Labradar vs Magnospeed v3

[DngBat7]

Before I make the purchase, I was wondering if there is any significant difference between the labradar and the magnospeed v3. Saving 200. wound be nice, but want what’s best and willing to pay more to have what’s right first time around. Looking at reviews, I don’t see a much of a difference.

 

[MikeMcCasland]

Either will work, but I think the Lab Radar is preferable if you're not shooting on a packed firing line. I use the V3, and while it's very easy to deploy, and gives accurate readings, you can't really do load dev with it attached due to it changing barrel harmonics (and POI, but that's obviously less important).

Basically, you can work up to what looks like a good load on paper, then toss the MS on there to clock it, only to find out your ES/SD is too high etc. That, or you're forced to shoot more rounds down the barrel during the dev process; 3rds for groups, and 3 rounds for velocity readings. But you're not doing both at the same time with the MS attached. Secondly, how reliable are 3 round ES/SD numbers?

I've seen lots of postings online about it not changing harmonics; I suspect it's probably barrel contour/length dependent, but I've had it happen on multiple rifles.

All of the above is a moot point if you're running chassis configs that allow you to run an "off barrel" MS mount. If you can do that, I'd go MS all day.

That said, I think the LR is better for standard load dev work, and if I could go back in time I'd skip the V3 and grab the LR; it's probably cheaper in the long run. The MS is nice to have if you quickly need to re-verify velocity numbers though; they're definitely quicker/easier to deploy in field conditions, and the batteries last forever.

tl;dr - Both have their place, but for standard load dev the LabRadar is probably less expensive in the long run.

 

[Ned Ludd]

I have both. The MS is very reliable and pretty easy to use. It's main drawback is that if attached directly to the barrel it WILL affect barrel harmonics, and can change POI due to muzzle blast from the sensor deck. That can create issues during load development, so most people that are serious about reloading remove the MS before shooting groups. I used mine in that manner for years before purchasing the LabRadar, so it certainly can be done and is not a deal-breaker. But for me it generally meant loading up twice the number of rounds for any given test. Some people have come up with attachment devices that move the MS attachment site away from the barrel, but I can't comment knowledgeably on how well they work.

The LabRadar allows you to shoot groups and record velocity data at the same time, without fear of altering barrel harmonics or loading double the number of rounds. It has useful features that the MagnetoSpeed doesn't, such as providing velocity at multiple distances from the muzzle. These can be used to estimate or compare BCs, which I find useful on occasion. The LabRadar has a few of its own issues, such as finding just the right sensitivity setting so that it reliably picks up your shots, but not those of others down the firing line, and positioning it properly so that it doesn't "miss" shots. Like the issues listed above with the MS, these are not deal-breakers, just things that need to be addressed for proper functionality. I would also suggest getting the external re-chargeable power supply for the LabRadar. I believe they go for about $25 at Bruno's. I also got the baseplate (stand) and carrying case, for convenience.

For what it's worth, I have used the LabRadar regularly since I got it; the MS hasn't been to the range in a long time. I really liked my MagnetoSpeed, but IMO, the LabRadar is superior.

 

[Kramerica]

I just have a LabRadar. Love it, easy to use the only downside is in cold temperatures mine lasts about 20 minutes if that, and that’s with fresh batteries. I think they make a portable charging pack but I don’t have experience with that.

 

[Papa Charlie]

I switched to the labradar. Glad I did. I don't use the batteries, in stead purchased a quick phone charger rechargable battery pack from Walmart. Cost $10 last for 2-3days at range and I don't have to keep buying batteries or worry about the batteries failing in the middle of the load test.

 

[SGK]

I use the Two Box Chrono for load development work (where accurate measurement of velocity variance is more important than absolute values). I use my Magnetospeed only for getting an (absolute) average muzzle velocity for trajectory estimation for a determined load.

 

[nso123]

I am a MS to Labradar covert as well. My MS worked great, but as I have become more serious about load development I like having the Labradar since I can use it all through the development process.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I have the MS, but have seen the LR at the range enough to recognise the advantage is worth it to the individual if it pertains to their type of testing.

 

[DngBat7]

Thanks Guys. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I don’t want to have to rebuy something a year down the road. Never thought of the fact the MS is strapped to the barrel.

 

[Jet]

Can't really add much to the info above. Have had both, sold the MS and kept the LR. Use it primarily for brass sorting. Try to have it set up every time I'm shooting.

Good Shooting.

Rich

 

[hambone1971]

If your just after bullet speeds and easy set up that doesn't affect barrel harmonics or read your neighbors speeds this is what I've used for the last two years. It has never let me down, set it up on tripod 10 ft in front of rifle, set scope on lowest power and verify chronograph diffuser rods on each side are equal and fire away. Doesn't sound sexy like MAGNOspeed or LAB radar but it works and works unlike the previous two I've seen at the local shooting range.... I've spent my whole morning clocking bullets and they spend it fiddling with their chrono's. HB
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Competitio...h=item48b5be23f1:g:MwYAAOSwNo9b2Bzw:rk:5:pf:0

 

[B23]

I've had and used one version or another of MS since they first hit the market and I have always been very satisfied with them. I always do load work up with them attached and once that is done, adjust any change of POI difference there may be without the bayo attached, shoot another group and call it done. Shooting an extra 5-10 rounds is easily worth it to me for the super easy setup the MS has. Going from never using one ever, to using one a time or two, you can easily have a MS attached, turned on/plugged in and ready to go in literally about two minutes and I've used mine with zero issues on everything from my 17 HMR to 338 centerfires. My use of the MS has shown they can certainly have an affect on POI, with the bayo attached versus not, but I've never had it affect group size and I regularly use my MS in conjunction with suppressors and muzzle brakes as well.

Nothing against the LR and I'm sure it is a very fine unit with certain benefits the MS does not have, but the MS has certain benefits the LR doesn't have as well, so neither is a perfect unit. I've personally never used a LR but I know multiple that have and of those that I've talked to with the LR have all said the same thing, they can sometimes be a real PITA to get setup/dialed in so they function properly 100% of the time. I'm sure, the more tech savy you are, the easier they'll likely be for you to get dialed in.

Personally, for the vast majority of recreational shooters, IMO, the MS is by far the better unit to own.

 

[F Class John]

I’ve owned and used the MS, Lab, 2box as well as using the target velocity data from my shotmarker. I started with a MS Sporter but the barrel restriction had me selling it once I started using 1.25” barrels. I then got a MS V2 and loved it. Then a buddy of mine was selling his Lab so I though I won the lottery and jumped on it. I loved it and sold my V2. I worked through the quirks of the lab and really loved how the data is recorded and displayed for use but it didn’t take long for me to realize the restrictions while shooting on an f-class line so I was always left out from getting my data while shooting at 600. I suffered through it but because my club only allows 600yd shooting when I run a match I could never run data just testing so I was left doing development at 100 but couldn’t easily verify or monitor data at 600. I did this for quite a while but finally got tired of not having that 600yd data so I grabbed a V3 and sold the lab. It’s just my personal preference based on how and when I shoot. If I shot bench or if I could shoot alone at 600 I’d probably still use it. This is me and it won’t be the same for everyone.

I’m sure I’ll get crucified for this but I think the complaint about poi/poa from the MS is a little overstated and here’s why. The first is I think people (myself included) simply want a justifiable reason to buy a new toy and poi shift is as good as any for people to use as a differentiator between the two. But putting that aside here’s my real reasoning. I run a group of 600yd shooters that are incredibly active in terms of regular and consistent shooting. We average 30 guys per week that shoot 62 of our 600yd mini-matches a year of which more than half are HM mid-range and many are master/HM long range. A number of us shoot every week with our MS on (some use labs) except during regulated matches that we hold.

Here’s the thing, those of us with the MS use them religiously for load development and load maintenance and without changing the load we regularly shoot 200’s with double digit X-counts whether on or off. Sure you might dial up or down on your first sighter after removing it but most all of us see little to no change to our node. Does that make sense to logic? Nope but it’s the truth in our experience.

Is there a poi change, yes of course but it’s minimal and mostly just a little vertical so you dial for it and move on. We honestly don’t see it affecting our node or group size in any measurable or noticeable way. Weather conditions have way more affect on the groups vs simply taking my MS off.

I’m not bashing the lab radar in any way. It’s amazing, accurate and the use of you phone to control and monitor data is great but it’s not what i want when trying to shoot in a large tight group of f-classers or even a busy line of tacti-cool ARs blasting away near me. That’s not even taking into account the time it takes to set up the lab vs the MS in a timed situation and of course making sure my barrel is even with the lab. With how our range is set up my barrel has to extend at or over the prone platform so it’s challenging to have it parallel. With my MS I simply pop it on and go, no alignment or missed shot issues. Again this is because of our set-up and not indicative of others situation.

For me it’s not a case of one being better than another. They both rock and have a place in our world. It’s simply a case of one is better for my use than another and to be fair if I want the most accurate data I’ll throw out the 2box but that takes more work because of my clubs set-up and rules so I haven’t done it much.

Any of them are simply tools. In and of themselves they won’t make you a better shooter unless you know what to do with the data and how to do proper development and have the equipment and skills to match. I’ve seen guys clean 1000yd targets who rarely use a chrono and I’ve seen guys who can’t shoot MOA at 100 and chrono every round out of their gun. In the end buy what works for your situation, your way of shooting, meets your needs for where you shoot and you won’t go wrong.

 

[Papa Charlie]

I’ve owned and used the MS, Lab, 2box as well as using the target velocity data from my shotmarker. I started with a MS Sporter but the barrel restriction had me selling it once I started using 1.25” barrels. I then got a MS V2 and loved it. Then a buddy of mine was selling his Lab so I though I won the lottery and jumped on it. I loved it and sold my V2. I worked through the quirks of the lab and really loved how the data is recorded and displayed for use but it didn’t take long for me to realize the restrictions while shooting on an f-class line so I was always left out from getting my data while shooting at 600. I suffered through it but because my club only allows 600yd shooting when I run a match I could never run data just testing so I was left doing development at 100 but couldn’t easily verify or monitor data at 600. I did this for quite a while but finally got tired of not having that 600yd data so I grabbed a V3 and sold the lab. It’s just my personal preference based on how and when I shoot. If I shot bench or if I could shoot alone at 600 I’d probably still use it. This is me and it won’t be the same for everyone.

I’m sure I’ll get crucified for this but I think the complaint about poi/poa from the MS is a little overstated and here’s why. The first is I think people (myself included) simply want a justifiable reason to buy a new toy and poi shift is as good as any for people to use as a differentiator between the two. But putting that aside here’s my real reasoning. I run a group of 600yd shooters that are incredibly active in terms of regular and consistent shooting. We average 30 guys per week that shoot 62 of our 600yd mini-matches a year of which more than half are HM mid-range and many are master/HM long range. A number of us shoot every week with our MS on (some use labs) except during regulated matches that we hold.

Here’s the thing, those of us with the MS use them religiously for load development and load maintenance and without changing the load we regularly shoot 200’s with double digit X-counts whether on or off. Sure you might dial up or down on your first sighter after removing it but most all of us see little to no change to our node. Does that make sense to logic? Nope but it’s the truth in our experience.

Is there a poi change, yes of course but it’s minimal and mostly just a little vertical so you dial for it and move on. We honestly don’t see it affecting our node or group size in any measurable or noticeable way. Weather conditions have way more affect on the groups vs simply taking my MS off.

I’m not bashing the lab radar in any way. It’s amazing, accurate and the use of you phone to control and monitor data is great but it’s not what i want when trying to shoot in a large tight group of f-classers or even a busy line of tacti-cool ARs blasting away near me. That’s not even taking into account the time it takes to set up the lab vs the MS in a timed situation and of course making sure my barrel is even with the lab. With how our range is set up my barrel has to extend at or over the prone platform so it’s challenging to have it parallel. With my MS I simply pop it on and go, no alignment or missed shot issues. Again this is because of our set-up and not indicative of others situation.

For me it’s not a case of one being better than another. They both rock and have a place in our world. It’s simply a case of one is better for my use than another and to be fair if I want the most accurate data I’ll throw out the 2box but that takes more work because of my clubs set-up and rules so I haven’t done it much.

Any of them are simply tools. In and of themselves they won’t make you a better shooter unless you know what to do with the data and how to do proper development and have the equipment and skills to match. I’ve seen guys clean 1000yd targets who rarely use a chrono and I’ve seen guys who can’t shoot MOA at 100 and chrono every round out of their gun. In the end buy what works for your situation, your way of shooting, meets your needs for where you shoot and you won’t go wrong.

According to the NRA F-Class rules, Chronographs are not permitted during matches. A little confused by your post.

(Updates to the online HP Rulebook to be current by April 2017.)

33.22 Electronic Devices –Competitors are responsible to ensure that all electronic communications and audio devices in their possession forward of the ready line are silenced and communication disabled

(a)During team matches only, team members may communication with each other via communication devices. These communication devices must only be capable of communicating with other team members, and must not interfere with safety, range operations, or other competitors

(b)Radars, chronographs and other devices designed to measure bullet velocity are prohibited on the line.

(c)Cell phones that have been rendered incapable from communicating (“airplane mode”) are permitted on the line and in the pits.

 

[F Class John]

Yeah of course, you’re correct. I use the term mini-match simply to mean that we do a fun club match at 600yd every week so it doesn’t matter. It’s training, practice or whatever else you want to call it. We then have matches that are run under NRA rules and naturally we don’t allow them to be used at that time.

My point was simply that whether practicing during a fun match using a MS or shooting an actual NRA match without one, most if not all of us won’t make adjustments to the load simply because we remove our MS and we don’t notice any real difference other than a slight vertical shift that’s easily adjusted for during sighters.

 

[Papa Charlie]

Yeah of course, you’re correct. I use the term mini-match simply to mean that we do a fun club match at 600yd every week so it doesn’t matter. It’s training, practice or whatever else you want to call it. We then have matches that are run under NRA rules and naturally we don’t allow them to be used at that time.

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[F Class John]

None of this is to say we don’t adjust our load through the year depending on conditions, only that we don’t adjust simply because of removing the MS if that makes sense.

 

[Papa Charlie]

I quit using the MS has it had adverse impact on my POI. Without having accurate POI in load development, I couldn't see the value. Sure it would produce velocity readings that were accurate, but I needed velocity while doing load development ladder shoots. The MS through my shots off so much I couldn't rely on the information I was getting and I wanted the FPS with the on paper results.

 

[dcali]

I ditched my magnetospeed for two reasons - it wastes ammo because you’re attaching a weight to the barrel, and it simply won’t fit on some of my rifles. In the long run, which isn’t that long, the Labrador is cheaper, and you can get a whole lot more data by measuring your practice rounds. Both units are good, though, and work pretty much as advertised.

 

[OKyote73]

Another thing to consider is the LR won’t read over~4000fps or pick up 17 or 20cals well. Or so I have read