Looking for a Chronograph

[tsyarnall]

I use the Magneto Speed V3 on my bench rest rifle and don’t appear to experience POI shift. Now, on my deer rifle with a pencil thin barrel, maybe…….

 

[Jtate]

1) Labrador or 2) buy a used 35P from someone who just bought a Labrador

 

[BlackICE]

I have 2 Labradars if you want to buy one. I liked them so much when I blasted one apart and had it factory repaired I bought another to lessen the downtime.

 

[284winner]

Labradar I think probably is the favorite Chrono of most. I bought a Magneto V3 but doesn't allow use for arrow speeds. Don't care about accuracy while using but must be able to read arrow velocities. Just bought the Caldwell G2 till I can find a Labradar. It'll work for now. I'll keep it for only an archery Chrono even when I get the labradar.

 

[Pres100]

I have 2 Labradars if you want to buy one. I liked them so much when I blasted one apart and had it factory repaired I bought another to lessen the downtime.

How did you blast one apart?

 

[JimSC]

Pro Chrono - on my second. First died after being banged around in the back of a Jeep Wrangler for ten years

 

[Woofie]

You know, the OP said right at the outset he can't afford a Labradar so I don't know why folk would suggest he get one.
I use a Magnetospeed V3 and I'm happy with it. Checked it versus my PACT, they are both within reasonable FPS of each other. If you can run to a V3, it's the way I'd go. I've never had a POI shift issue with one, and neither has one of my F-class buddies who shoots out to 1K with one hanging off his barrel. It may be real for some, but I suspect it's one of those things someone read on the Internet, and it just gets repeated.
At the end of the day, any chrono is better than no chrono. You can pick up a Caldwell starting at $75 from Midway. If that's what fits your budget, start there. Depending on where you shoot a down-range chrono can be a bit of a pain, but frankly, I'm not so old or rich that I've forgotten what it's like to shoot and research on a budget. Buy what you can afford.

 

[LiveFire]

So I am in market for a Chronograph to check my loads. Any ones you folks would recommend or stay away from?
I have my eye on a Caldwell g2 but everyone is out of stock and or back ordered.
sure a lab radar would be too goal but realistically way out of my budget.
I have used friends simple caldwell in past but life changes and job schedules having trouble getting together.
the app feature of the Caldwell is really appealing if it works.

I have had the caldwell g2 and in fact just sold it here in the classifieds. There are 3 reasons I sold it. The first is that it is big. The second reason is I did not like the app as much as I like the competition electronics app. I now use a Competitions electronics prochrono DLX and have had no issues. The final reason is the battery is internal and a recharge only kinda thing. I keep a spare 9 volt in my range bag. If my prochrono dlx dies I can just pop a new battery in. The caldwell has to charge but it did have good battery life. I did not have issues with either as far as reading accurately.

 

[BlackICE]

How did you blast one apart?

I shot a pellet through the case. The muzzle was behind the unit when I panned the gun to target a pest the scope's view was clear, but the unfortunately the muzzle wasn't. My costly, stupid mistake. On the positive note, if I made less mistakes in my life I would know a lot less.

 

[PopCharlie]

If you are in the market for a "shoot thru" chrono, I have the Competition Electronics ProChrono DLX and it has performed flawlessly for me.

+1 for the Competition Electronics. I have the prochrono as well. It works very well. It was only about $100 new. I shoot short range BR. 100 to 300 yards. So a chrono is not all that important. It provide another bit of information.
PopCharlie

 

[Full Chisel]

I have a Pro Chrono and I saw my fair share of flaky readings. I almost ended up buying a LabRadar. I finally built cardboard baffles for the sides, looped some zip ties through the cardboard, and slip the rods through the ties, then painted everything flat black. That seemed to square away many of my issues. If you get one, I would do this, at minimum. I cross checked one load that I had measured at 2373 +/-15 on my Pro Chrono against a LabRadar - the first shot on the LR was 2272 and second shot was 2373.

I built a DIY light setup using LED strips and a small battery pack with 5V, 9V, and 12V outputs. I rewired everything on the Pro Chrono to run off the battery pack. 9V for the machine, 12V for the LED strips. I can't say it's any more accurate, but it will run under any light condition now. Just know that the Pro Chrono IR light kit needs a 24V power source.

 

[JMayo]

I used my g2 for the first time yesterday.
1st time to ever use one

Freaking fantastic ! Didn't miss any shots.
I shoot 100yds indoors ... Kept it plugged in 6hrs. I was moving from bench1 to bench 2 testing then comparing speeds

 

[6bra1k]

1) Labrador or 2) buy a used 35P from someone who just bought a Labrador

i just happen to have a 35p i am willing to sell...cheap pm me

 

[Dusty Stevens]

The caldwell and rcbs both work just fine for shoot thru use. My range will not allow them but ive seen both in action numerous times and they work fine. I had the ced years back and it worked fine too

 

[JimSC]

never had much of a problem missing shots with my ProChrono. Of course I use a laser boresight setting it up to make sure the bullet passes through in parallel and about 6 - 12 inches from the sensors. here is a spreadsheet of a comparison I did a few months back. I used my Prochrono set up at 12 feet out, my Magentospeed Sporter, a borrowed Labradar with external trigger set up by the owner and myShotmarker target system measuring velocity at 100 yards First shot on Magnetospeed was missed becaus eI forgot to plug it into the control box ::::


Just my opinion but for pure accuracy of the readings I would rate the Magnetospeed as 1st, since there is nothing to interfere with the readings. Bit the Labradar and the opticals readings can be off somewhat due to angles and vibrations, shotmarker would be subject to vibration cause by wind also. All are accurate enough for computing scope dope and get you on paper

I shot ten rounds and the results speak for themselves

 

[kneedtospeed]

Pro Chrono - on my second. First died after being banged around in the back of a Jeep Wrangler for ten years

^ Two year warranty, and they offer a replacement for Half Price if you accidentally shoot it!
Can link to your phone or ipad, for remote operation.

 

[MikeT49]

I've got a lightly used Magnetospeed Sporter you can have for $20 shipped. However, as I only sell stuff to contributing members, you will need to become one. Gold is suggested.

 

[Fern]

I've got a lightly used Magnetospeed Sporter you can have for $20 shipped. However, as I only sell stuff to contributing members, you will need to become one. Gold is suggested.

Mike that is incredibly generous of you and how can I say no to that lol

 

[MikeT49]

Mike that is incredibly generous of you and how can I say no to that lol

@Fern,
Well, if you want the deal: You upgrade your membership to gold, send me your address via PM. I will send you the MS. When you get the MS and are satisfied it works, then send me a check for $20.
Mike

 

[6.5 forever]

Another plus for the Labradar, the ability to move it easily from gun to gun, Shooter to shooter. I quickly loan mine to shooting buddies every session. I am a RSO and help customers also. Very easy to move and set up.