Labradar Range Report

[JW74]

After researching and debating for several months I recently took the plunge and purchased a new Labradar chronograph. I had read several mixed reviews and this was my experience during my first outing.

Prior to heading to the range I powdered up my unit at home and pre-set my units for velocity, distance, etc. I also downloaded the Bluetooth app for my iphone. I initially had connectivity issues with the bluetooth app and my phone connecting to my Labradar like many others have spoken of as well. I quickly discovered that the connectivity issue was due to my phone being connected to my Garmin watch at the same time. Once I disconnected the bluetooth connection to my watch I was able to successfully connect my phone to my Labradar repeatedly without issue.

At the range we were shooting off of a bench and had the Labradar attached to my spotting scope tripod and set in front of the bench. I started by using the notch on the top of the chronograph to aim the unit and thought it looked good. At this point I grabbed a soda straw as some recommended and set it in the aiming notch of the unit. I quickly discovered that I was pointed towards the 100 yard target but pointed about 4 feet high of the target. I made an adjustment and left it at that. Next we fired a series of shots through the four following rifles:

6.5 Creedmoor with APA brake
280 AI with APA brake
338 Norma Mag with Terminator brake
300 WSM with Thunderbeast suppressor

For all rifles the Labradar was positioned approximately 4-6" in front of the break/suppressor and 10" right of the muzzle. The outing was successful with all 52 rounds fired from these rifles recorded and velocities were within 5-10 fps of what I had previously recorded with my magnetspeed. We had no missed velocity readings and the Bluetooth worked well for the most part. The phone disconnected a couple of times but I just closed out the app, reopened the app and connected again.

All in all I am very happy with the unit and hope this info is of some help to others that may be considering one. I have attached some pictures showing the Labradar position relative to our rifles muzzle.

 

[Forum Boss]

Thanks for this useful report. This would make a good Daily Bulletin product report.

If you want to provide any further thoughts on tripod set-up and your overall opinion on LabRadar vs. Magnetospeed, that would be interesting to read.

 

[JW74]

Thanks for this useful report. This would make a good Daily Bulletin product report.

If you want to provide any further thoughts on tripod set-up and your overall opinion on LabRadar vs. Magnetospeed, that would be interesting to read.

Thank you. My tripod set up was done with my Vortex spotting scope tripod. I can't recall the model but I does have the Pro GT Quick Release Plate. I attached the quick release plate to my Labradar via the 1/4x20 mounting hole on the base of the Labradar and then attached the unit to the tripod. From there I used the built in bubble level on the tripod's swivel mount to make sure I was horizontally level and basically vertically level (to my eye). The vertical level wasn't as important as I was going to make an adjustment once I aimed the Labradar at the target. I have attached a picture of my tripod's swivel. It's a rotating vertical grip design and seemed to work well. I think a good quality tripod and mount are a big benefit with how I set mine up as you want a sturdy base with minimal/no movement.

In terms of velocity readings I found that the Labradar tracked velocities right with my Magnetospeed. The benefit with the Labradar is that there was no change of bullet impact from my zero as nothing is attached to the barrel. I could see this as a benefit when shooting long range and you need to confirm velocities due to temp changes, etc without effecting your rifles POI. I was shooting on private property so interference from other shooters was not an issue. I do shoot at an indoor 100 yard range at times and this is where the Magnetospeed really shines as other shooters won't interfere with the Magnetospeed's readings and it also has a very small footprint with its bayonet design.

 

[urbanrifleman]

Do not put that unit in front of a muzzle brake. I would not suggest putting it in front of the muzzle at all. Not necessary.

I've had mine shut off from the shock of the muzzle blast from a standard brake.

 

[urbanrifleman]

Ps: I LOVE MY LABRADAR!!

 

[JW74]

Do not put that unit in front of a muzzle brake. I would not suggest putting it in front of the muzzle at all. Not necessary.

I've had mine shut off from the shock of the muzzle blast from a standard brake.

Thank you for the feedback! I set up this way the first time out as per the instructions by Labradar for use with a 45 degree break and suppressor. How far back from the muzzle would you recommend as my 338 Norma has a large muzzle blast and a 45 degree break?

 

[urbanrifleman]

It just needs to hear the report and see the bullet

 

[MislMan]

Working real good ... I’d leave the set-up alone. Ain’t broke ....
Real good report.

 

[Raythemanroe]

I don't put the Labradar in front of the muzzle, no need to. Few inches back will do fine


Ray

 

[46and2]

Do any of you guys calculate your actual BC from your velocity readings?
I've been using JBM and getting inconsistent results.

 

[F Class John]

On an aside regarding positioning, I just got the JKL kinetic/inertial trigger and it’s amazing. No more lost shots. No more worrying about lining up correctly. I can now have my unit behind the muzzle a little or have it left or right without worrying about exactly alignment or worrying about people next to you causing a false reading. You can see it on the left side of my gun attached with Velcro. I actually sold my first Labrador because of frustration but decided to give it another try and am now happy.
https://jklprecision.com/product/labradar-trigger/

 

[Pawnee Bill]

After researching and debating for several months I recently took the plunge and purchased a new Labradar chronograph. I had read several mixed reviews and this was my experience during my first outing.

Prior to heading to the range I powdered up my unit at home and pre-set my units for velocity, distance, etc. I also downloaded the Bluetooth app for my iphone. I initially had connectivity issues with the bluetooth app and my phone connecting to my Labradar like many others have spoken of as well. I quickly discovered that the connectivity issue was due to my phone being connected to my Garmin watch at the same time. Once I disconnected the bluetooth connection to my watch I was able to successfully connect my phone to my Labradar repeatedly without issue.

At the range we were shooting off of a bench and had the Labradar attached to my spotting scope tripod and set in front of the bench. I started by using the notch on the top of the chronograph to aim the unit and thought it looked good. At this point I grabbed a soda straw as some recommended and set it in the aiming notch of the unit. I quickly discovered that I was pointed towards the 100 yard target but pointed about 4 feet high of the target. I made an adjustment and left it at that. Next we fired a series of shots through the four following rifles:

6.5 Creedmoor with APA brake
280 AI with APA brake
338 Norma Mag with Terminator brake
300 WSM with Thunderbeast suppressor

For all rifles the Labradar was positioned approximately 4-6" in front of the break/suppressor and 10" right of the muzzle. The outing was successful with all 52 rounds fired from these rifles recorded and velocities were within 5-10 fps of what I had previously recorded with my magnetspeed. We had no missed velocity readings and the Bluetooth worked well for the most part. The phone disconnected a couple of times but I just closed out the app, reopened the app and connected again.

All in all I am very happy with the unit and hope this info is of some help to others that may be considering one. I have attached some pictures showing the Labradar position relative to our rifles muzzle.

View attachment 1149552 View attachment 1149553 View attachment 1149554 View attachment 1149555

Did your Labradar come with an SD card in it? My slot was empty when I got mine.

 

[MikeT124]

You need to buy the SD card from them or supply your own card.

Mike

 

[Pawnee Bill]

You need to buy the SD card from them or supply your own card.

Mike

What size SD card would work?

 

[nmkid]

As others have noted... I place my unit at least 10" behind the muzzle and about 4-5" to the side. I have yet to miss any shots...Except for the ones from rookie error!

 

[MikeT124]

What size SD card would work?

The one LabRadar sells is 16GB. They claim its good for 9999 shots in each of 9999 series. So more than I will ever shoot. Don't remember the price, but I bought mine at the same time I bought the LR unit. I think you may have a difficult time finding one that small anymore and I'm not sure if a larger one (more capacity) will work. If you have a full size SD card laying around, stick it in and give it a try or if you have a mico-SD card and a full size adapter try that.

Mike

 

[Pawnee Bill]

The one LabRadar sells is 16GB. They claim its good for 9999 shots in each of 9999 series. So more than I will ever shoot. Don't remember the price, but I bought mine at the same time I bought the LR unit. I think you may have a difficult time finding one that small anymore and I'm not sure if a larger one (more capacity) will work. If you have a full size SD card laying around, stick it in and give it a try or if you have a mico-SD card and a full size adapter try that.

Mike

Thanks Mike!!

 

[mensajd]

32GB SD and micro-SD (w/SD adapter) memories are so cheap now that there isn’t a reason not to max this out. SDXC isn’t supported so don’t get carried away.

 

[JW74]

Did your Labradar come with an SD card in it? My slot was empty when I got mine.

I had to supply my own. I had an extra 32GB card at the house and used that. I think it was $9 and was a backup for my camera.

 

[JW74]

What size SD card would work?

Anywhere from 8-32GB should be more than enough and won't cost much more than 5-10 bucks depending on size.