choosing a chrono, Oehler - Labradar -MagnetoSpeed

[Linko]

Getting close to a chrono purchase. the three subject units are close in price and represent a different technology.

magnetic, optical, radar

each is placed in a different position relative to the rifle.

on the barrel
next to the barrel
in front of the barrel

all 3 are excellent based on all I have read.

So the 400 - 600 dollar question is which is the one to buy.

 

[watercam]

My brother has a Magnetospeed and likes it to a degree, I have had two budget chronys and now have an Oehler 35P which has been flawless. I transport the screens assembled on their bar (carefully). If the Labradar proves reliable I may trade up if I can afford it.

 

[Shrek]

I have a Magnetospeed now but if I was starting from scratch I'd go with the Labradar without a doubt. All the field testing reports are coming in good now so I'm not worried about how it would work and its ease of use has everything else beat by a mile. Last thing I'd buy is an optical type.

 

[DeltaBravo]

The $180 answer is the Magnetospeed Sport model. Works just fine and doesn't require much in the way of setup. If you need more versatility, then the V3 is possible, but you're getting up there in price. The big question is how much will you use it? I use mine occasionally, and it's really quick and simple to set up. If I were going to need a LOT of chrono-ing, with multiple guns/barrel contours, then I'd go with the LabRadar for ease of setup and no worries about shooting it!

Dennis

 

[hogpatrol]

I have a Magnetospeed now but if I was starting from scratch I'd go with the Labradar without a doubt. All the field testing reports are coming in good now so I'm not worried about how it would work and its ease of use has everything else beat by a mile. Last thing I'd buy is an optical type.

Same here. Labradar looks to be the way to go. Warning on the magnetospeed. It will make your group size increase, shoot high and to the right, increase throat wear, cause primer pockets to expand, increase your velocities, reduce your group sizes, affect the earth's gravitational pull, cause your dog to turn in the opposite direction before laying down, and the harmonics induced by the "tuning" effect will eventually make the barrel unscrew. At least that's what I've read here and other places.

 

[Comrade Terry]

I have a Magnetospeed now but if I was starting from scratch I'd go with the Labradar without a doubt. All the field testing reports are coming in good now so I'm not worried about how it would work and its ease of use has everything else beat by a mile. Last thing I'd buy is an optical type.

Same here. Labradar looks to be the way to go. Warning on the magnetospeed. It will make your group size increase, shoot high and to the right, increase throat wear, cause primer pockets to expand, increase your velocities, reduce your group sizes, effect the earth's gravitational pull, cause your dog to turn in the opposite direction before laying down, and the harmonics induced by the "tuning" effect will eventually make the barrel unscrew. At least that's what I've read here and other places.

;D

 

[rwk]

What would you folks only use if it was used once in a blue moon.

 

[hogpatrol]

What would you folks only use if it was used once in a blue moon.

I'd borrow a friend's magnetospeed or labradar. Unlike the light screen types, very little chance of shooting it. ;D

 

[ballison]

If you want to use it for playing around and want to just get in the ballpark with velocity, a Shooting Chrony or something similar will work fine.

If you want something more accurate and easier to set-up, then a MagnetoSpeed is the way to go. I only have experience with the V3, but the reviews on the Sporter seem to be pretty positive. The only downside is if you want to use it for load development, you will have to shoot rounds with and without it on (IMHO). You don't want the earth to stop rotating.

If you're wife gave you a high budget, and you have some patience, the Labradar is the way to go. I was fortunate enough to grab one about a month ago, and it is all that and then some. Velocities are extremely accurate, it takes 2 min to set-up, and it looks really cool!! I have taken it with me on every shoot just to collect data. With all the mfg delays, I was very hesitant to purchase one of these. Figuring it would be riddled with issues and customer service would be nonexistent. Well, I could not have been more wrong. I got mine the day before Thanksgiving, took it out, and had a few questions. Figured I'd send them an email and hear back in a few days. Got a reply on Thanksgiving day. Next question came about a week later, so I sent another email. Got a call in 2 hours. Doesn't get much better than this in my opinion!

 

[Jammer Six]

I'm sold on the Labradar.

For you guys who have one. what was your wait and how long ago?

 

[rob221]

I have all of the above. Labradar!!! Ordered mine 2/18/15. Arrived 3 weeks ago.

 

[BigBlueandGoldie]

Magnetospeed Sporter with their XFR phone attachment. No dicking with the little display as everything is on your phone. When you get your data compiled you can email it to yourself in the form of a spreadsheet with the touch of a button, or it will just stay on your pbone. I usually chrono my fouling shots, so I'm not concerned with POI changes. I just don't feel the need for the Labradar with how well the Magnetospeed works, and for how much it costs.

 

[Joe Salt]

I want one like Hornaday has! Anyone know what the cost is on that?

Joe Salt

 

[DRNewcomb]

I have a CED optical chronograph, which I bought just before the Magnetospeed came out. The disadvantage of the optical chronographs is the setup. You have to get out in front of the firing line to align and otherwise fuss with the sensors. This is only an issue on busy ranges. If you're the only one on the line it doesn't matter. The advantage of the optical units is that they work with all types of guns.

The MagnetoSpeed is great for people at busy ranges because you just strap it on the end of the barrel. The only disadvantage is that it's hard to get to work on some types of actions, such as a M1911A1.

The Labradar is really intriguing. I had not seen it before. Does it do speed profiles, say 10-100 yds. That would be handy for calculating BCs. At the range where I shoot most often, you have to fire through a window in a timber wall about 10' in front of the benchs. I wonder how it would work in that situation. It is kind of the high-priced option.

 

[Linko]

I want one like Hornaday has! Anyone know what the cost is on that?

Joe Salt

Good point. It was the move to radar that enabled Hornady to creat the ELD-X bullet that is featired in all the magazines this month. Labradar is the same technology. More accurate and easier setup but at a higher cost.

 

[amlevin]

What would you folks only use if it was used once in a blue moon.

I'd use any "optical" type that has an Infrared feature for the sensors. Yes, a little extra setup time (which can be sped up with the use of a chamber type laser bore sighter) but no change in POI like with the magneto speed.

I use a Pact with the I/R sensors and I never have to worry about overcast or position of the sun. If you want to go really inexpensive, a Shooting Chrony is perfect for "Once in a Blue Moon", just get the unit that has the benchtop remote display. Not as "sexy" as the other options but if all you need is an idea of how fast your load is, it's perfect for around $100.

 

[savageshooter86]

Labradar is the way to go. Mine is awesome and I will not shoot another shot during load work without it.

Short story: I bought a Magnetospeed to get me by until my Labradar came in. I had worked up close to my load prior to the Magnetospeed. Once it arrived I started using it and noticed my gun was shooting bigger groups and not consistant. Fought this by re working the load for several range sessions(wasted more time and components when I thought I had my load already) Then my Labradar arrived. Took it to the range and decided to re test what I thought was my load to begin with before I used the Magnetospeed. Instantly my rifle was shooting bugholes. All my load testing went as I had thought it should and everything shot great. So to me, that told me that the Magnetospeed was causing something strange. Everything else was the same. Just my opinion and my experience

 

[hogpatrol]

Labradar is the way to go. Mine is awesome and I will not shoot another shot during load work without it.

Short story: I bought a Magnetospeed to get me by until my Labradar came in. I had worked up close to my load prior to the Magnetospeed. Once it arrived I started using it and noticed my gun was shooting bigger groups and not consistant. Fought this by re working the load for several range sessions(wasted more time and components when I thought I had my load already) Then my Labradar arrived. Took it to the range and decided to re test what I thought was my load to begin with before I used the Magnetospeed. Instantly my rifle was shooting bugholes. All my load testing went as I had thought it should and everything shot great. So to me, that told me that the Magnetospeed was causing something strange. Everything else was the same. Just my opinion and my experience

Were you using the magnetospeed during a full moon? :

 

[BigBlueandGoldie]

I don't understand why you would leave the Magnetospeed on during load testing? Seems more logical to me to find your load on paper and then use the chronograph to get your numbers.

 

[savageshooter86]

To keep this on topic there are several threads about testing with the Magnetospeed on.

Labradar is excellent