choosing a chrono, Oehler - Labradar -MagnetoSpeed

[BigBlueandGoldie]

To keep this on topic there are several threads about teating wI think Magnetospeed on.

Labradar is excellent

Huh?

 

[brian427cobra]

I shot my first chronograph a Chrony on purpose, total POS, at the time Oehler wasn't making 35/35p, so I did my research and bought a CED M2, if all you have is 200 to spend get one, I have shot rounds through it, 35p, and Magnetto V3 at the same time to compare readings, the CED M2 is every bit as accurate as the Oehler and is way easier to set up, and use, the Magnettospeed does give me a POI shift, it depends on where you attach it on which direction the shift is, I use the M2 for load development, and the MS for confirmation and ballistics. I have used a friends Labradar, it is simply the best bang for the buck, easiest to set up, I would only recommend buying one of these.

 

[Phil3]

Just ordered the MagnetoSpeed vs, so guess I am in the minority. I bought the MagnetoSpeed over the LabRadar for a few reasons.

1) The LabRadar has an undetermined delivery date. It has been repeatedly delayed, making me wonder if it is just not ready for prime-time. Announcements on firmware updates only add to that concern.
2) $180 more than the MagnetoSpeed, which at $380 is not cheap.
3) I always know the velocity recorded by the MagnetoSpeed is the muzzle velocity, given the device's proximity to the muzzle. Just when does the LabRadar pickup and determine the velocity? In practice, I have seen that the two instruments are very close in velocity.
4) I doubt that it will ever be an issue for me, but have heard reports the LabRadar may have some trouble with rain, but then I would have trouble aiming in rain, so...
5) I understand the LabRadar has been inconsistent in picking up shots with small bullets, like a 223. I wonder how it would perform with a 204 Ruger. The MagnetoSpeed appears to pick up every shot.
6) I also understand the LabRadar has to be aimed very precisely to work reliably.
7) The LabRadar needs to be located fairly precisely relative to the muzzle, mandating that the gun AND LabRadar both fit on the bench. Given that I fired a 338 Lapua Mag with muzzle brake and it blew over a spotting scope on a tripod on the bench NEXT to me, I have reservations about the location requirements of the unit. If it needs to stand on a tripod on the ground, next to the bench that poses a problem, as shooters have to walk between the benches to the target, prohibiting that location.
8- LabRadar acknowledges there may not be room on the bench for unit, and offer a special bench mounts that helps with this. $30. A padded carrying case is $40. A tripod is $55, but you could that cheaper elsewhere. These accessories are $125, and if all used, make the unit $685. If all used, have to be packed and transported to the range. The Magneto speed already comes in a hard case, does not a bench adapter or a tripod. Ordering everything from LabRadar costs $728 with the cheapest shipping ($43, UPS ground). That is $331 more than the total cost of the MagnetoSpeed, which I had shipped 3 day Fed-Ex.

The Magneto Speed has some accessories as well, but they are niceties, not so much necessities (for my circumstance) with the LabRadar.

I do not like that the MagnetoSpeed affects POI. But, if the gun has a Picatinny rail on the bottom, that can be used to mount the unit, using a $25 accessory. Not all guns have that, I know. But in light of all the above, I felt I could work with the MagnetoSpeed, and besides, it was available, and the LabRadar is not.

Phil

 

[Linko]

What equipment do the top shooters at the nationals measure their loads with?

 

[Catfur]

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.

Probably can't get one like Hornady has because of the FCC regs on consumer electronics and radio emissions. A powerful radar may require proof of being a commercial entity (or maybe not). I suppose you could try contacting the manufacturer of LabRadar to see if they offer a commercial model to the general public, be prepared to pay$$$$.

 

[rkittine]

Sounds like the LabRadar also is limited to 3,900 FPS and only slugs for shotguns?

Bob

 

[Jammer Six]

What equipment do the top shooters at the nationals measure their loads with?

Skill at one does not imply knowledge of the other.

I'm going with Labradar.

I wish they'd get it together with delivery, though.

 

[CSM19Z5M]

I was ready to buy an Oehler but decided to wait until I find out more about the Labradar. If it works it has some advantages over the other types. Hope to see some feedback on them soon.

 

[hogpatrol]

What equipment do the top shooters at the nationals measure their loads with?

Paper targets. ;D

 

[Keith Glasscock]

^^^^^^^That is funny^^^^^^

I have to make a concerted effort to remember to chronograph my loads for F-class. Seriously, I have a 284 barrel that I almost shot out without ever knowing the actual velocity of my match load. I did know that it shot cleans - a lot of cleans - at 600 yards.

It probably would have shot better with a better pilot...

 

[Linko]

If Magnetospeed affects the POI, devising a mounting method other than straping it on to the barrel would be be solution. This way as you fire your load development rounds you are obtaining the speed of each load at the same time you see the POI. This would provide the data to analize yoyr results.

Depending on if you are using a front rest, bipod or a sled you should be able to come up with a method to mount the Magnetospeed. I would like to have POI & speed for each round.

 

[DRNewcomb]

Just ordered the MagnetoSpeed vs, so guess I am in the minority. I bought the MagnetoSpeed over the LabRadar for a few reasons........

Isn't it great that we now have three different technologies and multiple manufacturers to choose from? I remember when I thought that it was just great that my club had one of the old Oehler (pre mod 35) chronographs that I could use. The thing had an aluminum beam that had to be set up on a heavy wooden tripod and you had to shoot through sensor ports that were about 6" square. But you got MV and before that the handloader just guessed.

 

[rkittine]

For those old enough to remember, the technology choices are wonderful. My first chronograph required that you shoot through two plates and each shot required a new set of plates. Which of course meant time to replace them and the cost of another set.

Bob

 

[amlevin]

If Magnetospeed affects the POI, devising a mounting method other than straping it on to the barrel would be be solution. This way as you fire your load development rounds you are obtaining the speed of each load at the same time you see the POI. This would provide the data to analize yoyr results.

Depending on if you are using a front rest, bipod or a sled you should be able to come up with a method to mount the Magnetospeed. I would like to have POI & speed for each round.

It sounds and looks easy-------- right up to the point you realize that the "sensors" in the magnetospeed need to be in close proximity to the bullet as it passes over them. If they aren't mounted on a device attached to the barrel the chances of hitting them, just like with the optical units, increases greatly. BTW, when I say "Close", I mean REALLY CLOSE otherwise there'd be no issue with the adapters for suppressors, muzzle brakes, etc.

 

[Preacher]

I ran 6 rifles over the Labradar yesterday without a hitch.
My 22BR with 40 grain ballistic tips never failed to register a shot, so much for not liking small bullets..
Mikes 6.5 SAUM Imp with a muzzle break wouldn't trip a few times, but as soon as the barrel was positioned where it should be it worked just fine for 10 shots..
My 6.5 SAUM Imp never missed a beat for 10 shots...
2- 25x47 Lapua's did a fine job...
A 6.5x47 AI also did a fine job...
Mike couldn't believe how simple it was to get it up and running, he's been here when I was trying to set up the 35, and wearing myself out running back and forth setting the screens up...
I wrote down the numbers just in case the SD card didn't work, but that was a waste of time.....
It is definitely a first class contraption, and the crying is over...

 

[DRNewcomb]

I ran 6 rifles over the Labradar yesterday without a hitch......

Preacher, since you have one, I was wondering if you can answer my question if the LabRadar provides a velocity/range curve or just a single velocity?

 

[Preacher]

They seem to be able to record velocity to what ever you set the range for.
I got velocity readings at 20 yards, 30, 40, 50 and 60 yards for what I set it at..
I didn't see them on the screen, but they were on the card when it was printed out on the computer...

 

[rwk]

Which would you get for once in awhile testing,once a year- does not have to be the best.

 

[Endyo]

A Prochrono. It's about $100. It's fairly accurate, extremely easy to use. Has good customer service from reports I've read...if your buddy were to shoot it.

Which would you get for once in awhile testing,once a year- does not have to be the best.

It's enough to get you in a very close ball park. Is lighting sensitive.

 

[Endyo]

Oehler 35P - $595​

Pros:
-Industry Standard for decades
-Used commercially and privately
-Is THE chronograph all others are compared to
-Extremely accurate
-Good Customer Service, but you will pay for replacement parts if you break or shoot them.
-Can register air guns, arrows, bolts, etc. If it shoots through the photosensors it should work may require some programming in the settings.

Cons:
-Set up Minimum 5mins< probably closer to 15 including mounting three detectors to a long metal rod, setting up one to two bipods depending on set up, putting on sunscreens, three sets of long wires to be uncurled and hopefully not tangled, Said wires plugged in order, and finally adjusting the detectors with your bore with practice I'm sure you can get it down to the 5 minute-ish mark, but usually my set up from start to getting an actual reading averaged 15-20mins...as the unit is very positional and uneven ground and other shooters on the firing line are issues you have to work around.
-Heavy and bulky. Comes packed in a rifle case
-Require you to go downrange at minimum once, likely more often as you get the bore aligned with the sensors. This is only a problem if you shoot on a range with other shooters.
-Requires proper lighting to shoot, Cannot shoot prior to sunrise or sunset, may have problems on cloudy days
-Potential to shoot the chronograph since you "shoot through" it.
-Difficult to use shooting prone, may be able to with a special bipod/setup.

Magnetospeed - $180 V1 / $399 V3​

Pros:
-Ease of use
-Accuracy is comparable to Oehler
-Does not require lighting to work, can be shot in any weather conditions
-Presumably good Customer Service. I've talked to them but haven't verified
-Do NOT have to go downrange to adjust chronograph! This was the biggest selling point to me, as every time I used my other chronographs inevitably another shooter would share the range with me and I would sit for a while working around them to readjust, or to get another weapon ready to shoot with the other chronos.
-Can be shot prone, standing, sitting, any position as long as bayonet is mounted to barrel.
-Easy adjustment

Cons:
-Mounting to barrel requires use of (included) shims. Set up is about 5 mins, maybe less if you already know which shim(s) to use.
-Chronograph must be affixed to a barrel with 1/4'' of dropdown from the bore. Shims accomplish this on most but not all weapons.
-Cannot be readily used on semi-autos or snub nosed weapons. There is an adapter for railed pistols, revolvers that are not snub nosed should be good to go.
-V3 works with suppressors, V1 does not (Can work with SBRs)
-Cannot use for archery. I believe it should work with an airgun but I'm not positive.
-Possible POI Shift. This isn't a big drawback unless you plan on hunting/sniping with the bayonette? Get FPS with the chrono, get your dope based on that data and actual range impact without chronograph. Granted not every single shot will be chronographed, but still beats having to shoot through a "window" with a standard chrony.

Lab Radar - $ 559​

Disclaimer: I don't have experience with this set up. I read plenty of reviews and have a fair understanding of the technology.

Pros:
-Neatest coolest tech out there
-Don't have to go downrange to set up
-Appears to be the easiest set up
-Accuracy supposed to be on par with the other guys
-Does not require lighting to work, is independent to climate issues.
-Do not run the risk of shooting the chronograph, or bayonette as it sits next to you and points downrange
-Can be used prone!
-Big easy to read display that's right next to shooter
-Can be used with any barrel length, suppressors, revolvers, pistols, air rifles, arrows, etc'

Cons:
(From reviews I've read online, some of these issues may have been early production units and some may be fixed with firmware)
-Must toggle between Archery, Pistol, Rifle settings prior to shooting. Probably not difficult, but an extra step the other's don't requrie, very minor issue.
-Although this system should be the easiest to set up it is still pickier in placement than the magnetospeed to my understanding. I've read multiple reports of missed shots based on how the chrono is facing outward, also an easy fix and doesn't require going downrange like the Oehler, but probably still annoying.
-If you have too much muzzle blast from a muzzle break device or if you don't have the unit positioned correctly you will have to adjust your shooting equipment to get a little further, no big deal, but you also have to change the programming settings with the change in your shooting set up.
-If you are shooting suppressed you will have to change the sensitivity setting since the unit triggers by muzzle blast. This may cause the unit to trigger by the muzzle report of other shooters on the firing line with you. That would be annoying.
-Battery Life. Estimated to be around 5 hours on 6AA batteries. This is much worse than the others expect battery changes every few range trips if you forget spares, it's possible the chrono dies on you mid session. Preventable but I like extremely user friendly systems.
-Read one review with the Labradar having trouble with small grain projectiles...probably fixed by now. Dunno since it wasn't first hand.

Most of these cons may be preventable or updateable. This is a brand new product and there are growing pains, that may be fine for others or a deal breaker for some. I am not trying to slam the LabRadar as I strongly considered one.

The one I decided to stick with is the Magnetospeed V3. I have a cheaper backup chrono for arrows, airguns, pistols, SBRs...not that the Magnetospeed can't work with some of those set ups. If you got the money and want an end all be all I'd look at the Labradar although they haven't been around as long they seem popular enough that they will likely catch on. The battery life may be less forgiving, but the set up seems to be really simple. Any of the three can miss shots.

I'm done with the photo style chronos. I believe they are lagging far behind. Hope this helps.