Labradar ......... recent comments please

[BIGMAC]

You can use it testing loads at a mile if you want, but it's only going to track them out to 100yds give or take.

I haven't used the Labradar with 22cal stuff much but recently started working on a new 22creedmoor barrel. 75amax up to 3400fps worked fine but velocities above 3400 were not picked up 100%. 3500fps seemed to not track at all. I haven't been back out to investigate any further.

Thanks for the reply, but will it give a velocity reading at 300 yds? That's the yardage I do my load development at.

 

[LRPV]

Thanks for the reply, but will it give a velocity reading at 300 yds? That's the yardage I do my load development at.

No it won't track that far. 100yds is the farthest I've seen mine track.

 

[riverwolf1]

Well, I have had mine For a little over a year and have had no problems. Two saturdays ago I decided to take it to a club rimfire match. At first it wasn't reading the shots, then I changed the trigger, and it started working perfectly, I was using Eley 10X and as you may or may not know they print the velocity on each box. Well the Labradar was consistently right around the printed velocity on the box. So yes it works great and I am glad I bought it. I used to have the Ohler 35P, this is way better!

 

[Twoboxer]

Thanks for the reply, but will it give a velocity reading at 300 yds? That's the yardage I do my load development at.

First and foremost, the Labradar gives muzzle velocity. For that data the range you are shooting at is irrelevant.

Second, the Labradar will give you some velocity data as far as 50 to 100 yards from the bench depending on a lot of factors. That data will not help you accurize BCs to any meaningful degree. IMO, this data is virtually useless.

If you're looking for MVs and like the idea of being able to get that data for all of your shots without affecting POI should you choose, the Labradar is the device. If you are more interested in SD than the actual MV, the Twobox chrono may be a valid choice for you if you and your range can tolerate the setup and interference.

 

[BIGMAC]

First and foremost, the Labradar gives muzzle velocity. For that data the range you are shooting at is irrelevant.

Second, the Labradar will give you some velocity data as far as 50 to 100 yards from the bench depending on a lot of factors. That data will not help you accurize BCs to any meaningful degree. IMO, this data is virtually useless.

If you're looking for MVs and like the idea of being able to get that data for all of your shots without affecting POI should you choose, the Labradar is the device. If you are more interested in SD than the actual MV, the Twobox chrono may be a valid choice for you if you and your range can tolerate the setup and interference.

I apologize for not explaining myself to well but I am more interested in MV but I test my group size at 300 yds while chronographing my reloads. Maybe a Twobox Chrono is more valid to my needs. Thanks

 

[LRPV]

Bigmac, I'm still not sure exactly what you're after I guess. Labradar will give you muzzle velocity and figure ES and SD. It will also track each shot and give you velocity readings at user specified distances out to 100yd if it will pick up the projectile out that far. For example it will list velocities from muzzle, 10,30,50,70 yards away or whatever distances you pick.

 

[jlow]

Just remember, MV=muzzle velocity I.e. Speed at the muzzle. This means range to target regardless if it is 100 or 1000 yards means nothing......

 

[Twoboxer]

I apologize for not explaining myself to well but I am more interested in MV but I test my group size at 300 yds while chronographing my reloads. Maybe a Twobox Chrono is more valid to my needs. Thanks

Based on your statement "I am more interested in MV", I cannot understand how you come to the conclusion that "the Twobox chrono may be more valid to your needs".

I'm afraid we're not reaching you with correct information.

 

[dickn52]

So...Would it read a .20 caliber bullet?

Picks up my 40gn 22RF's. if that helps.

 

[coford]

I have had my Labradar for a year now. It has a few things I like and it has some things I don't like. Mine does not always pick up the shots. I have talked to a factory technician and it is set up correctly - it just misses some shots (180 Gr. bullets at 2800). I do not like to get out of position to reset the device. It is a battery hog (I bought the add on battery). The menu is not really user friendly. Other than that it does the job.

I have a Magnetospeed and it always picks up my shots. It has a remote so I don't have to get out of position to shoot. It is easy on batteres. The menu is user friendly. The one drawback is that group size is different with it on VS it being off so I have to do group testing without it on.

Someday, someone will make a device like the Labradar that has a remote and a better menu and picks up all the shots - that will be the one to buy.

Until then I will own two chronographs and use whichever one fits my needs for the day.

 

[Twoboxer]

No problem picking up 30 cal 175gr shots here. Perhaps you have a sample defect, or a failure a lab tech could not detect such as improper aim, radar reflection, and/or shaking the Labradar.

As for power, at least there's the option to use a battery pack which makes plenty of power available for 2 or 3 reasonable range sessions.

 

[ratbuster]

I have had my Labradar for a year now. It has a few things I like and it has some things I don't like. Mine does not always pick up the shots. I have talked to a factory technician and it is set up correctly - it just misses some shots (180 Gr. bullets at 2800). I do not like to get out of position to reset the device. It is a battery hog (I bought the add on battery). The menu is not really user friendly. Other than that it does the job.

I have a Magnetospeed and it never fails to pick up my shots. It has a remote so I don't have to get out of position to shoot. It is easy on batteres. The menu is user friendly. The one drawback is that group size is different with it on VS it being off so I have to do group testing without it on.

Someday, someone will make a device like the Labradar that has a remote and a better menu and picks up all the shots - that will be the one to buy.

Until then I will own two chronographs and use whichever one fits my needs for the day.

Exactly what he Gonzo's said...I used to own one but got rid of it because of too many dropped shots. I shoot mostly high velocity small caliber stuff.

Having to get up off my seat and walk around the bench to set a new series was aggravating and the user menu is among the worst of anything I have ever encountered for any device, period.

MagnetoSpeed does not affect group size on my 1" bull barrels.

 

[Berger.Fan222]

Alignment is a bit trickier with .223 boat tails than with flat base and larger calibers. After a while you get the hang of it. Works really well. Unlikely to ever use anything else.

 

[Jeff A]

Started using my Labradar in December, 2015. I won't shoot groups for record or testing without it. I work it hard. I have chronographed 17 HMR's, no problem. I have a Ruger 204 and the clock speed of the Labradar will not show velocities in the 4000 fps area or greater. All of my bullets are boatail (for rifles) which makes it tougher. If you want to test with small bullets and high velocity, you have to be careful about alignment (aiming the unit at the target), I bought an accessory from a guy on another forum that uses as rifle scope to aim it. I never miss recording a shot any more. Admittedly, this is really Anal but that suits me. I have also discovered if you shoot next to a solid wall, it effects the ability of the Labradar to track the projectile at the greater distances. This is an ability that I don't use, but found it interesting. This is a great piece of equipment.

 

[Mozella]

Thanks to everyone for their comments and opinions. I was fortunate enough to win a 600yd F/TR match Saturday but I didn't do as well today (Sunday) at the 600 yd BR match. I explained to my wife it was because my chronograph wasn't very good and based on what you-all said on this thread I should get a Labradar. She said "OK". So, thanks again for your comments.

 

[KenOath]

Thanks to everyone for their comments and opinions. I was fortunate enough to win a 600yd F/TR match Saturday but I didn't do as well today (Sunday) at the 600 yd BR match. I explained to my wife it was because my chronograph wasn't very good and based on what you-all said on this thread I should get a Labradar. She said "OK". So, thanks again for your comments.

Jeez she's easy to convince...id need a little more "Evidence" for need than that..Lucky you and good luck with the new Chrony.

 

[boltfluter]

Zoom in on the top end of this 2x ladder I shot today at 1k. Velocity data is from my lab radar. I either have one helluva lot of positive compensation, or the error is slightly over 0.1%

TomView attachment 1024064


Let's just say I'm really close to coming full circle and be right back to not even bringing a chronograph.

Tom,

Time to break out the Oehler for some correct readings. To bad the Lab Radar doesn't have a proof channel.

Paul

 

[KenOath]

Zoom in on the top end of this 2x ladder I shot today at 1k. Velocity data is from my lab radar. I either have one helluva lot of positive compensation, or the error is slightly over 0.1%

TomView attachment 1024064


Let's just say I'm really close to coming full circle and be right back to not even bringing a chronograph.

As you’ve said before the paper don’t lie!!

 

[jlow]

Zoom in on the top end of this 2x ladder I shot today at 1k. Velocity data is from my lab radar. I either have one helluva lot of positive compensation, or the error is slightly over 0.1%

TomView attachment 1024064


Let's just say I'm really close to coming full circle and be right back to not even bringing a chronograph.

Tom – I looked at your data and I guess the question is do we believe that the vertical
POI difference is 100% due to differences in MV? If we do, then it would seem all one has to get a flat waterline is to have tight MVs. Is this your believe?

The other question is how does being in an accuracy node or not play into your spread in POI variance?

 

[Sheldon N]

the tune overrides.

Sounds like a line from The Big Lebowski.