a light pistol case... for me hands down Magneto Speed fits my needs better. But the LR may be your cup of tea...there are differences, and choices...the more choices the better. Competition improves products we all enjoy.

 

[newbieshooter]

I do expect the load to change MV due to temperature change. But does LR measure differently according to temperature? At least that is what it says in their instructions.

Also, if the range is a bit hilly compared to flat range, the measurements from LR may vary.

Has anyone experienced different MV on different ranges?

No. What I’m saying is the only variation I’ve seen is attributable only to powder mv vs. temp. I’ve shot the same load at so many different range and had the avg velocity has always been 3071fps +/- 6-8fps (depending on outside temp). Personally, I love my labradar. I know some people have issues with it, but as far as I’m concerned it’s the best offering with the features I desire until something else comes along to bump it off it’s throne.

I was reading the instruction booklet and if I understand it correctly many factors such as temperature and humidity will affect the performance of the unit. So if I shoot at 80 degrees with 30% humidity my velocity will be different if the environment changes.

Here's my own personal take on this:

The LR has the ability to track bullets down range. The user can set up to 5 downrange distances (between the muzzle and the target OR the maximum range that the bullet can be tracked). I personally have never used this feature. I only use the LR for initial MV. Here are the instructions on how to set downrange distances Dx1 - Dx5:




Then one reads in the manual about how environmental factors that can affect range performance.

I read the manual - and I guess I read it differently. The section that was pointed out earlier with the environmental factors listed:



The environmental factors are listed in the section titled "Range". And notice the environmental factors is in reference to "range performance". And the section under the environmental factors concludes with a table which outlines the estimated "maximum range" of sample projectiles:




I think this is more about how environmental factors may affect the 'maximum range' the LR is able to track the projectile between the muzzle and the target - and accurately record downrange velocities at distances Dx1 thru Dx5 set by the user.

jmvots...

 

[6.5 forever]

Is somebody way over thinking about this? I am 5 years into using my Labrador. It has never failed to work and the only variable I have seen is when my lot of powder changed. And that is exactly what it is supposed to do, let me know there is a change. Just like all the other changes from day to day.......

 

[whatsupdoc]

Reading comprehension is the ability to read text, process it and understand its meaning.

 

[rijndael]

The sighters on target provide all necessary data after that. I like to keep things simple...

Not all of us shoot matches where we get sighters.