Magneto Speed Alternate Mounting Options effectiveness.

[Ned Ludd]

I purchased one of the first batch of MagnetoSpeeds sold. It has worked very well over the years but it definitely does suffer from the issues of changing group size/shape due to barrel harmonic effects, and changing POI due to muzzle blast off the sensor deck. Both of these issues occur and can change in magnitude based on the particular rifle and cartridge. When doing load development with it, I would load 10 rounds for each test parameter, 5 fired for velocity and 5 for grouping without the MS attached. Not a deal-breaker, but it does require more time, effort, and reloading components. I have not tried one of the "barrel-independent" mounting approaches, but the ones I have seen look like they should work just fine with respect to the barrel harmonic issues if your rifle is set up properly. However, the "barrel-independent" mounting solutions will not correct the POI shift caused by muzzle blast from the sensor deck, just as the MagnetoSpeed rep told you. The muzzle has to be within a certain proximity to the bayonet sensor deck in order for the unit to detect the shot, so there is really no way around that effect. About the best you can do is to use a muzzle brake that diverts some of the muzzle blast out to the side away from the sensor deck. It is not perfect, but will diminish the change in POI somewhat.

Not long ago, I purchased a LabRadar. It also has some issues associated with its use, but offers the clear advantage of not being attached to the barrel. The MagnetoSpeed has seen little use since its arrival, and probably won't in the future unless the LabRadar goes down for any reason.

 

[ballisticdaddy]

Are you here to brag about you accuracy or help the OP? Go shoot a steel match with no wind flags and sighters and come back hear bragging...

I made no reference to any scores that I shot nor what my NRA classification is so how is that bragging? The x ring is 5" on a LR target so having a 7" variance would not be optimal for scoring was my point, just the plain old facts, sorry if that offended you. Please take a look at my statement and tell me where I was bragging sir? Sorry to detract from the OP question......

 

[6milphil]

I have fun with my MS, once I've got my load sorted out i strap on the MS and try to guess what my hold needs to be on steel targets from 400-880 yards while I gather velocity data.

 

[David Christian]

So, I have a question that I hope anyone whom has "used" a adaptation of the Magneto Speed can speak to.

At the 2015 or 2016 SHOT show (cant remember) I spoke to the MS folks about the shift/harmonics that the MS causes, and why not build an mounting/adjustment rod as suggested in this and other threads?

Instantly and with authority, I was told that the shift/POI is partially caused by the muzzle blast conflicting with the actual bayonet and that the alternate mounting option I was suggesting will still have the same issue with a shift/POI as if the device was attached to barrel. More so with smaller profile barrels.

Can anyone who has "used" one of these devices, home made or otherwise speak to the above?

I sure would like to get my MS back in action if the shift does not actual take place, as it is quit a lengthy drive to shoot for me, and then follow up with a second trip to shoot without my MS attached to zero and confirm drops.

I think I will cross post this to gather as much info as I can.

Thanks

@dave300, I use my Magneto V3 almost every time I shoot at the range and find that it provides me with valuable data each and every time. Regardless of POI shift, I am able to determine if I am in the center of a node by confirming a low ES as well as if a flyer was related to my shooting position and hold or my load development.

 

[hogpatrol]

Where does the Magnetospeed fail in its intended purpose, determining bullet speed? My protocol is I develop my loads sans anything and then use the MS to get numbers to feed in to the ballistics program to give me a ballpark drop chart and then I go shoot those distances. I don't use the MS to determine what bullet, powder, primer or case to use.
I let the target tell me that. YMMV.

 

[snakepit]

I posted this a few years ago about the POI/group size change I had with and without the Magneto Speed installed.

I did a comparison at 600 yds with my 6mmBR/1.25"x30" Brux Barrel without and with my MagnetoSpeed installed. The load was 30.5 gr of Varget, Berger 105 Hybrids jumped .025 and CCI 450's. I measured the target groups on my computer using the On Target Precision Calculator Target 2.1 Program.
The 4 shot group without the MagnetoSpeed installed measured 1.346" wide by .540 high.
The 4 shot group with the MagnetoSpeed installed measured 1.390" wide by .506" high.

The group with the MagnetoSpeed installed measured 4.281" down and 1.291" left center to center from the group without the MagnetoSpeed installed.

Again, this was done at 600 yds

 

[Milo 2.0]

The only thing I do not like about the magneto is the crowd that uses them, snobbish, driving Land Rovers, riding BMW bikes and stopping at starbucks on the way to the range.
Just a league of their own. Life just isn't fair.

 

[perry42]

I use blue painters tape on the muzzle of my rifles to keep the MS bayonet from loosening/moving and use the data from it only after developing a load for my rifle. The data allows me to figure drop over extended ranges very accurately. It is interesting to compare the ballistics of certain powder/bullet/seating depth after you shoot Berger or Sierra bullets. In the future I would like to compare Cauterucio, Lapua, JLK, and Bart's custom bullets. Curiosity can get expensive tho!

perry42

 

[hogpatrol]

The only thing I do not like about the magneto is the crowd that uses them, snobbish, driving Land Rovers, riding BMW bikes and stopping at starbucks on the way to the range.
Just a league of their own. Life just isn't fair.

Well, I'm just so offended.

 

[David Christian]

The only thing I do not like about the magneto is the crowd that uses them, snobbish, driving Land Rovers, riding BMW bikes and stopping at starbucks on the way to the range.
Just a league of their own. Life just isn't fair.

@Milo 2.0, aren’t you just a peach...

How did you know that I drive a Land Rover and BMW, drink SBUX and hang my nose in the air? Quite the omniscient one you are...

 

[hogpatrol]

I use blue painters tape on the muzzle of my rifles to keep the MS bayonet from loosening/moving and use the data from it only after developing a load for my rifle. The data allows me to figure drop over extended ranges very accurately. It is interesting to compare the ballistics of certain powder/bullet/seating depth after you shoot Berger or Sierra bullets. In the future I would like to compare Cauterucio, Lapua, JLK, and Bart's custom bullets. Curiosity can get expensive tho!
perry42

I like the tape idea but ARRGGHHH!!! Don't you know that ANYTHING attached to the barrel, even that tape, causes harmonic distortion, changes POI, muzzle jump and group size, and in conjunction with a Magnetospeed, hearing degradation, hair loss and ED? Aside from that it's also an irritant to the guy sitting next to you. He sees that tape and your groups and now he's second guessing the hell out of his loads and technique.

 

[perry42]

I like the tape idea but ARRGGHHH!!! Don't you know that ANYTHING attached to the barrel, even that tape, causes harmonic distortion, changes POI, muzzle jump and group size, and in conjunction with a Magnetospeed, hearing degradation, hair loss and ED? Aside from that it's also an irritant to the guy sitting next to you. He sees that tape and your groups and now he's second guessing the hell out of his loads and technique.

LOL

perry42

 

[willbas]

just ordered https://www.wiserprecision.com/ it should be long enough to work with 30 inch barrels.

 

[muleystalker]

Sounds like magnetospeed is sore about their product market getting whacked with a wrecking ball labradar not too long after they came out probably not even making enough to pay for r&d. I know everybody bought one when they came out and i dont personally know of a single buyer or user of one since the labradar safe ornament came out. Its pretty much useless to me once i witnessed the tune change. Dont really need a chrono very much but when i do i dont want to waste components and time just to get a speed when in the end thats all it does

I have read of many people that have sold their Labradar and went to a Magnetospeed V3 because they work, and the Lab Radar gave them nothing but problems. I have also 2 and heard of countless others that have had their LabRadar destroyed when the wind accidentally blew them over, even shooting prone,mounted low to the ground. I think they both work, it just matters what your needs are, mine I went with the V3 for the ease of use, the ruggedness, and the compactness and ability to put it in my range bag and know it is always there. If Lab Radar decides to make their housing a little more rugged along with the mounting point, then I may buy one, but the V3 is working just fine. I use the same process MILO. On a side not POI moment is not that much but on my Dasher it does act like a tuner, it shoots good but when I strap that thing on Dam it shoots, my Dasher loves it.lol

 

[joshb]

The only thing I do not like about the magneto is the crowd that uses them, snobbish, driving Land Rovers, riding BMW bikes and stopping at starbucks on the way to the range.
Just a league of their own. Life just isn't fair.

Awww crap! I just picked up a Magneto. Now I have to buy a Landrover??

 

[Rustytigwire]

For Sale
Dummy Magnetospeed Barrel tuner.

For what its worth i bought a Magnetospeed V3 about a month ago to confirm my newby reload velocities or see just how consistent or not my loads are. At first this thread had me doing buyer remorse but soon all the information began to illuminate.
So many things to consider.
Thanks for the posts and input. You have all saved me from relearning your mistakes and success. I value the combined experience and hope to make use of it soon.
Tom

 

[Delfuego]

I just picked up a Magneto.

Pardon me Josh, Do you have any Grey Poupon?

 

[muleystalker]

For you guys with the Lab Radar I know some complaining about them dropping the ball on the lack of useful aiming sight. i ran across this today and thought I would pass it along, it looks like it would work pretty good. Anyway here you go.
https://www.swiftuniversal.com/shop/aimingaperture

 

[joshb]

Pardon me Josh, Do you have any Grey Poupon?

Sorry, Old Chap, but no. I left it in the Rolls, my slippers are upstairs and the butler is nowhere to be found. He probably snuck off with one of the maids again. It's so hard to find good help, these days.

Seriously, tho. This thread is an eye opener. I thought the Labradar
guys owned the Landrovers and BMW's. I drive a Toyota.

 

[Quickoz]

Myself and a number of friends have both the labradar and a magneto speed, the MS gets 95% of usage from all of us, maybe more. My magneto's home is in the backseat of my pickup, the LR adorns the top of my safe.

Ill happily take the labradar off your hands. Haha.